An important concept that's typically new to a novice term life insurance purchaser is that of the health class.  It's an important item since it directly impacts the rate you will pay.  Let's look a little closer at what affects health class.

First, there will be slight differences from carrier to carrier but the rough sketches are the same so let's look section by section at the main criteria that life insurance carriers use to evaluate health class.  Below, you will find the grid regarding these categories and the main health classes that are pretty consistent among the various carriers on the market.  We'll then delve deeper into the major and most important areas.

Health & Medical History and Physical/Mental Impairments.   This, or course, is the big one.  It's essentially your personal health history and current health status which also includes information from the paramedical.  It tends to focus on health issues that directly impact mortality risk which tends to center on cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes.  Cancer is such a critical factor that is specifically broken out from this general category.

Paramedical exam results.  We'll group blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar together along with other issues  that can be revealed as a result of the paramedical exam results.  These are all indicators of existing or potential risk touch upon in the last group (Health and Medical History) in that they tend to be pre-cursors for cardiovascular disease and/or disease. 

Cancer and Smoking each have their own categories for good reasons.  They are directly tied to mortality risk and consequently, will affect your available health class when applying for term life insurance.

Histories, both medical and personal.  Life insurance is different from most other types of insurance in that your family history and personal history come into play.  This can be family history of disease such as cancer or personal history such as driving record, alchohol use, aviation, and/or hazardous activities.  This is a general read of a person's risk as a result of lifestyle choices and family health history.

We would be happy to help you estimate what health class to quote although the term life insurance underwriter makes the final decision.