What Determines Life Insurance Rates? 
Actuaries are people who study statistics . They can track the life expectance of a 35 year old male , living on the shady side of the street , who has red hair and is over 6 feet tall . However , what the actually do is develop statistics that show the life expectancy of a 35 year old male who is average or standard . They also develop statistics that show the effect of varying levels of hypertension or obesity and from this information they develop substandard rates . The process of underwriting is to see if you fit into a standard mold , substandard mold or a preferred mold . Of course you might not qualify for any mold at all . 