Guide

Living Benefits & Riders

Coverage that can help while you’re still living

Michael Furman
Reviewed by Michael Furman, COO — 24 years in insurance · MDRT Top of the Table
NovaVida Group licensed team · Updated August 2026

Modern life insurance is more than a death benefit. Living-benefit riders let you access part of your coverage early in certain situations, and other riders tailor the policy to your family — often at little or no extra cost.

Living Benefits (Accelerated Death Benefit)

Many policies let you access a portion of the death benefit early if you’re diagnosed with a qualifying terminal, chronic, or critical illness. The money can help pay for care or simply ease the strain — and what’s left is still paid to your beneficiaries.

Popular Riders

A waiver-of-premium rider keeps your policy in force if you become disabled and can’t work. A child rider adds coverage for your children. A return-of-premium rider refunds your premiums if you outlive a term policy. A conversion rider lets you move term to permanent without a new exam. We’ll help you choose the riders that add real value.

Best For

  • Anyone who wants flexibility built in
  • Families managing health risks
  • People who want to customize a policy

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Quick answers

Frequently Asked

Do living benefits cost extra?

Some accelerated death benefit riders are included at no additional premium; others and certain riders carry a small cost. The value they add — access to funds during a health crisis — is often well worth it.