Life insurance for military members starts with SGLI, which provides up to $500,000 in automatic, low-cost group coverage for active duty service members. When you leave the military, you can convert to VGLI or purchase a private term life insurance policy. The right choice depends on your health, budget, and how much coverage your family needs.
If you’re serving in the military or recently separated, you’ve got life insurance options most civilians don’t have access to. The VA offers several programs designed specifically for service members and veterans, including SGLI, VGLI, FSGLI, and TSGLI.
The problem? These programs are easy to overlook, and the details matter. Choosing the wrong option after you leave the military could cost your family thousands over time.
This guide breaks down each program, what it covers, what it costs, and when it makes sense to look beyond government coverage for additional protection.
What Is SGLI?
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is a low-cost group term life insurance program run by the VA. If you’re on active duty, you’re automatically enrolled.
Coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to a maximum of $500,000. The max coverage amount increased from $400,000 in March 2023 under the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act.
Here’s what makes SGLI stand out from private insurance. Everyone pays the same rate, no matter your age or health. There’s no medical exam. And the premiums are taken directly from your base pay, so you don’t have to think about it.
SGLI Premium Rates
As of July 1, 2025, the SGLI premium rate is $0.05 per $1,000 of coverage, plus $1 per month for Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI).
| Coverage Amount | Monthly Premium | TSGLI | Total Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $25.00 | $1.00 | $26.00 |
| $400,000 | $20.00 | $1.00 | $21.00 |
| $300,000 | $15.00 | $1.00 | $16.00 |
| $200,000 | $10.00 | $1.00 | $11.00 |
| $100,000 | $5.00 | $1.00 | $6.00 |
These rates apply to every service member regardless of age, rank, or health status.
Who Qualifies for SGLI?
You’re eligible for full-time SGLI coverage if you meet at least one of these requirements:
- Active-duty member of any branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines, Coast Guard)
- Commissioned member of NOAA or the U.S. Public Health Service
- Cadet or midshipman at a military academy
- ROTC member on authorized training
- Ready Reserve or National Guard member scheduled for at least 12 periods of inactive training per year
When you leave active duty, SGLI coverage continues free for 120 days. If you’re totally disabled at discharge, you may keep coverage at no cost for up to two years.
Family SGLI and Traumatic Injury Protection
SGLI doesn’t just cover you. Your family gets protection too.
Family SGLI (FSGLI) automatically covers your dependent children for $10,000 at no cost. You can also add coverage for your spouse up to $100,000, though it can’t exceed your own SGLI amount. Spouse premiums vary by age but are low, and they’re deducted from your pay along with your SGLI premium.
Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) is included with your SGLI for just $1 per month. If you experience a qualifying traumatic injury during service, like loss of a limb, eyesight, or speech, TSGLI pays between $25,000 and $100,000 to help with your recovery. This benefit applies even if the injury happens off duty.
What Happens When You Leave the Military?
This is where many veterans lose coverage without realizing it. Your SGLI ends 120 days after you separate. After that, you need a plan.
You have two main options: convert to VGLI or buy a private life insurance policy.
VGLI Coverage for Veterans
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) lets you keep your coverage after you leave the military. You can get between $10,000 and $500,000, based on how much SGLI coverage you had.
The big advantage of VGLI is access. If you apply within 240 days of leaving, you don’t need to prove you’re in good health. That makes it valuable for veterans with service-connected health issues who might have trouble getting approved for private coverage.
You have up to 1 year and 120 days after separation to apply, though you’ll need to show proof of good health if you wait past the 240-day mark.
VGLI Premium Rates by Age
Unlike SGLI, VGLI premiums are based on your age and they go up every five years. Here’s what $500,000 in VGLI coverage costs at different ages (rates effective July 1, 2025):
| Age | Monthly Premium ($500K) |
|---|---|
| Under 30 | $30 |
| 30-34 | $40 |
| 35-39 | $50 |
| 40-44 | $70 |
| 45-49 | $95 |
| 50-54 | $145 |
| 55-59 | $250 |
| 60-64 | $425 |
| 65-69 | $690 |
| 70-74 | $1,075 |
| 75-79 | $1,925 |
As you can see, the cost jumps significantly as you get older. A 40-year-old veteran paying $70 per month will see that rise to $250 by age 55. That’s a big increase for the same amount of coverage.
