Should I Have a Spousal Rider?

A spousal rider isn’t the best choice for life insurance coverage. In most cases, this type of rider ends if the primary insured’s policy expires, lapses, or pays out a death benefit—leaving the spouse without protection when it’s needed most. That’s why the Ramsey team doesn’t recommend them. Spousal riders usually don’t offer cost savings, and many still require the spouse to go through a medical exam and underwriting. Instead of relying on a rider that could disappear at a critical moment, it’s better for each spouse to have their own individual policy to ensure they have full, independent coverage.