While riders and optional benefits in term insurance may sound similar, they are not the same.Optional benefits are additional benefits that:You can opt for at the time of purchasing a term plan, and not after purchaseMay or may not have a cost attached to themHave the same eligibility and other criteria as the base term planFor example, some insurers may offer return of premiums as an optional benefit.Riders are add-ons that:You can buy either at the time of purchasing the term plan or on any policy anniversaryHave some additional costs attached to themCan be denied to you if you do not meet the rider-specific eligibility criteria, even though you are eligible for getting term insuranceFor example, some insurers may offer critical illness cover as a rider.Note: What is offered as an optional benefit and what is offered as a rider may vary from insurer to insurer. It is best to check with your insurer to know what they are offering as optional benefits and riders.