Different Types of Riders in Term Insurance Plans in India
Life is an uncertain journey in which you cannot predict the next step. However, you can always plan for what happens to your loved ones in your absence by having a safety net to protect them from any financial tragedy. This is where a term insurance policy comes into play.
However, a basic term insurance policy may not be sufficient to take care of your family’s needs after your unfortunate demise. So, it’s highly advised that you purchase term insurance riders, the add-on benefits, along with a basic term insurance policy to enhance its coverage and help you ride smoothly over any unforeseen circumstances.
In this article, we will explain the benefits and the different types of riders in term insurance.
Table of Contents
What are Term Insurance Riders?
Imagine you bought a new phone you love to use, but you’re worried that if you accidentally drop it, the phone might break or get damaged. So, you get a phone cover to keep your phone safe. This is like a basic insurance policy.
Later, you also decide to protect the screen with an additional screen guard to provide extra protection. This additional cover is like a term insurance rider that will provide additional benefit to your family in any situation.
So, while a basic term insurance policy will offer death benefits to the policyholder, adding term insurance riders will enhance the policy’s coverage by providing you additional benefits.
Term insurance riders provide flexibility in terms of the premium amount and duration of the policy as the amount of these riders are added to the base premium of the term insurance policy. Therefore, opting for riders increases the policy’s coverage while simultaneously allowing you to customise it per your needs.
What are the Different Types of Term Insurance Riders?
1. Accidental Death Benefit Rider
Accidents are unpredictable, and anyone can be a victim of them. In such financially traumatic situations, the accidental death benefit rider pays the supplementary sum assured to the beneficiary in case of the policyholder’s untimely death due to an accident. The sum assured is paid within 120-180 days from the date of the accident.
However, this rider does not provide benefits in case of death due to suicide, self-inflicted injuries, substance abuse/overdose, and participation in riots or rebellion.
Who Should Opt for Accidental Death Benefit Rider?
Individuals prone to higher life risks, such as construction and mine workers or those who travel frequently.2. Accidental Total and Permanent Disability Rider
Who Should Opt For Accidental Total and Permanent Disability Rider?
Individuals who commute daily, travel frequently, or work in high-risk jobs such as construction sites, mining sites or a manufacturing factory.3. Critical Illness Rider
Critical Illness Rider protects financially if the policyholder has been diagnosed with one of the critical illnesses pre-specified in the rider and covers the high medical costs of the treatment, up to the amount of rider chosen.
It compensates the loss of earnings with a lump sum amount. The rider is active till the term insurance policy duration although its benefits can be claimed only once.
Who Should Opt for Critical Illness Rider?
Individuals with a family history of serious health conditions or those who are the sole breadwinners of their family.4. Terminal Illness Rider
If you have purchased the Terminal Illness Rider in your policy and are later diagnosed with a terminal illness wherein short life expectancy is medically confirmed, then this rider provides you with a part of the sum assured to pay for the medical expenses of the illness. The remaining amount is paid to the family after you pass away.
It is a low-cost rider that helps your family during your last days and after you pass away.
Who Should Opt for Terminal Illness Rider?
If you have dependents relying on you for financial support, limited savings, or if you think your health insurance coverage might not be able to cover all the costs incurred due to terminal illness.6. HospiCare Rider
Who Should Opt for HospiCare Rider?
The HospiCare Rider is ideal for those seeking extra financial protection against hospitalization costs, especially if they lack comprehensive health insurance or have a family history of health issues.7. Income Benefit Rider
Who Should Opt for Income Benefit Rider?
The Income Benefit Rider is ideal for those who want to ensure their family receives a steady income over several years instead of a lump sum after their death.Benefits of Adding Riders to Your Term Life Insurance
Term insurance riders can significantly enhance your coverage by providing additional benefits tailored to specific needs. Here’s a brief of rider benefits:
Enhanced Coverage
Term insurance is mainly for a death benefit, but with riders, you can add more features. For instance, a critical illness rider helps financially if you get seriously sick while the policy is active.
Customization
Everyone’s insurance needs are unique. Riders let you tailor your term insurance to fit your exact needs, like adding coverage for accidental death or disability.
Cost-Effective
Choosing riders within your term insurance can be cheaper than having separate policies for each extra protection. This way, you often pay less for premiums than you would for individual policies.
Comprehensive Protection
With riders, your term insurance can cover more situations, like critical illnesses, accidental death, disability, and even provide income for your family after you pass away. This makes your safety net wider for you and your loved ones.
Flexibility
Term insurance with riders is flexible; you can adjust your coverage as your life changes. This means you can add or remove riders as needed to match life events or financial shifts.
Peace of Mind
Having extra protections beyond just the death benefit means you and your loved ones have more financial security against different risks and uncertainties. Riders bring extra comfort knowing you’re well-protected.
Why Should You Purchase Riders in Term Insurance?
1. More Economical
Term insurance riders are an economical way to enhance the policy's coverage. By paying a minimal additional premium, a rider can get additional significant benefits and provide support in situations where additional funds might be needed.
For example, if you get a critical illness rider, you will receive a cash payout if you are diagnosed with a serious illness, which can be very helpful with medical bills.
