# What are common life insurance riders?

## Direct answer

Riders are optional add-ons that customize a policy. Common ones include the accelerated death benefit (access part of the death benefit if you become terminally or chronically ill), waiver of premium (premiums waived if you become disabled), child term rider, accidental death benefit, return-of-premium, and guaranteed insurability. Some riders are included at no cost while others add to the premium.

## Living-benefit riders

- Accelerated death benefit (ADB) — access a portion of the death benefit early if you become terminally, chronically, or (sometimes) critically ill. Often included at no extra cost.
- Long-term care rider — accelerates the death benefit to pay for qualifying long-term care needs, typically for an additional charge.
- Chronic illness rider — similar to LTC riders but with a different qualification trigger.

## Premium-protection riders

- Waiver of premium — the insurer waives your premium if you become totally disabled and unable to work.
- Disability income rider — pays a monthly income if you become disabled (availability varies).

## Coverage-adjustment riders

- Guaranteed insurability rider (GIR) — buy additional coverage at set future dates without new medical underwriting.
- Term conversion rider — convert term coverage to a permanent policy without new underwriting (often standard on term policies).
- Return of premium (ROP) rider — refunds premiums if you outlive the term of a term policy; adds significant cost.

## Family and additional-benefit riders

- Child term rider — level term coverage for eligible children under one attached rider.
- Spouse or 'other insured' rider — term coverage for a spouse on the same policy.
- Accidental death benefit (ADB) — pays an extra death benefit if death is caused by an accident.

> Availability, cost, and definitions vary by insurer and state — read the actual rider language, not just the marketing name.

## People also ask

### Which life insurance riders are typically free?

The accelerated death benefit (ADB) rider is commonly included at no extra cost on many term and permanent policies. Riders like long-term care, guaranteed insurability, and return of premium usually carry an additional charge.

### What does waiver of premium do?

Waiver of premium keeps a policy in force by waiving the premiums if the insured becomes totally disabled and unable to work, based on the rider's specific definition of disability.

## Sources

- [NAIC — Life Insurance Consumer Information](https://content.naic.org/consumer/life-insurance.htm) — National Association of Insurance Commissioners
- Last verified: 2026-07-24

## Disclaimer

This page is educational information about life insurance, not financial, insurance, tax, or legal advice, and not an offer of insurance.

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Canonical: https://lifeinsurancedirectanswers.com/answers/life-insurance-riders
Author: Jason Burns, Editorial Steward — https://lifeinsurancedirectanswers.com/steward
Published: 2026-07-24 · Modified: 2026-07-24
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