What is a "rider" in health insurance?

A "rider" in health insurance is defined as an addition to an insurance policy that modifies its coverage. This means that a rider lets policyholders expand or customize their insurance coverage by adding specific benefits or conditions that are not included in the standard policy. For instance, a rider might provide additional coverage for critical illnesses, maternity care, or mental health services, allowing individuals to tailor their health insurance to better fit their personal needs and circumstances.

This flexibility is particularly valuable because it enables policyholders to enhance their coverage in response to evolving healthcare needs without having to purchase a completely new policy. By contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of what a rider is. They refer to different aspects of health insurance, such as benefit descriptions or cost structures, rather than modifications made to an existing policy's coverage.