When talking about life insurance coverage, you may have come across some unfamiliar terms. While your insurer will walk you through the process, it’s worth understanding the basics about life insurance and how insurers determine your coverage and rates. An important part of your life insurance is the health classification that you are assigned. Here is what you need to know about these life insurance classifications.
What is a life insurance classification?
This is the risk classification, also known as risk class, that is used to determine the premium on your life insurance policy. Four main factors are used to determine the total premium – your age, amount of coverage, the number of years the coverage is guaranteed, and the risk class.
When you apply for a life insurance policy, your insurer will assign you a risk category, which is largely based on your health and lifestyle. It is an important part of the underwriting process, and the higher the classification, the better health your insurer considers you to be in. As a result, higher classes will score the lowest life insurance rates.
What factors do insurers consider?
When deciding on your classification, your insurer will assess the following factors:
- Your health, including any preexisting conditions and family medical history
- Height and weight
- Smoking status
- Alcohol and drug use
- Criminal history
- Your lifestyle, including your job, hobbies, and driving record
What are the basic health classifications?
All life insurance companies use roughly the same classification system to determine how much you should pay for coverage. Below are the main four classifications:
- Preferred Plus – This is the highest classification, assigned to individuals in excellent health.
- Preferred – This is for people who have few minor issues but are still in good health.
- Standard Plus – These people will be in good health, but may have weight risk factors or a few health indicators to keep an eye on.
- Standard – Individuals have an average life expectancy, poor height/weight ratio, and a few notes from their medical exams. Family history may play a significant role in this category, too.
How can I improve my life insurance classification?
Having life insurance offers peace of mind to you and your family. It’s even better if it’s affordable. To keep your life insurance premiums in check, you must also keep your health in check. The following steps can help you accomplish that:
- Maintain a healthy weight – Most insurance companies use standard height/weight tables to determine what is healthy. Ensure you are in the average range to be considered for the best rates.
- Do not smoke or use nicotine products – If you are a smoker, take steps to quit. If you are not a smoker, do not start.
- Control medical conditions – If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or any other health issues, you can still qualify for the higher life insurance classification. You must keep your condition in check, have regular visits to your doctor, and take medications as directed.
Finding affordable
life insurance that protects your property doesn’t have to be difficult. Contact the team at
Reata Insurance Group. We can help you secure reliable life coverage in Texas that suits your needs and budget.
