What are "riders" in the context of insurance?

In the context of insurance, riders refer to additional benefits or provisions that can be added to a standard insurance policy to enhance or customize coverage. These modifications allow policyholders to tailor their insurance to better fit their specific needs by including extra features that are not covered in the base policy. For instance, a life insurance policy might have a rider that provides for an accelerated death benefit, allowing the insured to access a portion of the death benefit while still living under certain conditions, such as being diagnosed with a terminal illness. This customization can provide valuable financial support or protection when it’s needed most.