American General Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Corebridge Financial (formerly AIG Life & Retirement), maintains a significant presence in the U.S. life insurance market. When evaluating their underwriting process, "health ratings" refer to the risk classification assigned to an applicant during the medical underwriting phase. These ratings—often called "build and health classes"—directly influence the premium rates you are quoted and ultimately pay. Understanding how these ratings are structured and how they apply to your specific health profile is essential for navigating the application process and securing coverage.
Understanding Life Insurance Underwriting and Health Ratings
At its core, life insurance underwriting is a process of risk assessment. Insurance companies like American General analyze an applicant's health history, family medical background, lifestyle habits, and financial information to determine the probability of a claim. This assessment results in a "health rating" or "risk class."
The primary goal of this classification is to group individuals with similar life expectancies. Those who are deemed lower risk—meaning they have few, if any, significant medical issues and maintain healthy lifestyle choices—receive a more favorable rating, which translates to a lower premium. Those with chronic health conditions or higher-risk lifestyle factors are placed in a different tier, resulting in higher premiums to compensate the insurer for the increased statistical risk of a payout.
The Standard Risk Classification Hierarchy
While specific terminology can vary by product and year, insurers typically follow a structured hierarchy of health ratings. American General, like many major carriers, generally utilizes a system that segments applicants into several distinct tiers.
- Preferred Plus (Super Preferred): The most desirable rating. It is reserved for individuals with optimal health, no tobacco use, favorable family history, and excellent biometrics (blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI).
- Preferred: For those who are in excellent health but may have minor issues, such as slightly higher blood pressure or cholesterol levels that are well-managed.
- Standard Plus: A rating for healthy individuals who do not quite meet the stringent criteria for Preferred or Preferred Plus, perhaps due to a slight health variation or a family history of specific illnesses.
- Standard: The baseline rating. It represents an average risk profile, suitable for most people who have common, well-controlled health conditions.
- Substandard (Table Ratings): If an applicant has health issues that present a higher-than-average risk, the insurer may assign a "table rating." These are often designated by letters (A through P) or numbers (1 through 16). Each "table" typically adds a percentage surcharge to the Standard premium rate.
Factors Influencing Your Health Rating
When American General assesses your application, their underwriters look at a wide spectrum of data points. By 2026 standards, the reliance on digital health records and sophisticated mortality modeling has made this process faster but arguably more precise.
Medical History and Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions—such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or asthma—are significant factors in the underwriting process. An underwriter is not just looking for the presence of a condition; they are looking for stability. A well-managed condition where you adhere to your physician’s treatment plan, take prescribed medications, and demonstrate consistent biometrics is viewed much more favorably than an undiagnosed or poorly controlled condition.
Lifestyle and Occupational Risks
Beyond your physical health, your lifestyle is a critical component of the review. Tobacco use is the most common factor that automatically disqualifies an applicant from the "Preferred" tiers. While some insurers have specific programs for e-cigarette or nicotine patch users, American General’s guidelines typically distinguish strictly between non-smokers and smokers. Additionally, hazardous hobbies (such as aviation, scuba diving, or rock climbing) and high-risk occupations can lead to flat-extra fees—a fixed dollar amount added to your premium per $1,000 of coverage.
Family Medical History
If you have parents or siblings who developed certain diseases (like cancer or heart disease) at an early age—typically before age 60—this may impact your rating. The assumption is that you may share a genetic predisposition. However, if your family history is negative (i.e., your parents lived long, healthy lives), this can act as a positive offset to minor health variations in your own profile.
Comparing Risk Classes: What the Data Shows
To make an informed decision, it is helpful to visualize how different risk classifications impact your potential costs. Note that the following table provides a conceptual framework; actual premiums are determined by the specific age, gender, and policy type at the time of application.
| Rating Tier | Risk Level | Typical Eligibility Profile | Premium Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred Plus | Lowest | No nicotine, ideal BMI, perfect health | Lowest possible cost |
| Preferred | Low | Minor health variance, non-smoker | Economical |
| Standard | Average | Common health issues, well-managed | Baseline price |
| Substandard | High | Chronic conditions, table ratings | Significant surcharge |
The Application and Verification Process
Securing a high-rated policy with American General involves a multi-step verification process. Since 2026, the industry has shifted toward "accelerated underwriting" for many applicants, which may allow you to bypass a traditional paramedical exam if your electronic health data is sufficient.
