What is Waiver of Premium in Life Insurance?
A Waiver of premium refers to the add-on benefit that allows policyholders to rest assured that the policy will continue to pay the premiums on their behalf in case they are unable to due to an eventuality. The eventualities covered under this term insurance rider can be different for different plans, and thus, it is recommended that you take a thorough look at the policy documents for a better understanding.
How Does a Waiver of Premium Benefit Work?
Let us understand the life insurance waiver of premium rider benefits with an example:
Samara is a 35-year-old professional who has a life insurance policy with a waiver of premium benefits. Unfortunately, Samara is diagnosed with a severe illness that leaves her unable to work and pay her insurance premiums.
However, because Samara’s policy includes a waiver of premium benefit, once she meets the policy's criteria, such as being diagnosed with a critical illness for a specified period, the insurance company waives her future premium payments. This means Samara can focus on her recovery without worrying about keeping up with premium payments while still maintaining her valuable life insurance coverage for her family's financial protection.
How Much Does a Waiver of Premium Rider Cost?
The cost of a Waiver of Premium Rider can vary depending on several factors:
-
The insurer: Different insurance companies have their own pricing models based on their underwriting standards and risk assessments.
-
The policyholder: Factors such as age, health, lifestyle, occupation, and smoking status can impact both the cost of the life insurance premium and the associated Waiver of Premium Rider.
-
The policy: Variables like the policy term and coverage amount of the life or term insurance policy will affect the cost of the rider. Typically, longer terms and higher coverage amounts result in higher costs for the rider.
Wrapping it Up!
The life insurance waiver of premium rider benefits serves as a crucial safeguard for policyholders, providing financial security during times of unexpected emergencies. By waiving future premium payments in the event of disability or illness, this benefit ensures that life insurance coverage continues, offering peace of mind and protection for policyholders and their loved ones.