What are Health Classes?
Insurance companies use a set of criteria that help them determine your eligibility premiums for life insurance based on your health and lifestyle. The categories noted below are a compilation of guidelines from multiple sources – requirements can vary based on the insurance company with which you apply, and some flexibility is possible. If you have questions or concerns about selecting a health class, please contact us.
Learn about the guidelines to determine your health class:
The following factors should be considered when selecting your health class.
Select height and expand a health class to view estimated weight guidelines:
Blood Pressure
Under 135/85
Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
Under 5.0 (varies by company)
Cholesterol
Under 220
Tobacco Use
**None in 5 years
Blood Pressure
Treated or untreated, controlled for at least one year, and readings not to exceed 135/85. (varies by age and company).
Cholesterol
Under 220. Treated cholesterol allowed if controlled for the past two years.
History of Cancer
Available only with certain types of skin cancer.
Family Medical History
No diagnosis of or death from heart disease in either parent before age 60. If a parent was diagnosed with or died from cancer before age 60, Preferred Plus is available with some companies. Contact a Zander Guide for more details.
Tobacco Use
Must not have used any tobacco or nicotine based products in the last 5 years (varies by company).**
**Please note that certain companies offer non-tobacco rates for people who use alternate tobacco products, such as cigars, smokeless tobacco or pipes.
Blood Pressure
Under 140/88
Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
Under 6.0 (varies by company)
Cholesterol
Under 240
Tobacco Use
**None in 3 years
Blood Pressure
Treated or untreated, controlled for at least one year, and readings not to exceed 140/88. (varies by age and company).
Cholesterol
Under 240. Treated cholesterol allowed if controlled for the past two years.
History of Cancer
Available only with certain types of skin cancer.
Family Medical History
No death from heart disease in either parent before age 60. If a parent died from cancer before age 60, Preferred is available with some companies. Contact a Zander Guide for more details.
Tobacco Use
Must not have used any tobacco or nicotine-based products in the last 3 years (varies by company).**
**Please note that certain companies offer non-tobacco rates for people who use alternate tobacco products, such as cigars, smokeless tobacco or pipes.
Blood Pressure
Under 145/90
Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
Under 7.0 (varies by company)
Cholesterol
Under 260
Tobacco Use
**None in 1-3 years
Blood Pressure
Treated or untreated, controlled for at least one year, and readings not to exceed 145/90. (varies by age and company).
History of Cancer
Varies depending on your specific cancer history.
Family Medical History
No more than one death of a parent from heart disease before age 60. If both parents died from cancer before age 60, Standard Plus is available with some companies. Contact a Zander Guide for more details.
Tobacco Use
Must not have used any tobacco or nicotine based products in the last 1-3 years (varies by company).**
**Please note that certain companies offer non-tobacco rates for people who use alternate tobacco products, such as cigars, smokeless tobacco or pipes.
Blood Pressure
Under 150/92
Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
Under 8.0 (varies by company)
Cholesterol
Under 280
Tobacco Use
**None in 12 months
Blood Pressure
Treated or untreated, controlled for at least one year, and readings not to exceed 150/92. (varies by age and company).
History of Cancer
Varies depending on your specific cancer history.
Family Medical History
Not applicable.
Tobacco Use
Must not have used any tobacco or nicotine-based products in the last 12 months (varies by company).**
**Please note that certain companies offer non-tobacco rates for people who use alternate tobacco products, such as cigars, smokeless tobacco or pipes.
Alternate Rating Categories
For the approximately 5-8% of applicants that do not qualify for the categories noted above, the insurance companies offer additional rating options beyond Standard. These rates are generally applied to those who have a substantial medical history, such as cancer or major heart problems. If you have questions about the class for which you would qualify, we encourage you to contact a Zander Guide for a customized quote.