---
title: "What Is Chronic Illness Rider? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "A chronic illness rider is an add-on that lets the insured access part of the death benefit early if a licensed health care practitioner certifies a..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/chronic-illness-rider
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Riders

# Chronic Illness Rider

A chronic illness rider is an add-on that lets the insured access part of the death benefit early if a licensed health care practitioner certifies a chronic illness, usually the inability to perform daily living activities.

## Why it matters

The rider helps pay for care costs without a separate long-term care policy. Benefits reduce the death benefit, and the insurer may charge a fee at the time of the claim or a cost in the premium. Qualifying rules usually follow federal tax definitions, such as being unable to perform two of six activities of daily living. Terms, waiting periods, and payout limits vary by carrier and state. It is not the same as a full long-term care policy.

Source: [irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/faqs/interest-dividends-other-types-of-income/life-insurance-disability-insurance-proceeds)

## Start your climb.

Tell us where you are today and request a call about licensing, training and the calls.

[Apply to join](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply)

Shopping for coverage instead? [Get a quote](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote)