Answers before you hand over your details

Riders on a life insurance policy that let you receive a portion of your own death benefit while you are alive if you are diagnosed with a qualifying terminal, chronic or critical illness or injury.

With the carriers we quote, the accelerated benefit riders are included at no additional premium. You pay for the base policy; the riders come with it. That is why we compare an existing policy without them against one with them at the same price.

It depends on the carrier and the state, and the rider language is what counts. Typically: a terminal diagnosis with a limited life expectancy; a chronic condition that leaves you unable to perform two of six activities of daily living or cognitively impaired; and critical events such as heart attack, stroke, cancer, major organ transplant or end-stage renal failure. We show you the exact list for each policy we quote.

A portion of the death benefit, calculated by the carrier at the time of the claim and paid as a lump sum or, for chronic illness, sometimes monthly. The amount you receive is less than the portion of the death benefit it replaces, because it is paid early. The money is unrestricted: medical bills, income, travel, anything.

Yes. Whatever portion is accelerated is subtracted from the death benefit. The remainder still pays to your beneficiaries. You choose how much to accelerate, within the policy limits, when you make the claim.

No. Quoting is free and there is no obligation. We are paid a commission by the carrier only if you place a policy through us. We do not sell or share your information with third-party marketers.

Date of birth, the coverage amount you have in mind, tobacco use and a general idea of your health. Requests sent during business hours are answered the same day. A full application may need a short medical questionnaire or, for larger amounts, a paramedical exam the carrier arranges.