What is the purpose of an impairment rider in an insurance policy?

The purpose of an impairment rider in an insurance policy is specifically to enhance benefits for specific conditions. An impairment rider typically covers situations in which the insured has pre-existing conditions, allowing for additional benefits or coverage adjustments based on these specific health issues. Instead of excluding these conditions outright, an impairment rider can tailor the policy to provide a form of coverage that addresses the unique needs of individuals with certain health challenges, thus enhancing their overall benefits when those conditions are involved.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the typical function of an impairment rider. Increasing the coverage amount or lowering premium costs are not related to the specific intended role of an impairment rider, and specifying excluded conditions falls outside the enhancement function that such a rider serves. The critical feature of this rider is its focus on particular conditions needing enhanced benefits rather than on exclusions or standard coverage terms.