What is the primary purpose of a term rider?

The primary purpose of a term rider is indeed to allow temporary additional death benefit coverage for a specific period. This rider is often attached to a permanent life insurance policy, enabling the policyholder to increase their coverage for a limited time without needing to purchase a separate policy. This addition can be particularly beneficial if the insured needs higher coverage for specific life events, such as during the years of raising children or while taking on significant financial obligations. The term rider helps to ensure that beneficiaries are protected during those crucial times while keeping costs relatively lower than permanent insurance options.

Other choices do not accurately reflect the primary function of a term rider. For instance, adding permanent death benefits or investment options does not align with the temporary nature of the term rider, nor does the rider guarantee insurability without a medical exam, which pertains to a different provision in the realm of life insurance.