800.308.BELL

Quoting Preferred Plus and Preferred

While each carrier has specific underwriting requirements, here are six simple rules of thumb to consider before illustrating preferred plus and preferred non smoker classifications. 

1. Build – The vast majority of exams weigh clients fully clothed. This adds between 6-8 pounds to the client's actual weight. Dressing in the bare essentials can make the difference in height and weight. As an example 5’11” 201lbs or less would qualify for preferred plus, 5’11” 215lbs or less would qualify for preferred.
2. Family History – Within the immediate family, any diagnosis, treatment for or death from cancer and cardio events prior to age 60 can disqualify the use of preferred plus and preferred. Diagnosis of either of these diseases eliminates preferred plus. Death of either of these eliminates preferred. However, once the client exceeds age 70, some carriers discount family history.
3. Cholesterol – It's imperative to ask the client his/her cholesterol. In general terms less than 210 can qualify for preferred plus and less than 250 for preferred.
4. Medication – The following medication for blood pressure, asthma, anxiety and depression excludes the use of preferred plus. Low doses of blood pressure medication like Lisinopril can still qualify for preferred.
5. Tobacco Use – The industry standard for preferred plus is abstention of all tobacco products for 5 years. The general rule for preferred is 3 years. However, each carrier categorizes preferred non smoker with their own requirements available on our web site. 
6. DMV Records – 2 or more moving violations eliminates preferred plus. Reckless driving or DUI eliminates preferred plus and preferred.