Health Class Ratings

Canadian insurance companies offer discounts for those who are healthier by using "preferred plus" and "preferred" rates. Every company has its own different criteria but the following questions are typical of those asked to determine which rate they will give and can be used as a guideline.

Preferred

If you can you answer "yes" to all questions below:

1. No tobacco or nicotine products within the past 2 years
2. No more than 3 moving violations within the past 3 years, no "Driving Under the Influence" within the past 5 years.
3. No hazardous occupations or avocations or travel to hazardous areas.
4. No history of felony arrest or drug abuse. Ask about alcohol abuse history after 5 years - some might consider it.
5. Citizen or residing in the country as a landed immigrant for at least one year.
6. No family history (natural parent or sibling) of a DIAGNOSIS of coronary artery disease, internal cancer or melanoma, stroke or other life threatening hereditary disease prior to the age of 60.
7. No history or major health conditions. No history of mental or nervous disorder.
8. Blood pressure (with or without medication) must not exceed 140/90.
9. Total cholesterol (with or without medication) must not exceed 240 AND the cholesterol/HDL ratio must not exceed 6.0
10. Within height and weight limits, see chart at bottom of this page.

Regular

If you can you answer "yes" to all these questions

1. No use of tobacco or nicotine products within the past 12 months.
2. Within height and weight limits, see chart at bottom of this page.
3. Citizen or residing in the country as a landed immigrant for at least one year.
4. Generally good health

Preferred Smoker

Some companies offer a preferred smoker rate. Must qualify for preferred rate above and smoke less than 20 cigarettes per day. Maximum Weight (lbs) to Qualify for The Rate Class (this is to be used as a guide - each company has its own rates)