EXPLANATION OF INSURANCE COMPANY RATINGS
P+, Pf, and Rg - are indicators that will help you determine the underwriting (health and lifestyle) criteria that you will need to satisfy in order to qualify for the premium shown.
P+ - indicates a rate for an individual in very preferred (preferred plus) health. A company offering a P+ premium also offers a preferred (Pf) and a regular (Rg) health premium. Pf premiums are less difficult to qualify for. Rg premiums are much less difficult to qualify for.
Pf - indicates a rate for an individual in preferred health. A company offering a Pf premium also offers a regular (Rg) health premium. Rg premiums are less difficult to qualify for.
Rg - indicates a rate for a person in normal health who does not have any medical or lifestyle condition which would increase their future risk of dying.
Example: A person who has moderately elevated blood pressure may not qualify for P+ or Pf premium rates, but they might qualify for Rg. A private pilot may not qualify for P+ or Pf premiums, but might qualify for Rg rates. You will need to speak to the company or an insurance agent for more details. Premiums quoted for smokers already take into account that the insured person smokes and therefore has a greater risk of death than a non-smokers. Premiums offered to smokers are already higher than those for non-smokers.
The following is a practical discussion of other important factors that need to be considered when you are trying to locate the best term product for you.
Differences Between Companies and Products
The following is a brief list of some of the other factors that you will need to consider and discuss with us when comparing products and companies:
Company Financial Strength - Not all life insurance companies are the same. Some are very large financially, some are small. Some companies are in better financial condition than others. The longer the level term period, the more important it is to consider how healthy and strong the life insurance company is.
Premium Guarantees - Are the premiums for the policy fully guaranteed? Not all companies fully guarantee the initial premium for the entire level period. For the purpose of this comparison, we only include companies which contractually guarantee premiums for the initial level period. There may be less expensive policies in the market, which do not fully guarantee the initial level premium.
Renewal Period - Most level term policies have the ability to renew the policy beyond the initial level premium period. Two products may offer identical premiums for the initial level period, and yet there may be an enormous difference in renewal costs beyond the level period.
Conversion Period - Many term policies offer the ability to exchange the term policy for a whole life policy without having to again medically qualify. Should your health change, and should you not be able to buy a new policy elsewhere, you may find the conversion option important. Not all policies offer the same time period for conversion to take place, and not all give you access to the same types of whole life.
Comparing Different Level Periods - Should you be buying a 10 year term product, a 20 year term or a 30 year term? How long do you need the insurance? If you buy a 10 year term, how will future cost increases after the 10th year compare to a longer level term plan such as 20 year term? If you only need insurance for 10 years, you could be wasting your money buying a 20 year term product.
Monthly Payment Options - Many consumers pay their term insurance premiums on a monthly basis. The least expensive product based upon the annual premium may not have the lowest monthly, quarterly or semi-annual premium. Many life insurance companies charge extra to pay more frequently than annual, and some charge more than others.
Health Risk Conditions - Each life insurance company establishes its own health and lifestyle requirements to determine what premiums you may qualify for. Slightly high blood pressure may disqualify you for one company`s preferred health premium, but might be acceptable to obtain another company`s preferred health premium.
Smoking Considerations - Not all life companies define smoking the same way. If you have never smoked or used tobacco products in any way, then a non-smoking comparison will include products that you can qualify for based upon non-smoking. If you were a smoker and later quit, then how long ago that you quit may limit your choices. If you do smoke, some companies may offer products with better premiums depending on how little you smoke, or whether you smoke cigars or pipe rather than cigarettes.
About This Comparison
The information used in this comparison has been taken from the rate cards and rate manuals which life companies routinely publish and distribute to life agents and brokers. To the best of our ability we have done everything we can to ensure that the information contained in this comparison is up-to-date and accurate. However, we CANNOT GUARANTEE ACCURACY.
In the event that there is a discrepancy between the information contained in this comparison, and any life company authorized illustration and/or policy, the policy shall govern.