We have a page (to the left) titled "Your Parents Did It To You - Underwriting Guidelines." This page covers in detail how to determine where one fits health-wise. We also have a "Health Analyzer." To find the "Health Analyzer," request a quote and it will be on the results page. It can fine-tune your health category.

Below is a brief summary and a table of general guidelines. There are exceptions to most of the rules so if you have question, please call.

The Policy Rating System

At one time, the life insurance rating system was quite simple - non-smokers received non-smoker rates, smokers received smoker rates. Several years ago, companies introduced lower "Preferred" non-smoker and smoker rates for those in better health. Unfortunately, clients in good -- but not great -- health were forced to pay more (in most cases 50% more) because more restrictive underwriting dropped them into the "Standard" risk category. Rates went down for those in better health since they were bumped up to the "Preferred" category.

To complicate things still further, most companies added a "Super Preferred" rate (only for non-nicotine users) in addition to the four previously mentioned. Personally, I call this newest addition the "Bionic Rate" because of its stringent health qualifications. It is with reluctance that the "Super Preferred" rates are listed on our site. It would be preferable -- and more realistic -- for you to make a policy selection based on the regular "Preferred" or "Standard" rates than to assume that our potential clients are also perfect specimens.

True, the lowest rates offered today are these "Super Preferred" rates. However, please understand when comparing policies is that even if you're in very good health, there is a good chance you won't qualify for the best rates. In fact, only about 25% of all applicants get this "Super Preferred" rate. About 60% can qualify for the "Preferred" rate and the rest fall in the "Standard" or below category. Even so, we'd prefer you to get the facts now -- rather than be disappointed later. We've listed very general requirements below for each category to determine where you fit.

When you go to the rates page, notice there are listings for 10, 15 and 20-year and longer rate guarantee plans. There are four health categories quoted too. They are Super Preferred, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard for each company plan.

About the Rates

All companies listed are compared on initial guaranteed rates. This is not considered to be a complete comparison proposal since it lacks renewal rates. You can print the comparison file or save it on your computer for your future study and reference. For additional information on any particular company, please call or e-mail us.

Life insurance was simpler twenty years ago, when we had only "smoker" and "non-smoker" rates. The rate books for term were two pages. Today, you need to have an MD degree and a computer to quote someone accurately. This is something viewers need to pay particular attention to when comparing quotes.

Standard Risks

Standard risks refer to persons who have had some minor health impairments in their lifetime. An example of Standard risk would be someone taking medication for high blood pressure, or a borderline diabetic. In some cases, we have been able to get better rates for those with very well controlled high blood pressure.

Substandard risks refer to persons who are having more than minor health problems. Companies charge them additional premiums depending on the risk factors involved.

Just who qualifies as a Super Preferred, Preferred or Standard risk varies from company to company. Insurance underwriting is not an exact science. Although much of the underwriting is done by computer based on a "point" system, sometimes it's simply a judgment call. Below is a partial list of general indicators that may be used to determine a risk. Please understand that these are not all the requirements but a general guide. An underwriter may add further requirements depending on the case. On the quote page, you can view individual company requirements.

As I mentioned above, a family history of cancer (internal or otherwise) or heart disease, doesn't necessarily exclude one from the best rates. Some companies are more proactive than others. Knowing which ones for any specific situation is key. Most companies will look past a basal cell carcinoma or other minor skin cancers.

Here are some very general guidelines. Don't use these as gospel as underwriting guidelines are a moving target. It depends on a lot of factors. Occasionally, we find applicants that meet the requirements below but when combined with other factors get a lower health category. There are several factors not listed below and can negatively affect your situation. Although I've covered this in a previous section, it's important to talk with an experienced licensed agent in your state.

If you see an "(E)" in any column, that means there are exceptions to the general rule - please call for specific details.

