Unlocking Elite Preferred Status For Life Insurance

Life insurance companies use health classifications to determine the rates that their customers pay for coverage. One of these classifications is Preferred Elite, also known as Preferred Plus, Super Select, Super Preferred, or Select Preferred. This classification is for individuals who fit the insurer's criteria for excellent health and is associated with the lowest rates. To be eligible for Preferred Elite status, applicants must have a normal weight and height profile, not smoke, not engage in risky sports or hobbies, have no history of driving under the influence or moving violations, not work in a high-risk occupation, and have no negative family health history.

Be in very good health

Being in very good health is a key factor in getting elite preferred status for life insurance. Here are some tips to help you achieve and maintain excellent health:

Diet and Nutrition

Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet with an emphasis on whole foods. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains in your meals. Limit your consumption of sugary drinks, processed foods, charred meats, and added sugars. Avoid unhealthy fats and opt for healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish. Ensure your diet provides adequate protein, as it is vital for optimal health and weight maintenance.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, yoga, or sports, most days of the week. If you can, increase this to 30-60 minutes about 5 times a week. Breaking up your exercise into shorter sessions is better than nothing if you're pressed for time.

Sleep

Get enough high-quality sleep, aiming for around 8 hours per night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, limit exposure to bright lights and blue light before bed, and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to improve your sleep quality.

Stress Management

Recognize and manage stress effectively. Exercise, healthy eating habits, and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress levels. Social connections are important, so maintain relationships with friends and family, and stay involved in your community.

Healthy Habits

Avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. Practice safe sex and use protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Wear seatbelts, bike helmets, and other protective gear to avoid injuries. Stay out of the sun during peak hours, and when outdoors, wear protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen to reduce skin cancer risk.

Medical Care

Visit your doctors for regular checkups, including your primary physician, dentist, and eye doctor. Stay on top of any prescribed medications and treatments, and keep your healthcare provider informed about any changes in your health.

Have a normal weight and height profile

Life insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine your eligibility for elite preferred status. One of the key factors is your height-to-weight ratio, which is assessed using your Body Mass Index (BMI).

BMI is a common tool used to measure an individual's weight in relation to their height. While it is not a perfect measure of health, it is often used by insurance companies as a quick and inexpensive method to assess potential health risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a healthy weight range. A BMI of 18 to 29 will typically fall into the Preferred Plus classification, which comes with the lowest life insurance premiums.

To maintain a normal weight and height profile, it is important to understand your BMI and take steps to maintain a healthy ratio. This may include adopting a nutritious and balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and making positive lifestyle choices.

It is worth noting that BMI does not account for factors such as muscle mass, body fat distribution, or ethnic and gender differences. As such, it should not be the sole measure used to assess your health status. Other tools like the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) can also be considered to understand your health risks more comprehensively.

By combining these tools and consulting with a healthcare professional, you can gain a clearer understanding of your current health status and make informed decisions to maintain a normal weight and height profile, which can positively impact your life insurance classification.

Don't smoke

Life insurance classifications are based on your health history and lifestyle choices. To get elite preferred status, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid risky behaviours. One of the most crucial factors in achieving this status is abstaining from smoking. Here are some detailed instructions and explanations on why "Don't Smoke" is essential for obtaining elite preferred status for life insurance:

The Impact of Smoking on Life Insurance Classification

Smoking significantly increases your risk classification and, consequently, your insurance premiums. Life insurance companies consider tobacco use as an extremely risky behaviour and create separate categories for smokers, resulting in substantially higher rates—often two to three times higher than non-smokers. Even occasional smoking or the use of nicotine products can lead to higher rates and negatively impact your health classification.

Achieving Elite Preferred Status by Not Smoking

To attain elite preferred status, it is imperative that you do not smoke. This means refraining from cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vaping, or any other form of tobacco or nicotine consumption. By avoiding smoking, you can position yourself in the non-tobacco/non-smoker classification, which offers the second-lowest premiums. This classification indicates that you have a healthy lifestyle and significantly reduces your insurance rates.

Maintaining Non-Smoker Status

If you have previously smoked, it's crucial to be transparent about your smoking history when applying for life insurance. Most insurers require you to be tobacco-free for at least a year to qualify for non-smoker rates, with the timeframe varying between one and five years depending on the insurer. Being honest about your smoking history ensures a smooth claims process and maintains the integrity of your policy.

