Health classification. Carriers assign underwriting classes — typically Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and Substandard — based on your medical history, current health metrics (blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, A1C), family history, and results of the life insurance physical exam. The difference between Preferred Plus and Standard for a 40-year-old male on $500,000 of coverage can be $20–$40 per month. A Substandard classification may double or triple the base rate.
Smoking status. Nicotine use — cigarettes, cigars, vaping, or any form of tobacco consumed in the past 12 months — substantially raises your premium. A healthy 40-year-old male non-smoker pays approximately $35–$43 per month for $500,000 / 20-year coverage. The same driver with a tobacco history pays approximately $123–$160 per month — nearly four times more.