---
title: "What Is Standard? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "Standard is the underwriting class for applicants with average health and risk for their age. It is the benchmark that other classes are priced against."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/standard
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Underwriting

# Standard

Standard is the underwriting class for applicants with average health and risk for their age. It is the benchmark that other classes are priced against.

## Why it matters

A standard rating means no extra charge for health. Many people with managed conditions fit here. Better classes cost less and substandard classes cost more. If you are offered a class you do not expect, ask what factor drove it and whether another carrier would rate it differently. A standard offer is a normal result, not a bad one.

Source: [naic.org](https://content.naic.org/article/consumer-insight-life-insurance-roadmap)

[Read next, for familiesHow much does life insurance cost, and what drives the price?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/cost)

## Where we use this term

-   [Building an insurance agency: how overrides and downlines work, and what is legal](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/building-an-insurance-agency-overrides-downlines)
-   [Fixed vs fixed index annuity: how do they work and who do they fit?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/fixed-vs-fixed-index-annuity)
-   [Mortgage protection vs term life vs PMI: who does each one protect?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/mortgage-protection-vs-term-life-vs-pmi)
-   [Annuities explained: fixed, fixed-index, MYGA, income riders and surrender charges](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/annuities)
-   [Mortgage protection insurance: what it is, what it is not, and what to compare](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/mortgage-protection)

## Talk to a licensed agent.

Tell us what you need and request a call from a licensed Epic Life agent who compares carriers.

[Get a quote](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote)

Want to sell life insurance? [See careers](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/careers)