What is a 'rider' on a health insurance policy?

A rider in health insurance is an optional add-on that modifies or supplements the base policy, typically for additional premium. Common health insurance riders: hospital indemnity (pays a flat daily amount during hospital stays); accident-only (pays for accident-related medical expenses); critical illness (lump-sum payment on diagnosis of specified conditions); dental/vision (add coverage for these services); maternity (for plans that exclude it); and prescription drug coverage. Riders are most common on supplemental policies and specialty coverages; ACA-compliant comprehensive plans must include essential health benefits, reducing the need for many traditional riders. When presenting riders, producers should explain the additional premium and verify the rider serves a genuine need.