Glossary

Rider

An optional provision attached to a life insurance policy that adds, limits or changes benefits, usually for an extra charge.

Also called: policy rider, insurance rider

A rider is an amendment attached to a life insurance policy that customizes the coverage. Most add a benefit, such as waiving premiums during a disability or paying part of the death benefit early if the insured becomes terminally ill. Some riders are included at no extra cost; most carry an additional premium or monthly charge.

Common life insurance riders include waiver of premium, accelerated death benefit, chronic illness and long-term care, guaranteed insurability, child term, accidental death, return of premium and, on whole life, paid-up additions. Availability, cost and terms vary by insurer and state, and many riders must be added when the policy is issued. Hypothetically, a child term rider might add $10,000 of coverage on each of your children for a few dollars a month, covering current and future children until a set age.

Riders can fill real gaps, but they can also pad the premium with coverage you'd get more cheaply elsewhere or rarely use. Before adding one, ask what it costs each year, what triggers the benefit, whether it ends at a certain age, and whether a separate policy would cover the need better. See life insurance riders: which are worth paying for for which riders tend to be worth it.

Last reviewed October 4, 2026

In the index now

Related terms

Waiver of premium A rider that keeps a policy in force without further payments if the insured becomes totally disabled, usually after a waiting period. Accelerated death benefit A policy feature that pays part of the life insurance payout early if the insured is terminally, chronically or critically ill, reducing what heirs get. Guaranteed insurability option A rider that lets you buy more coverage on set dates or after life events such as marriage or a birth, without new medical underwriting. Return of premium rider An add-on to a term policy that refunds the premiums paid if the insured is still living when the level term ends. Endorsement A written change attached to an insurance policy that adds, removes or modifies its terms, either when it is issued or later. Chronic illness rider A life insurance add-on that advances part of the payout if the insured can no longer perform basic daily activities or has severe cognitive impairment.

Related guides

Accelerated death benefit riders: how they work and how they're taxed An accelerated death benefit rider pays part of a life policy's death benefit early to a terminally ill insured. How it's priced and taxed under IRC 101(g). Accidental death benefit riders: what they cover and exclude An accidental death benefit rider pays extra if you die in a covered accident. How it works, what it excludes, what it costs, and when it is worth adding. How to review your life insurance policy every year A yearly check of coverage amount, beneficiaries, premiums, policy values and insurer health, with a step-by-step process and what to act on. Child term riders: coverage, conversion and alternatives A child term rider adds small term coverage on all your children to your policy. What it covers, how conversion works, and when a separate policy fits better. Chronic illness riders vs long-term care riders Both let a life policy pay benefits while you're alive, but they're built and regulated differently. How each pays, what each costs you, and the tax rules. How to compare life insurance quotes fairly Hold coverage, term, health class and riders constant, then compare price, guarantees, conversion rights and insurer strength. Includes a worked checklist.

Related insurers

Banner Life A large U.S. term life specialist, long sold as Legal & General America and owned since February 2026 by Japan's Meiji Yasuda; William Penn serves New York. USAA Life Insurance Company The life insurance arm of USAA, the military-focused insurer and bank. Term, whole and final expense life with military features; open to all U.S. citizens.