Category	Super Preferred	Preferred	Standard
Blood Pressure	No current or history of blood pressure treatment (E)	No current or history of blood pressure treatment (E)	Currently controlled
Blood Pressure Readings	No current or history of blood pressure readings in excess of: 140/85 Age 60 or younger 150/90 Age 61 or older	No current or history of blood pressure readings in excess of: 140/90 Age 60 or younger 150/90 Age 61 or older	Average readings in the past 2 years does not exceed: 155/95 Age 60 or younger 160/95 Age 61 or older
Family History	No cardiovascular disease or internal Cancer in either parent or siblings before age 60 (E)	No cardiovascular or internal Cancer death in either parent before age 60 (E)	Not more than one cardiovascular or Cancer death in parents before age 60 (E)
Category	Super Preferred	Preferred	Standard
Driving History	Not more than 1 moving violation in the last 2 years. No DUI in the past 5 years (E)	Not more than 1 moving violation in the last 2 years. No DUI in the past 5 years (E)	Not more than 1 moving violation in the last 2 years. No DUI in the past 2 years (E)
Nicotine	Usually 5 years no nicotine (E)	Usually 3 years no nicotine (E)	Usually 1 year no nicotine (E)
Cholesterol	210-240 (depending on rest of health history)	250-270 (depending on rest of health history)	Under 300
Cholesterol/ HDL Ratio	Cannot exceed 5.0	Cannot exceed 6.0	Cannot exceed 8.0
Alcohol/ Substance Abuse	No alcohol or substance abuse history	No alcohol or substance abuse in past 10 years	No alcohol or substance abuse in past 7 years
Category	Super Preferred	Preferred	Standard
Cancer History	No cancer history (except certain skin cancers)	No cancer history (except certain skin cancers)	No cancer history (except certain skin cancers)
Aviation	Private pilots will have extra premium or exclusion	Private pilots will have extra premium or exclusion	Private pilots may have extra premium or exclusion
Avocation	Available, possible extra premium depending on avocation	Available, possible extra premium depending on avocation	Available, possible extra premium depending on avocation

Below are some general weight tables. These are only a part of the process and are considered with other factors. Some company's tables are more liberal, other less. When you get a quote, if weight is an issue, use the "Health Analyzer."

In the Standard rate category, we have some flexibility. Here's an example: if everything else is good, a male who is 5'10" and 270 lbs. can get Standard rates.

Height	Weight Super Preferred (Male)	Weight Super Preferred (Female)	Weight Preferred Male/ Female	Weight Standard Male/ Female(E)
5' 0"	145	130	161	189
5' 1"	149	133	165	193
5' 2"	153	135	170	197
5' 3"	158	138	175	204
5' 4"	162	140	180	209
5' 5"	166	143	185	215
5' 6"	170	145	190	220
5' 7"	176	150	195	225
Height	Weight Super Preferred (Male)	Weight Super Preferred (Female)	Weight Preferred Male/ Female	Weight Standard Male/ Female
5' 8"	182	155	200	230
5' 9"	188	160	205	235
5' 10"	193	165	210	242
5' 11"	199	170	216	251
6' 0"	205	175	222	256
6' 1"	211	179	229	263
6' 2"	216	183	236	271
6' 3"	222	188	243	279
Height	Weight Super Preferred (Male)	Weight Super Preferred (Female)	Weight Preferred Male/ Female	Weight Standard Male/ Female
6' 4"	227	192	250	286
6' 5"	233	196	257	293
6' 6"	238	200	264	300
6' 7"	243	204	272	307
6' 8"	249	209	280	316
6' 9"	254	213	288	325
6' 10"	260	217	296	333
6' 11"	265	221	305	341

We think it's important for you to know as much as possible about what insurance companies are taking into consideration as they evaluate potential policyholders. In short, to qualify for the Preferred rate, you need to be in excellent health (though it never hurts to apply). However, in the application process, anything can happen -- especially in the area of Substandard risks. This is by far the least predictable area in underwriting.

If your health is not good, AmericaQuote can "shop" your condition with several companies. A number of companies specialize in specific health conditions. It has been our experience that such clients may be offered Standard rates by one company and extremely high premiums from another. In general, we have seen the best offers from highly rated smaller companies. These are companies that have the same financial stability as the larger ones, but are smaller in terms of assets. These avoid competing with the major carriers for the best risks but have carved out a specialty niche. This is especially true in heart or diabetes cases and those with cancer histories.

Questions? Comments? 1-800-542-5530