Life insurance preferred plus rates represent the lowest premiums available from any carrier. This elite rate class is reserved for applicants in exceptional health. Only about 10% to 15% of applicants qualify. However, the savings are substantial.
A healthy 40-year-old male could pay just $28 per month for a $500,000 term policy at preferred plus. That same policy at standard rates costs around $54 per month. Over a 20-year term, the difference adds up to more than $6,000 in savings. Understanding life insurance preferred plus rates can help you take steps now to lock in the best possible premium. For example, improving your health markers before applying could move you from standard to preferred plus and save thousands of dollars over the life of your policy.
How Life Insurance Preferred Plus Rates Work
Insurance companies divide applicants into rate classes based on health and lifestyle. The most common tiers are preferred plus, preferred, standard plus, and standard. Life insurance preferred plus rates go to applicants who meet the strictest underwriting criteria. Each carrier sets its own thresholds. However, the general requirements are similar across the industry.
To qualify for life insurance preferred plus rates, you typically need a BMI between 18 and 29. Your blood pressure should average no higher than 136/86 over the past two years. Total cholesterol must fall within the 120 to 300 range. Your cholesterol-to-HDL ratio should not exceed 4.5. In most cases, you must be tobacco-free for at least five years. Some carriers require a completely clean tobacco history.
Driving history matters as well. You cannot have more than two moving violations in three years. Any DUI or reckless driving conviction in the past five years will disqualify you. Insurers also review your family medical history. Typically, no immediate family member should have died from heart disease or cancer before age 60. Your own medical history must be free of serious conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
How Much Can You Save with Life Insurance Preferred Plus Rates?
The savings from life insurance preferred plus rates are significant. A 40-year-old male buying a $500,000 20-year term policy illustrates this clearly. At preferred plus, the monthly premium is approximately $28. At standard rates, that same policy costs around $54 per month. That is a 48% reduction in premium costs. As a result, you save roughly $312 per year or $6,240 over the full 20-year term.
For larger policies, the gap grows even wider. A $1,000,000 policy at preferred plus rates might cost $50 per month. The standard rate for that same coverage could reach $100 or more. Women generally pay less than men at every tier. However, the percentage difference between rate classes remains similar regardless of gender.
| Rate Class | Monthly Premium ($500K, 20-Year Term, Male Age 40) | Annual Cost | 20-Year Total | Savings vs. Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred Plus | $28 | $336 | $6,720 | 48% ($6,240) |
| Preferred | $36 | $432 | $8,640 | 33% ($4,320) |
| Standard Plus | $44 | $528 | $10,560 | 18% ($2,400) |
| Standard | $54 | $648 | $12,960 | — |
Which Insurance Companies Offer This?
Most major life insurance carriers offer a preferred plus rate class. Prudential uses a tiered system with preferred best as its top tier. Their underwriting is known for being competitive on cholesterol and blood pressure thresholds. MassMutual offers preferred plus rates on both term and whole life policies. They are particularly favorable for applicants with well-controlled minor health conditions.
Northwestern Mutual reserves its best rates for applicants with excellent health across all markers. New York Life similarly offers preferred plus classification on their term and permanent products. State Farm provides competitive preferred plus pricing through their captive agent network. Each company weighs health factors slightly differently.
For example, one carrier might accept a BMI of 30 at preferred plus while another caps it at 28. This is why applying to multiple carriers can help you find the best life insurance preferred plus rates available. An independent agent or broker can submit applications to several companies simultaneously.
How to Get the Best Rate
Preparation is key to qualifying for life insurance preferred plus rates. Start by checking your health numbers at least three months before applying. Get a physical exam with bloodwork. Know your BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. If any numbers are borderline, work with your doctor to improve them before the insurance medical exam.
Gather your documents ahead of time. You will need a valid ID and your medical history. Have your doctor’s contact information ready. The insurer will order your medical records. Disclose all medications and health conditions honestly. In most cases, omitting information causes more problems than the condition itself. Misrepresentation can void your policy entirely.
Schedule your paramedical exam for the morning. Fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours and heavy exercise for 24 hours before the exam. Stay well hydrated. These steps help produce the best possible lab results. Additionally, work with an independent broker who can shop life insurance preferred plus rates across multiple carriers. Different underwriters may view the same health profile differently. As a result, you could qualify for preferred plus at one company while receiving only preferred at another.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between preferred and preferred plus life insurance rates?
Life insurance preferred plus rates are the absolute lowest premiums available. They require the best possible health profile. Preferred rates are the next tier down and typically cost 20% to 30% more than preferred plus. However, preferred still offers significant savings compared to standard rates.
Can I qualify for life insurance preferred plus rates if I take medication?
It depends on the medication and the carrier. In most cases, well-controlled cholesterol or blood pressure with medication does not automatically disqualify you. However, some insurers are stricter than others. For example, Prudential and MassMutual are known to be more lenient with controlled conditions.
How long do I need to be tobacco-free for life insurance preferred plus rates?
Typically, you must be completely tobacco-free for at least five years. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco. Some carriers also test for nicotine from vaping products. As a result, any recent nicotine use will move you to a tobacco rate class, which costs significantly more.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on life insurance regulations and consumer protection:
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org
- ACLI (American Council of Life Insurers): acli.com
- LIMRA (Life Insurance Research): limra.com
- Social Security Administration (Survivor Benefits): ssa.gov/benefits/survivors
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.
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