Part of our guide: Impaired Risk Life Insurance Underwriting by Condition →
Sometimes a single factor, like a slightly high cholesterol reading, keeps an otherwise healthy client out of the best rate class. Some carriers have programs designed to fix exactly that.
Key takeaways
- One carrier offers a one-class upgrade when only one of build, cholesterol, blood pressure, or family history holds a client back.
- A one-table reduction program can improve substandard offers, for example from Table B to Standard, through age 70.
- Some carriers also treat occasional pipe or cigar use and recreational scuba diving more favorably than others.
A one-table reduction can turn a Table B offer into Standard — on both term and permanent products, through age 70.
The one-class upgrade
One of our carriers allows a one-class upgrade when the less favorable class is caused by just one of four factors: build, cholesterol, blood pressure, or family history. If the other three all meet the better class’s guidelines, the upgrade applies. It’s available on term and permanent products, up to age 70, and includes smoker classes.
Example: a 60-year-old male whose build puts him in Preferred, but whose blood pressure, cholesterol, and family history all meet Preferred Best guidelines, is improved to Preferred Best. Family history is a common culprit; here’s how family history of cancer is handled.
The one-table reduction
For substandard cases, the same carrier offers a one-table improvement through age 70 on term and permanent products. A Table B offer, for example, becomes Standard.
Other underwriting strengths
- Pipe and cigar use: occasional use (no more than once a month) with a negative nicotine test may be considered for Preferred non-tobacco rates.
- Scuba diving: may be considered for Preferred Best for resort diving to 35 feet and up to 6 dives a year, or certified divers to 75 feet using the buddy system and up to 10 dives a year.
Carrier programs change, so confirm current availability with our team before quoting.
Frequently asked questions
What is a one-class underwriting upgrade?
A carrier program that moves a client up one rate class when only one factor, such as build or cholesterol, keeps them from the better class and everything else qualifies.
Can a table rating be improved?
Some carriers offer a one-table reduction program that improves substandard offers by one table, for example from Table B to Standard.
Can occasional cigar smokers get non-tobacco rates?
Some carriers allow Preferred non-tobacco rates for occasional cigar or pipe use, typically no more than once a month with a negative nicotine test.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
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