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.
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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 $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.
Get StartedHere’s how to typically 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 can help offer 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.
Get StartedLife insurance can offer many benefits, including a death benefit payout, cash value, and riders. Learn about the benefits of life insurance and get a quote.
Adding a long-term care rider to your life insurance policy can offer additional financial protection. Learn how a long-term care life insurance rider works.
1 Policygenius - 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 April 22, 2025.
2 SuperMoney – Waiver of Premium Riders in Life Insurance Explained. Updated August 27, 2024. https://www.supermoney.com/encyclopedia/waiver-of-premium-rider. Accessed April 22, 2025.
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:
Aflac life plans – A68000 series: Term Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368200, ICC1368300, ICC1368400. In Delaware, Policies A68200, A68300 & A68400. In New York, Policies NY68200, NY68300 and NY68400. Whole Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368100. In Delaware, Policy A68100. In New York, Policy NYR68100. B60000 series: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B60C10, ICC18B60100, ICC18B60200, ICC18B60300, & ICC18B60400. Not available in Delaware. Q60000 series/Whole: In Arkansas & Delaware, Policy Q60100M. In Idaho, Policy Q60100MID. In Oklahoma, Policy Q60100MOK. Not available in Virginia. Q60000 series/Term: In Delaware, Policies Q60200CM. In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Policies ICC18Q60200C, ICC18Q60300C, ICC18Q60400C. Not available in Virginia.
Aflac Final Expense insurance coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated and is administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
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, VA or VT. 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 | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Aflac New York | 22 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 2 | Albany, NY 12211
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