Life insurance coverage can offer substantial financial protection through the death benefit and other features, such as a cash value growth component. However, if you experience a disability or illness that makes you unable to work, you may not be able to pay premiums for a period of time. This can lead to a lapse in coverage, leaving your loved ones without the financial protection they may need in the event of your passing.
A waiver of premium rider can help eliminate this worry for a small cost by helping cover premium payments after an injury, illness, or disability. This article will explain how waiver of premium riders work to determine If applying for one to help protect your policy may be worth it.
A waiver of premium rider is optional add-on coverage for life insurance that waives or pays premiums if you become disabled or critically ill and lose the ability to work. This life insurance rider can allow you to maintain coverage and prevent the policy from lapsing if you can’t earn income to pay your premiums.1
Policyholders may qualify for the waiver of premium rider if they become unable to work or cannot work in a traditional capacity any longer due to:2
Terms and conditions for what qualifies may vary by insurer. If you become able to work again, your premiums may resume.
Typically, you must be younger than 60 or 65 to qualify for this rider. Furthermore, insurers often attach waiting periods to waiver of premium riders. These can last up to six months. After you file a claim, you must continue paying premiums until this period ends and benefits kick in.1
Generally speaking, waiver of premium riders can cost an additional flat fee of $10 to $50 per month.1 This can often be added directly to your premiums to simplify payments. Keep in mind that factors like age, health status, and coverage amounts can impact your waiver of premium rider costs.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Here’s how to file a claim to take advantage of your waiver of premium rider:
Waiver of premium riders can make sense for several scenarios:
When in doubt, it may be wise to contact an insurance agent. They can help you determine if a waiver of premium rider is right for you and find a policy that suits your needs and budget.
You work hard to earn the income necessary to pay for the life insurance coverage your loved ones need. A waiver of premium rider offers extra coverage by waiving premiums in case an illness, injury, or disability leaves you unable to work. There are limitations and exclusions, and coverage is not guaranteed.
Fortunately, these riders come at a cost that fits most budgets. An additional amount per month may be worth the added peace of mind, especially when you’re the sole provider or have a higher chance of experiencing qualifying circumstances.
A waiver of premium rider is just one of many types of riders Aflac life insurance policies may offer. Speak with an agent today to explore policy and rider options and get a quote on coverage customized to your needs.
1Policygenius - What is the waiver of premium rider? Updated February 16, 2024. https://www.policygenius.com/life-insurance/what-is-a-waiver-of-premium-rider/. Accessed March 28, 2024.
2Investopedia – Waiver of Premium Rider: Definition, Purpose, Benefits, and Cost. Updated December 10, 2022. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/waiver_of_premium.asp. Accessed March 28, 2024.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York:
Life (A68000 Series and Rider A68054)- In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368100, ICC1368200, ICC1368300, ICC1368400. In Delaware, Policies A68100-A68400. In New York, NY68100-NY68400.
(A65000 Series) – In Virginia, Policies ICC0965JTO & ICC0965JWO. (B61000 Series) - In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B61JWO & ICC18B61JTO. In Delaware, Policies B61JWO, B61JTO. (B60000 Series) - In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B60C10, ICC18B60100, ICC18B60200, ICC18B60300, & ICC18B60400.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company:
In Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia: Policies ICC21-AFLLBL21 and ICC21-AFLRPL21; and Riders ICC21-AFLABR22, ICC21-AFLADB22, and ICC21-AFLCDR22.Aflac Final Expense policies are not available in New York.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY, or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact plans and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Aflac New York | 22 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 2 | Albany, NY 12211
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