What is a future increase option rider on disability insurance?

A future increase option (also called a future purchase option or benefit increase rider) lets you buy additional disability coverage as your income grows without going through new medical underwriting. This is valuable for young professionals, doctors, and others expecting steep income growth, because it locks in your insurability now, when you are healthy, so a later diagnosis cannot stop you from scaling coverage up to match a bigger salary. You typically must show proof of higher income (but not health) to exercise it, and there is usually a deadline or age limit. The rider adds modest cost. If you buy a policy early in your career expecting your earnings to climb, this option protects your ability to keep coverage aligned with your income.