2. Comprehensive Protection
Term insurance riders provide enhanced protection to families when faced with financial turmoil such as accidental death, terminal illness, permanent disability, etc. Choosing the appropriate term riders can cover the medical expenses and provide the death benefit to support the family.3. Saves Money
It's usually cheaper to add a rider to your existing policy than to buy a whole new insurance policy for the same coverage. This way, you get the extra protection you need without spending too much.4. Personalized for You
With riders, you can make your insurance policy fit your exact needs and life situation. Whether you need an extra payout in case of an accidental death or you want to make sure your premiums are covered if you lose your income, there's a rider for that.5. Customizable Coverage
The policyholder can customise the term plan riders as per their needs and requirements to provide the most comprehensive coverage within their budget.6. Extra Safety Net
Riders give you and your family that extra layer of financial security for when unexpected things happen, making sure you're covered from all angles.7. Tax Perks
Sometimes, the money you spend on riders can lower your taxes, giving you a bit more financial breathing room.8. Easy Management
By purchasing the best term insurance plan with riders, policyholders no longer require multiple insurance policies to get adequate coverage for their loved ones. Opting for a rider is better than purchasing an entirely new insurance policy. It will become more manageable than keeping a tab of multiple-term insurance policies.How to Choose the Best Term Insurance Plan with Riders?
Assess Your Needs
To choose the best rider in term insurance, determine your financial needs and goals first. Assess your age, health, and present and long-term financial situation to choose a rider that meets all your needs.Research and Compare
Do your market research to know the different types of riders available in term insurance, including their benefits and premium charges. Then compare the best term insurance plan with riders from reputable companies to choose the one that is in your budget and best aligns with your requirements.Reach Out to Experts
Approach a professional expert in term insurance to guide you to the best term insurance policy. Such an expert will evaluate your needs and explain the pros and cons of different riders to offer advice on a term plan with riders that is personalised for your needs.Read the Policy Document Carefully
Before finally purchasing an insurance policy, read the policy document carefully for both the base term insurance policy and the rider(s) so that you don’t overlook any terms and conditions, exclusions, and inclusions of the policy that may bother you at the time of claims.Eligibility Criteria for Buying Term Insurance Riders
The eligibility criteria for adding riders to a term insurance policy can vary significantly between insurance companies and the specific riders being considered. However, there are some common criteria and considerations that typically apply:
Documents Required for Buying Term Insurance with Riders
When considering riders in term insurance, gathering all necessary documentation is essential to ensure a smooth application process. The documents typically required include:
How to Add Riders to Your Existing Term Life Policy?
Step 1
Review your current policy to understand available rider options.
Step 2
Contact your insurance provider to discuss adding a rider.
Step 3
Fill out the necessary forms provided by your insurer.
Step 4
Submit the completed forms along with any required documentation.
Step 5
Confirm the addition of the rider with your insurer and review updated policy details.
Common Exclusions in Term Insurance Riders
Term insurance riders are additional benefits you can add to your basic term insurance policy, usually at an extra cost. However, these riders come with certain conditions or situations where the benefit won't apply. Common exclusions typically include:
Pre-existing Conditions
Many riders do not cover ailments or conditions that were diagnosed before the policy or rider was purchased.
Suicide
If the insured commits suicide within a specified period from the start of the policy (usually one or two years), the benefit from the rider may not be payable.
Dangerous Activities
Deaths resulting from participation in high-risk activities or dangerous sports, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, etc., may be excluded.
Criminal Acts
Deaths due to involvement in criminal activities or while committing a crime are usually not covered.
War and Civil Unrest
Deaths occurring as a result of war, terrorism, military action, or civil unrest often are excluded from coverage.
Substance Abuse
Deaths due to the abuse of drugs or alcohol, or taking medication not prescribed by a doctor, may not be covered.
Specific Illnesses and Procedures
Some riders may specifically exclude certain illnesses or medical procedures from coverage, depending on the rider's focus. For example, a critical illness rider might list specific diseases it does not cover, or an accidental death rider might exclude deaths caused by medical procedures.
Things to Remember Before Buying a Term Plan with Riders
Note down these key things to note about term insurance rider before you add one to your basic term policy:
- You can choose term insurance riders to customise your policy.
- Check the terms and conditions associated with different term plan riders before adding them to the base policy.
- You can add the term plan riders when you buy the policy, while some insurance companies allow you to add riders at the time of policy renewal.
- Also, you can add the rider for less or same duration as the base policy but cannot exceed it.
Therefore, buying term riders for an insurance policy is entirely your choice. Purchasing a rider would be highly beneficial if you want enhanced coverage over your base term insurance policy with the same insurance company.
FAQs about Riders in Term Insurance
Can I terminate the term riders at any time?
Can multiple riders be included in a term plan?
What happens if I stop paying for a term rider plan?
What is a term insurance rider?
How does a term insurance rider differ from a standalone term policy?
Are there different types of term insurance riders?
How is the premium for a term insurance rider calculated?
Can a term insurance rider be removed without affecting the base policy?
Are there any disadvantages to adding a term insurance rider?
How do I decide if a term insurance rider is right for me?
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Disclaimer
- This is an informative article provided on 'as is' basis for awareness purpose only and not intended as a professional advice. The content of the article is derived from various open sources across the Internet. Digit Life Insurance is not promoting or recommending any aspect in the article or its correctness. Please verify the information and your requirement before taking any decisions.
- All the figures reflected in the article are for illustrative purposes. The premium for Coverage that one buys depends on various factors including customer requirements, eligibility, age, demography, insurance provider, product, coverage amount, term and other factors
- Tax Benefits, if applicable depend on the Tax Regime opted by the individual and the applicable tax provision. Please consult your Tax consultant before making any decision.
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