Adding a waiver of premium rider to your life insurance policy protects you against a lapse in coverage if you can’t pay your premiums because of a disability. The definition of disability varies per insurer, so it’s important to check the fine print.
Depending on the insurance provider, this rider may come for free as a clause in your policy. But in most cases, the policyholder will have to add it as a rider at an additional cost.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Waiver of Premium Benefit in Life Insurance?
- Benefits of a Waiver of Premium Provision
- Potential Drawbacks of a Waiver of Premium Rider
- Things to Consider When Adding a Waiver of Premium Provision to Your Policy
- Should You Add a Waiver of Premium Rider to Your Life Insurance Policy?
- How to File a Waiver of Premium Claim
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
A waiver of premium is a type of life insurance policy rider that allows you to waive premium payments should you have a qualifying disability.
While some companies offer a waiver of premium for free as a clause in a life insurance policy, others consider it an add-on that may increase your premiums.
Insurance providers have different qualification requirements, conditions and definitions of disability. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing conditions are usually not eligible for this benefit.
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What Is a Waiver of Premium Benefit in Life Insurance?
The waiver of premium provision gets you off the hook for premium payments if you meet certain conditions. For instance, if you become disabled or ill, the insurance company may allow you to stop making premium payments and keep your coverage.
Each insurance company has its own rules on how to sign up for a waiver of premium, but they’re generally one of the following:
- It’s included in the base policy.
- It must be purchased as a rider.
It’s important to note that getting a waiver of premium benefit may make your rates more expensive.
How Does a Waiver of Premium in Life Insurance Work?
Activation and Waiting Period
The waiver of premium rider doesn't activate immediately after the policyholder reports disability or illness. Even after the insurance provider deems you fully disabled, there's typically a waiting period. During this time, you must continue to pay premiums. If your claim is approved, many insurers will reimburse the premiums paid during this period.
Continuation of Policy Benefits
Your policy continues as if you never missed a payment. If you have whole life or variable life insurance, it will continue to accumulate cash value and dividends, if applicable.
Specifics of Total Disability
The definition of total disability can vary among insurers. Some may define it as the inability to perform your regular job, while others may require that you be unable to perform any job. Understanding this definition is vital when considering this rider.
How Much Does a Waiver of Premium in Life Insurance Cost?
The cost of adding a waiver of premium rider to your life insurance policy can vary widely based on factors like age, occupation, health and the type of policy. For instance, a young, healthy individual working in a low-risk occupation may find the cost of this rider to be relatively minimal. Conversely, someone in a high-risk job or with pre-existing health conditions might face a higher cost.
Although this rider may seem like an additional expense at the outset, the protection it offers can be invaluable for certain policyholders. For example, a sole breadwinner with a family relying on their income may find this a good addition to their coverage. If an unexpected illness or accident leaves them unable to work, paying life insurance premiums may become a financial strain. In this scenario, having a waiver of premium rider could be a financial lifeline, ensuring that the life insurance policy continues without the need for premium payments during the disability.
When purchasing a life insurance policy, make sure you check the fine print. Not all policies have a waiver of premium clause. Most insurance providers also don’t offer this benefit to anyone over 65. If you’re a senior, your policy probably doesn’t offer it.
Benefits of a Waiver of Premium Provision
A waiver of premium can serve as a financial safety net to help you in a time of need. However, it may not be a suitable option for everyone. Understanding this provision's different benefits can help you determine if it’s right for you.
It offers financial protection
Getting seriously ill or injured can leave you unable to work. A waiver of premium rider will allow you to stop making payments for your life insurance policy. Instead, this rider will cover the premiums.
It prevents a lapse in coverage
An inability to make premium payments can cause your life insurance coverage to lapse. A waiver of premium clause can prevent that from happening as it waives off your future payments until you recover.
It's not limited to one use
Using a waiver of premium isn’t limited to one incident. You may use it several times as long as you meet the qualifications. That’s especially helpful should your disability or illness recur.
It gives you peace of mind
An illness or disability doesn’t only affect you physically but also mentally. Worrying about your finances, including your premium payments, can add to your stress. With a waiver of premium benefit, you don’t have to figure out how you can pay for your policy while recovering.
Potential Drawbacks of a Waiver of Premium Rider
While the waiver of premium rider provides valuable financial protection, it also comes with potential drawbacks. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique needs and circumstances.
There's an additional cost
Adding this rider isn't free and can increase the overall cost of your policy. It's essential to weigh this against the benefits it offers.
There may be a waiting period
Many policies have a waiting period before the waiver takes effect. Also referred to as an elimination period, this time depends on the insurance provider. In most cases, it's around six months. This delay can be challenging if you're unable to work during this time.
Qualifications may vary
The definitions for qualifying disabilities or illnesses can vary, and some riders might not cover partial disabilities, limiting the protection.
