Life Insurance for Veterans

Overview

The VA administers several life insurance programs designed specifically for veterans and service members. Each program serves different needs and eligibility groups.

Pro Tip: SGLI converts to VGLI when you get out, but VGLI gets expensive as you age. Compare rates with private insurance while you're still healthy. Sometimes Uncle Sam's deal isn't the best deal.

Critical Warning: Beneficiary designations on your policy trump your will. If your policy names your ex-spouse but your will names your current spouse, the ex-spouse receives the payout. Review and update beneficiaries after every major life change.

Program Comparison

VA Life Insurance (VALife)

VALife provides affordable coverage for veterans with service-connected conditions, including those rated at 0%.

How It Works

• Select coverage in $10,000 increments from $10,000 to $40,000
• Premiums remain level after enrollment—no increases due to aging
• Two-year activation period: Full death benefit begins after 24 months of premium payments
• If death occurs during the activation period, beneficiaries receive all premiums paid plus accrued interest

Who Can Apply

• Veterans with any service-connected condition (0% or higher)
• Must apply before age 81
• Exception: Veterans who filed a disability claim before turning 81 have two years from their rating decision to enroll

Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

VGLI allows separating service members to continue coverage previously held under SGLI without medical underwriting.

Enrollment Window

Apply within 1 year and 120 days (480 days) of: - Discharge from active duty (31+ days served) - Release from Reserve/Guard assignment to IRR or ING - Placement on the Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL)

Part-time SGLI holders who sustained injury or illness disqualifying them from standard premium rates while on duty also qualify.

Coverage Options

• Select any amount from $10,000 to $500,000 (cannot exceed prior SGLI coverage)
• Increase coverage by $25,000 every five years until age 60, up to $500,000 maximum

Terminal Illness Benefit

Veterans diagnosed with a terminal condition (physician-certified life expectancy of 9 months or less) may receive up to 50% of their face value early. Payments come in $5,000 increments.

Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

VMLI protects the homes of severely disabled veterans by paying off the mortgage upon death.

What It Covers

• Up to $200,000 paid directly to the mortgage lender
• Coverage decreases as the mortgage balance decreases
• Only covers the mortgage—not other debts

Requirements

Both conditions must be met: - Under 70 years old - Received a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant

Active Duty Programs

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

Automatic coverage for active duty members up to $500,000. Premiums deducted from pay.

Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)

Automatic rider providing lump-sum payments (up to $100,000) for qualifying traumatic injuries sustained during service. Covers conditions like amputation, paralysis, severe burns, and traumatic brain injury.

Family SGLI (FSGLI)

Optional coverage for spouses (up to $100,000) and children ($10,000 per child). Service member pays premiums.

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)

Status: Closed to new enrollment. Existing policyholders remain covered.

This program previously offered: - Basic coverage up to $10,000 - Totally disabled veterans could receive premium waivers plus purchase up to $30,000 in supplemental coverage

Veterans who enrolled before closure retain their policies; VALife now serves new applicants with service-connected conditions.

Managing Your Policy

Contact Information: - SGLI/VGLI/FSGLI/TSGLI: 1-877-832-4943 - VALife/S-DVI: 1-800-669-8477

Online Management: Access policy details, update beneficiaries, and manage payments through VA.gov.