Is VGLI Your Best Option?
VGLI makes the most sense in specific situations. If you have health conditions that would make it hard to qualify for private insurance, VGLI’s guaranteed acceptance within 240 days is a real advantage. Veterans dealing with conditions like life insurance with PTSD or other service-connected issues may find VGLI is their best path to coverage.
For healthy veterans, a private term life insurance policy often provides better value. With a term policy, you lock in one rate for the entire length of the policy, whether that’s 10, 20, or 30 years. Your premium never increases.
The best approach for most veterans is to compare VGLI rates against term life insurance quotes before making a decision. If you can qualify for a private policy, you’ll likely pay less over time and get more predictable costs.
When to Consider Private Life Insurance
SGLI has a $500,000 coverage limit. For many military families, that’s not enough.
Think about what your family would actually need if something happened to you. Between mortgage payments, childcare, college savings, and everyday living expenses, $500,000 can run out faster than you’d expect.
A private term life insurance policy can fill that gap. You can purchase coverage of $1 million or more, and because these policies are based on your individual health and age, healthy applicants often qualify for very affordable rates.
In many cases, you can apply for private coverage while still serving, as long as you complete the application in the United States. This is a smart move for service members who want coverage beyond what SGLI provides.
VA Life Insurance for Disabled Veterans (VALife)
If you have a service-connected disability, you may qualify for Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife). This program replaced the older S-DVI program and offers guaranteed acceptance whole life coverage up to $40,000. It’s available to veterans age 80 and under with any level of service-connected disability rating, even 0%.
There are no health questions and no medical exam. Coverage takes effect two years after enrollment, as long as you keep paying premiums during that period. VALife is available in $10,000 increments.
This can be a good option for veterans who can’t get approved for traditional life insurance due to service-connected injuries or conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much SGLI coverage can I get?
SGLI coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to a maximum of $500,000. You’re automatically enrolled at the maximum amount when you enter active duty. You can reduce or decline coverage through the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES).
Does SGLI cover combat deaths?
Yes. SGLI covers death from any cause, including combat. There are no exclusions for hazardous duty or war zones.
Can I have both SGLI and private life insurance?
Yes. Many service members carry SGLI for the base coverage and add a private term life insurance policy for additional protection. There’s no conflict between the two.
What happens to my life insurance when I leave the military?
Your SGLI coverage continues free for 120 days after separation. After that, you can convert to VGLI, purchase a private policy, or convert SGLI to a permanent individual policy within 120 days of discharge.
Is VGLI worth it for healthy veterans?
It depends. VGLI rates increase every five years and can get expensive as you age. Healthy veterans can often find better rates with a private term life insurance policy that locks in one price for 10, 20, or 30 years.
Does my spouse get life insurance through the military?
Yes. Family SGLI (FSGLI) provides up to $100,000 in coverage for your spouse and $10,000 for each dependent child. Children’s coverage is automatic and free. Spouse premiums vary by age and are deducted from your pay.
Key Takeaways
- SGLI provides up to $500,000 in low-cost group life insurance for active duty military members at just $26 per month for max coverage.
- TSGLI adds traumatic injury protection for $1 per month, and FSGLI covers your spouse and children.
- SGLI ends 120 days after you leave the military, so you need a plan before that window closes.
- VGLI lets you keep coverage without proving good health (within 240 days), but premiums increase every five years.
- Private term life insurance often provides better long-term value for healthy veterans who can lock in one rate.
- VALife offers guaranteed acceptance whole life coverage up to $40,000 for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
- You can carry both SGLI and a private policy at the same time for additional protection.
Need help finding the right life insurance for your military family? We work with top-rated carriers to find coverage that fits your situation. Call us at 800-712-8519 or get a free quote on this page.