There may be duration limits
Some riders only waive premiums up to a certain age, such as 60 or 65, potentially leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses afterward.
You may need to undergo medical examinations
Insurance companies may require policyholders with this rider to get periodic medical examinations to continue the benefits.
Things to Consider When Adding a Waiver of Premium Provision to Your Policy
There are factors you should consider before adding a waiver of premium provision to your life insurance policy. It’s important to get information from your insurance provider as conditions, rules and requirements vary per insurer. Reading the fine print can help you better understand how this benefit works.
Factor | Description |
|---|---|
Qualifications | Eligibility requirements for a waiver of premium rider vary depending on the insurance carrier, so it’s best to clarify them with the provider early on. Typically, the policyholder must be less than 60 or 65 years old. They shouldn’t have a pre-existing disability or illness. The insurer may also consider overall health, lifestyle and occupation. Some provisions may only activate if the disability keeps you from working for a minimum of six months. |
Waiting period | In most cases, the waiver of premium only takes effect after the waiting period passes. This can be anywhere from a few months to a year, usually six months. |
Duration | The waiver of premium provision takes effect after the waiting period and lasts until the policyholder recovers from the disability. In some cases, the duration may be up to a specific age. The policy contract will have the details. After the duration of the waiver, the policyholder will have to pay premiums again. |
Expiration date | The waiver of premium may expire depending on the terms and conditions stated in the policy contract. Usually, the age limit is 60 or 65. After this age, the policyholder will likely no longer qualify for the premium waiver. |
Cost | Adding riders, such as a waiver of premium, may add additional cost to your life insurance rate. The amount depends on the insurer and individualized factors like your age and health. That said, it’s typically up to 25% of your policy’s cost. |
The waiver of premium takes effect when the policyholder suffers from a disability. However, not all types of disabilities may qualify. Insurance companies interpret disability in various ways.
Here are some common interpretations of what can be considered a qualifying disability:
- An injury or sickness caused the disability.
- The disability caused loss of mobility, such as losing a limb.
- The disability caused sensory loss, such as hearing impairment or blindness.
- An injury or illness prevents the policyholder from performing the occupation for which they qualified through education, experience or training.
Should You Add a Waiver of Premium Rider to Your Life Insurance Policy?
Although a waiver of premium offers multiple benefits, it’s not always your best option. It can be good for people with only one source of income, who have high-risk professions or hobbies or who have a family history of serious illness.
You only have one source of income
A disability can prevent you from going to work, which means you may suffer from a temporary loss of income. If you only have one source of income, it may be wise to get a waiver of premium rider, which lessens the possible financial burdens you may have to face should you become disabled.
You have a high-risk profession
Some jobs come with inherent risks. If there’s a high chance of you getting injured on the job, consider looking for a policy with a waiver of premium.
Examples of high-risk professions include the following:
- Firefighters
- Police officers
- Pilots
- Construction workers
- Moving company employees
- Bus and truck drivers
- EMTs
- Nurses
You have risky hobbies
Certain hobbies and activities may increase the risk of serious injuries leading to disability. A waiver of premium provides a financial safety net should unexpected incidents happen.
You’re at risk of getting a serious illness based on your family history
If you think you’re at risk of getting a disease based on your family health history, getting a waiver of premium benefit may be a smart move. It can be a form of preparation for unfortunate circumstances should you also suffer from a similar condition and end up with a disability.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that around 27% of Americans have some type of disability.
While life can be unpredictable, and there’s no sure way of knowing whether a person will eventually have a disability, certain lifestyles may increase the risk. If you know you have certain risk factors, it might be worth getting a waiver of premium.
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How to File a Waiver of Premium Claim
If you're interested in getting a waiver of premium clause, you should add it to your policy when you buy your life insurance. The following steps will walk you through the process of filing a waiver of premium claim if you have a covered disability.
Get a medical statement from your doctor
Requirements for filing a waiver of premium claim depend on the insurance provider. Typically, it includes submitting a medical statement from a doctor — you can’t simply say that you have a disability without proof.
Your insurance provider will then determine if you’re qualified for a claim. Make sure the certificate provides details on your condition and that it prevents you from working.
Obtain a notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
In some instances, the insurance provider may require additional evidence by requesting a copy of a notice from the SSA. This document can confirm a disability or physical impairment. It will also verify your inability to work due to your disability.
You can find the nearest SSA office using the agency’s field office locator.
Contact your insurer and file your claim
Let your insurance provider know about your plan to file a claim. Ask them if there are any additional requirements. They may ask you to fill out a claim form or provide additional information.
Depending on the company, you may be able to file a claim online, via email or through mail or fax.
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Frequently Asked Questions
MoneyGeek answered some common questions about waiver of premium clauses and riders to help you learn more about the topic.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Disability Impacts All of Us." Accessed August 25, 2023.
- Social Security Administration. "Social Security Office Locator." Accessed June 8, 2022.