Table Rating
Terms related to how insurers evaluate and price risk.
What Is Table Rating?
A table rating is an additional premium charge imposed on life insurance applicants whose health or lifestyle presents a higher-than-average mortality risk — beyond what standard rates account for. Table ratings are expressed numerically (Table 1 through 8 or higher) or alphabetically (Table A through H), with each step typically adding 25% to the standard premium. A Table 4 rating (also called Table D) equals approximately double the standard premium. Insurers use table ratings rather than outright denial when an applicant is insurable but presents elevated risk. Ratings may be re-evaluated after a period of demonstrated health improvement.
Nevada Context
Nevada applicants with complex health histories — cancer in remission, prior cardiac events, significant weight — may receive table ratings. Agents in our network can identify which A-rated (A.M. Best) carriers are most competitive for specific table-rated conditions.
How It Affects You
Table ratings significantly increase premiums but are preferable to outright declination. Different carriers use different table scales for the same condition — shopping multiple carriers can result in a materially lower table rating and premium.
Table Rating in Practice
A Nevada applicant with a history of treated sleep apnea and obesity receives a Table 4 offer from carrier A (illustrative $280/month) but a Table 2 offer from a carrier specializing in metabolic conditions (illustrative $195/month) for the same coverage.
Dollar amounts shown are illustrative. Actual amounts vary by carrier, applicant age, health status, and individual underwriting.
Related Glossary Terms
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