Rider (exclusionary rider)

A rider is an amendment to an insurance policy. Some riders will add coverage — a maternity rider to add coverage for pregnancy to your policy.

In most states, an exclusionary rider is an amendment to individual health insurance policies that excludes coverage for a health condition, body part, or body system.

♦ The insurance industry heavily abused this concept prior to the Affordable Care Act.

• Starting in September 2010, exclusionary riders could no longer be applied to coverage for children.

• Starting in 2014, no exclusionary riders were permitted in any health insurance.