---
title: "What Is Critical Illness Rider? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "A critical illness rider pays part of the death benefit early if the insured is diagnosed with a covered condition, such as a heart attack, stroke, or..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/critical-illness-rider
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Riders

# Critical Illness Rider

A critical illness rider pays part of the death benefit early if the insured is diagnosed with a covered condition, such as a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. The list of conditions is set in the rider.

## Why it matters

The benefit gives cash during a health crisis for bills or treatment. Payments reduce the death benefit, and the rider may include a waiting period and exclusions. Only the diagnoses listed in the contract qualify, and each carrier defines them differently. Some riders cost extra and others come with the policy. Compare the covered conditions and the definitions before relying on it. It does not replace health insurance.

Source: [naic.org](https://content.naic.org/consumer/life-insurance.htm)

## Where we use this term

-   [Mortgage protection vs term life vs PMI: who does each one protect?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/mortgage-protection-vs-term-life-vs-pmi)

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