What is the purpose of a "rider" in an insurance contract?

A rider in an insurance contract serves the purpose of providing additional coverage options. Riders are supplementary provisions that can be added to a standard insurance policy to enhance or modify the coverage provided. They allow policyholders to customize their insurance based on specific needs or circumstances.

For example, a health insurance policy might include a rider that covers certain types of alternative treatments that aren't part of the standard coverage. This tailored approach enables policyholders to obtain more comprehensive coverage tailored to their individual situations or preferences.

Other options may address different functions but do not correctly describe the essence of a rider. Eliminating previous coverage would fundamentally change the policy rather than enhance it, and adjusting premium payments typically pertains to the overall policy terms rather than the addition of specific coverages. Listing excluded services refers to limitations within the policy rather than the additional benefits provided by a rider. Therefore, a rider is primarily intended to expand the coverage options available within an insurance contract.