Add-ons, also known as riders or optional covers, are additional benefits that can be purchased along with a standard insurance policy. They allow policyholders to customise and enhance the base coverage of their existing policy by paying an extra premium. Add-ons are especially popular in health, motor, and business insurance, offering greater protection against specific or unexpected risks.
For instance, a small business buying group health insurance may choose to add covers like maternity benefits, critical illness, or out-patient treatment—which are not included in the standard policy.
🧩 Common Types of Add-ons in Insurance
🔹 Health Insurance
- Room Rent Waiver: Upgrade from shared room to private.
- Maternity Cover: Covers pregnancy and childbirth expenses.
- OPD Cover: Includes doctor consultations, diagnostics, and medicine costs.
- Critical Illness Rider: Lump sum payout upon diagnosis of specified illnesses.
- Daily Hospital Cash: Fixed daily amount during hospitalisation.
🔹 Motor Insurance
- Zero Depreciation: No deduction on parts replaced during claims.
- Engine Protection: Covers water or oil leakage damage to the engine.
- Roadside Assistance: Emergency help for breakdowns or accidents.
- Return to Invoice: Full invoice amount reimbursed in case of total loss.
🔹 Business Insurance
- Cyber Liability Add-on: Protects against cyber threats and data breaches.
- Business Interruption Cover: Compensation for income loss during downtime.
- Terrorism Cover: Extends protection against terrorism-related damages.
- Employee Coverage Extensions: Includes personal accident or term life add-ons for employees.
🎯 Why Consider Add-ons?
- Customisation: Tailor your policy to meet personal or business-specific needs.
- Enhanced Protection: Broader safety net beyond standard policy limits.
- Cost Efficiency: Offers focused cover without the expense of a full upgrade.
- Flexibility: Choose only what you need—pay only for the extra coverage you want.
🏢 How Add-ons Benefit Small Businesses
For SMEs and startups, add-ons in group insurance policies provide vital flexibility and value. Whether it’s mental health support, dental care, or pre-existing disease coverage, add-ons help employers offer more comprehensive health benefits without switching to an entirely new plan.
PlanCover helps small business owners evaluate which add-ons make practical sense based on workforce demographics, company budget, and industry-specific risks.
🔍 Important Notes Before Buying Add-ons
- Premium Impact: Every add-on comes with an added cost—choose wisely.
- Terms & Conditions: Some add-ons have waiting periods or age restrictions.
- Renewal Time: Certain riders may be added only at policy inception or renewal.
- Claim Limitations: Add-ons have their own claim conditions and caps.
📝 Summary Table
| Term | Add-ons |
|---|---|
| Also Called | Riders / Optional Covers |
| Purpose | Extend the scope of base policy coverage |
| Extra Cost | Yes, requires additional premium |
| Customisable | Yes, based on specific needs |
| Applies To | Health, Motor, Business, Life Insurance |
💡 Real-Life Example
A tech startup buying group health insurance for 20 employees might begin with a basic plan. By adding a mental health counselling add-on, the employer ensures employees have access to therapists and well-being support—a crucial benefit in today’s fast-paced work culture.
Add-ons empower policyholders to go beyond the limitations of a standard insurance plan. Whether it’s for your employees, car, health, or business, these additional covers offer tailored protection at a reasonable cost. With expert guidance from PlanCover’s certified brokers, selecting the right add-ons becomes a seamless, value-driven decision—keeping your future secure, your way.