1. The Initial Application and Disclosure
Accuracy is paramount. When you complete your application, you will be asked a series of health questions. It is critical to be honest; discrepancies between your application and the medical data pulled (via the MIB Group or pharmacy benefit managers) can lead to a declination or an automatic move to a lower rating tier.
2. Medical Data Review
Underwriters will review your MIB report (which tracks past life insurance applications) and your prescription history. They may also request an Attending Physician Statement (APS) from your primary care doctor to clarify specific diagnoses or long-term health trends.
3. The Paramedical Exam (If Required)
If you do not qualify for accelerated underwriting, you will undergo a paramedical exam. A professional will come to your home or office to collect a blood sample, urine sample, blood pressure reading, and physical measurements (height and weight). This data provides the concrete evidence needed to confirm your health rating.
Navigating Challenges: What to Do if You Receive a "Substandard" Rating
Receiving a rating lower than you anticipated can be frustrating, but it is not necessarily the end of the road. If American General offers you a policy at a higher rate than expected, consider these steps:
- Request an Explanation: Ask your broker or the insurance company for the specific reason behind the rating. Was it a specific health issue, a family history concern, or a lab result from the exam?
- Provide Updated Medical Evidence: If the rating was based on outdated information, you may be able to provide newer medical records or updated test results from your doctor to argue for a reconsideration.
- Improve Health Markers: If the rating was based on modifiable factors like blood pressure or weight, you may choose to delay the policy purchase while you focus on lifestyle changes, then re-apply later to see if you qualify for a better tier.
- Review Other Carriers: Sometimes a specific insurer’s underwriting guidelines are simply less favorable for your particular condition than another company's. A independent insurance broker can compare your profile against the guidelines of multiple carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does American General provide life insurance for people with diabetes?
Yes, American General can offer coverage to individuals with diabetes. However, the rating will depend heavily on the type of diabetes (Type 1 vs. Type 2), the age of onset, your A1C levels, and how well the condition is managed with diet or medication.
Can I get a better rating if I stop smoking?
Generally, yes. Most insurers require that you be nicotine-free for at least 12 months to qualify for non-smoker rates. If you quit, you can request a "rate class reconsideration" once you meet their timeline requirements for non-smoker status.
How does my weight affect my health rating?
Weight is evaluated through a Body Mass Index (BMI) chart. Each insurer has a specific weight range for each health tier. Being slightly outside of these ranges can move you from Preferred Plus to Preferred, or from Standard to a substandard table rating.
Is the paramedical exam always required?
Not necessarily. In 2026, many carriers, including those under the Corebridge Financial umbrella, utilize automated underwriting programs. If you are within a certain age range and applying for a specific face amount, you may be eligible for a "no-exam" path based on your digital medical records.
How long does the underwriting process take?
The timeline varies. Accelerated underwriting can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. If a full medical exam and an Attending Physician Statement (APS) are required, the process can take several weeks depending on how quickly your doctor responds to the records request.
Professional Guidance and Final Recommendations
The complexity of underwriting means that your experience with American General is highly individual. Because health ratings are subjective to the internal guidelines of the insurer, it is highly recommended that you work with an independent life insurance agent or financial advisor. An expert who specializes in high-risk or complex underwriting can help you organize your medical records, explain the specific criteria American General uses for your health profile, and ensure that you are applying for the class of coverage that you are most likely to achieve.
Before committing to a policy, review the "offer letter" or the policy illustration carefully. Ensure that the rating reflects your true health status and that the premium is sustainable for your long-term financial planning. If you believe the initial rating is unfair or based on incomplete data, do not hesitate to ask for a formal review.