Health Benefits of Not Smoking

Not smoking contributes to maintaining excellent health, which is a key factor in achieving elite preferred status. Smoking can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, lung disease, and stroke. By avoiding smoking, you lower your risk of developing these conditions and improve your chances of meeting the health criteria for elite preferred status.

Long-Term Benefits

Quitting smoking not only improves your health in the short term but also has long-term benefits. The longer you abstain from smoking, the more favourable your insurance rates become. Insurers typically require a minimum of one to five years without smoking to offer the best non-smoker rates. Therefore, committing to a smoke-free lifestyle not only enhances your health but also ensures you attain and maintain elite preferred status for life insurance.

Don't engage in risky sports or hobbies

Life insurance companies determine your premium rates based on your health and lifestyle choices. The healthier you are and the safer your lifestyle is, the less risky you are to insure, and the lower your rates will be.

Sports and hobbies that are deemed dangerous and high-risk can affect your life insurance rates. These activities are considered risk factors because they increase the likelihood of an insurance company having to pay out a claim. If you engage in risky sports or hobbies, insurance companies may charge you higher premiums or even decline your application altogether.

• Boat racing and other types of racing
• Flying a private plane
• Scuba diving
• Mountain climbing
• Skydiving
• Vehicle racing
• Bungee jumping (frequent)
• Helicopter skiing/snowboarding
• Competitive boxing/martial arts

If you engage in any of these activities, it is important to disclose this information when applying for life insurance. Failing to do so may result in your claim being denied if you die while participating in these activities.

It is also worth noting that the effect of these activities on your life insurance rates depends on various factors, such as the frequency of participation, the level of expertise, and the specific details of the activity. For example, a professional scuba diver who spends a significant amount of time in deep water will likely pay more for life insurance than someone who occasionally dives at relatively shallow depths while on vacation.

Additionally, different insurance companies may have varying tolerances for these risk factors, so it is beneficial to shop around and work with a knowledgeable insurance agent who can guide you in choosing the right company.

Have a clean driving record

A clean driving record is a key factor in achieving elite preferred status for life insurance. Here are some detailed tips to help you achieve and maintain a clean driving record:

Understand the Definition of a Clean Driving Record

A clean driving record is defined as having no violations, at-fault accidents, or traffic-related convictions on your motor vehicle record (MVR) for a certain period. The specific duration varies depending on the state and can range from three to seven years. Maintaining a clean driving record is beneficial as it can lead to lower car insurance rates since insurers consider you a lower-risk driver.

Avoid Traffic Violations and Accidents

The simplest way to keep your driving record clean is by obeying traffic rules and regulations. This includes adhering to speed limits, following traffic signals, wearing a seatbelt, and avoiding reckless or distracted driving. Remember that even minor infractions, such as speeding tickets or running red lights, can impact your record.

Be Mindful of State-Specific Rules

Different states have different systems for recording driving violations. Some states list driving offenses on your MVR, while others use a points-based system. Understand the rules and regulations of your specific state, including the consequences of accumulating points or violations.

Regularly Review Your Driving Record

Obtain a copy of your driving record from your state's department of motor vehicles (DMV). This will help you identify any errors or discrepancies and allow you to take corrective action if needed. Some states provide online access to driving records, while others may require mailing a request or visiting the DMV in person.

Address Any Issues or Infractions Promptly

If you do find violations or errors on your driving record, take steps to address them. You can file a dispute with the DMV, providing details about the error and supporting documentation. Additionally, consider enrolling in a defensive driving course, which can help remove points or minor offenses from your record, depending on state policies.

Maintain Your Vehicle in Good Condition

Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained and all equipment is in working order. Address any mechanical issues promptly, such as fixing broken tail lights or replacing faulty windshield wipers. This will help you avoid non-moving violations, which are still considered part of your driving record.

Practice Safe and Responsible Driving

Ultimately, achieving and maintaining a clean driving record comes down to safe and responsible driving practices. Follow the rules of the road, be attentive, and make safety a priority. By doing so, you'll not only keep your driving record clean but also help ensure your safety and the safety of other road users.

Frequently asked questions