Understanding how the rider sum assured works, along with its policy and premium payment terms, is crucial to getting the best coverage.
What is Rider Sum Assured in Term Insurance?
The rider sum assured is the amount of money the policyholder or their beneficiaries will receive if the event covered by the rider occurs. It is separate from the base sum assured of your term insurance policy, which is the payout in case of your death. Term Insurance Riders like accidental death, critical illness, or waiver of premium each come with their own sum assured.
For example, if your base term insurance has a sum assured of ₹50 lakhs, and you add an accident cover rider with a sum assured of ₹20 lakhs, your beneficiaries could receive ₹70 lakhs if you die in an accident.
Policy Term of a Rider in Term Insurance
The policy term of a rider is the duration for which the rider is active and offers protection. In most cases, the policy term of the rider is aligned with the policy term of the base term insurance plan. This means if your term insurance policy has a 20-year policy term, your rider will also last for 20 years.
Example:
If you have a 20-year term insurance plan with an accidental death rider, both the base policy and the rider will provide coverage for the entire 20 years. If the life assured dies in an accident within this period, the rider sum assured will be paid out along with the base sum assured.
Some term insurance riders, like the waiver of premium riders, may have a shorter policy term. For example, the waiver of premium rider might expire when you turn 65, even if your base policy lasts until age 75.
Premium Payment Term of a Rider in Term Insurance
The premium payment term refers to the number of years or frequency with which you need to pay premiums for the rider. Usually, the premium payment term for a rider is the same as the base policy. If you choose to pay monthly or annually for your term insurance, the same payment schedule will apply to the rider.
However, in some cases, the premium payment term may differ. For example, certain riders may offer a limited premium payment option, where you only need to pay for a few years but enjoy coverage for the entire policy term.
Example:
You have a 20-year term insurance policy with a limited premium payment term of 10 years. You add a critical illness rider with a premium payment term of 10 years. This means you will only pay for the rider for 10 years, but it will continue to provide coverage for the full 20 years.
Wrapping it Up!
Adding riders to your term insurance policy can significantly enhance your coverage by providing protection for specific risks like accidents or critical illnesses. The rider sum assured defines the additional payout you'll receive in case of a claim, while the policy term and premium payment term govern how long you’re covered and how you’ll pay for it. By choosing the right rider sum assured and understanding the terms, you can ensure that your term insurance provides comprehensive and affordable protection tailored to your needs.