SGLI: coverage while you serve
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides low-cost group term coverage — up to $500,000 — while you serve. After you separate, SGLI coverage generally continues for 120 days at no cost.
VGLI: the conversion option
Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) lets you keep group coverage after service, up to the amount of SGLI you had. Key rules:
- Apply within 1 year and 120 days of separation.
- Apply within 240 days and you generally won't answer health questions.
- Coverage is renewable for life.
- Premiums are based on age bands and increase every five years.
Private life insurance
Private term or whole life policies are individually underwritten. If you're in good health, you can often lock in a price for 20 or 30 years — or for life with whole life — and avoid VGLI's age-based increases.
Side-by-side comparison
| VGLI | Private term | Private whole life | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approval | Guaranteed if on time | Underwritten | Underwritten |
| Price over time | Rises every 5 years | Locked for term | Locked for life |
| Cash value | No | No | Yes |
| Max coverage | Up to your SGLI amount | Often much higher | Based on need and budget |
How to decide
- Mark your deadlines: 120 days (SGLI ends), 240 days (no health questions), 1 year + 120 days (final VGLI deadline).
- Get private quotes before the 240-day mark so you can compare.
- If you have serious service-connected conditions, VGLI's guaranteed acceptance may be worth the higher long-term cost — or use both.
- Never cancel existing coverage until new coverage is approved and in force.
Rules and rates can change. Verify current details at VA.gov/life-insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both VGLI and private life insurance?
Yes. Some veterans keep a smaller VGLI amount for guaranteed coverage and add private term for affordable extra protection.
What if I miss the VGLI deadline?
After 1 year and 120 days you can no longer convert to VGLI, so private coverage becomes your main option. Don't wait.
This guide is general education, not insurance, tax, legal or benefits advice. Verify VA program details at VA.gov.
