A rider is an optional feature that you can add to a standard policy; they're usually available only for a whole life or universal life insurance policy. A chronic illness rider, for example, provides the insured with a portion of their death benefit if they're diagnosed with a terminal illness. A disability rider waives or reduces the monthly premium if the policyholder becomes incapacitated.  Though that may sound attractive, most riders aren't worth the expense. While they might only add a dollar or two to your monthly premium payment, that adds up over 10 or 20 years.