Life Insurance
Preferred Plus
Preferred Plus (also called Preferred Best or Super Preferred) is the top underwriting risk class offered by most life insurers, awarded to applicants with excellent health, favorable family history, ideal height-weight proportions, and clean driving and lifestyle records—qualifying them for the lowest available premium rates.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
Preferred Plus is the elite underwriting classification used by major life insurers for applicants who meet the most stringent health and lifestyle criteria, typically earning premiums 30–50% lower than standard rates. Qualification requirements vary by carrier but generally include: cholesterol under 200–220 with a favorable LDL/HDL ratio; blood pressure below 130/80 without medication; body mass index within the insurer's preferred range (typically 18–28 depending on height); no history of cancer, heart disease, or stroke in the immediate family before age 60; no tobacco use in the past two to five years; a clean motor vehicle record with no DUIs; and no private pilot or hazardous occupation. A 35-year-old male in Preferred Plus health might pay $22–$28 per month for a $500,000 20-year level term policy from an A+-rated carrier, compared to $35–$45 at Standard. Only approximately 10–15% of life insurance applicants qualify for Preferred Plus; the majority are placed in Preferred, Standard Plus, or Standard classifications. Preferred Plus rates assume a mortality expectation meaningfully better than the general population, and even minor health variances—such as a family history of heart disease before age 60—can disqualify an applicant from the top tier.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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