What is a Rider (add-on cover)?
A rider is an optional add-on you attach to a base life (or health) policy for extra protection — such as critical illness, accidental death, disability or waiver of premium. It costs a little more premium and comes with its own terms, extending cover without buying a separate standalone policy.
How riders extend a base policy
Riders let you tailor a policy to specific risks. Common life riders include accidental death benefit, critical illness, permanent disability, and waiver of premium (which keeps the policy going if you cannot pay after a covered event).
Each rider has its own definitions, limits and exclusions, and a rider generally cannot outlast or exceed the base policy. Read each rider's wording as carefully as the base plan.
Example
A term policy with a waiver-of-premium rider keeps running without further premiums if the policyholder suffers a covered disability — the base cover continues while premiums are waived.
Common mistakes
- Adding riders you will not use instead of simply increasing the base sum assured.
- Ignoring rider-specific definitions and assuming they match the base policy.
Frequently asked questions
Are riders worth adding?
A rider is worth it when it covers a real, relevant risk cheaply — like waiver of premium or accidental cover. Compare the added premium and terms against buying separate cover.
Can a rider continue after the base policy ends?
Generally no. A rider is attached to the base policy and typically cannot exceed or outlast it. Check the rider's term and conditions.