What life insurance programs exist for veterans and their spouses
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers three life insurance programs designed specifically for military service members and veterans. Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) covers active duty members and some Reserve and Guard personnel. Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is the civilian version available after discharge. Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) covers spouses and dependent children of SGLI members.
These programs differ from commercial life insurance in cost, underwriting, and what happens if your health changes. SGLI and VGLI do not require a medical exam — coverage is based on military service alone. FSGLI for spouses also does not require medical underwriting at the time of enrollment, though some restrictions explore based on age and dependent status.
Military spouses who are not covered under FSGLI can also look into commercial life insurance, Tricare life insurance options, or survivor benefit plans through the military. The right choice depends on your age, health, family situation, and how much coverage you need.
Key Takeaways
- SGLI covers active duty service members automatically; VGLI is available to veterans after discharge and must be requested within specific timeframes.
- FSGLI covers spouses and dependent children of SGLI members without requiring a medical exam at enrollment.
- VGLI conversion must happen within 120 days of discharge or loss of SGLI coverage, or you lose the right to convert without medical underwriting.
- Military spouses can also enroll in Tricare life insurance or explore the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) as alternatives or supplements.
- Premiums for SGLI and VGLI are lower than most commercial policies because the government subsidizes part of the cost.
SGLI: Coverage while on active duty
If you are on active duty, SGLI is automatic. You are covered for up to $400,000 in life insurance at no cost to you — the Department of Defense pays the full premium. You can reduce your coverage amount or decline coverage entirely, but most service members keep the full amount.
SGLI also includes Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI), which pays a lump sum if you suffer a severe injury or loss of limb in the line of duty. This is separate from the death benefit and does not reduce your SGLI payout.
Your SGLI coverage ends 120 days after you leave active duty, separate from the military, or transfer to the Reserve or Guard. If you want coverage after that date, you must convert to VGLI before those 120 days are up. If you miss the important date, you can still request VGLI, but you will need to pass medical underwriting, which may cost more or result in denial if your health has changed.
VGLI: Coverage after military service ends
VGLI is the continuation of SGLI for veterans. You can convert up to your full SGLI amount — up to $400,000 — without a medical exam, as long as you request it within 120 days of discharge or loss of SGLI coverage. After 120 days, you can still request VGLI, but the VA will require medical information and may approve you for less coverage or at a higher rate.
VGLI premiums are higher than SGLI because you are no longer on active duty and the government subsidy ends. The cost depends on your age and coverage amount. Premiums increase every five years as you age. You can check current rates on the VA website or by calling the VA at 1-800-419-1473.
VGLI coverage continues for life as long as you pay the premiums. You can reduce your coverage amount at any time, but you cannot increase it without medical underwriting. If you let your VGLI lapse by missing a payment, you may be able to reinstate it within a set period, but the VA will require proof of insurability.
FSGLI: Coverage for spouses and dependent children
If you are the spouse of a service member covered by SGLI, you can enroll in FSGLI for yourself and your dependent children. Spouses can be covered for up to $100,000; dependent children are covered for $10,000 each at no additional cost once you enroll.
FSGLI enrollment is not automatic. You must request it during an open enrollment period, when you first become a spouse or dependent, or within 60 days of a may have access to life event such as marriage or birth of a child. If you miss these windows, you can still enroll, but the VA will require medical underwriting.
Spouse coverage under FSGLI ends when the service member's SGLI ends — typically at discharge or retirement. At that point, you can convert to VGLI as a surviving spouse if the service member dies, but you cannot continue FSGLI coverage on your own. If you want life insurance after your spouse leaves active duty, you will need to explore other options such as commercial insurance or Tricare life insurance.
Converting SGLI to VGLI: The 120-day window
The 120-day conversion window is the most important important date for veterans. This period starts the day your SGLI coverage ends — usually the day after your discharge date or the date you separate from the Reserve or Guard. You have exactly 120 days to request VGLI conversion without medical underwriting.
To convert, contact the VA directly. You can submit a request online through the VA website, by mail to the VA Life Insurance Center in Philadelphia, or by phone at 1-800-419-1473. You will need your service member number or Social Security number and basic information about your desired coverage amount.
If you miss the 120-day important date, you can still request VGLI, but the VA will send you a medical questionnaire. Your approval and premium rate will depend on your current health. Some veterans are approved at standard rates; others face higher premiums or coverage limits. A small number are denied. There is no penalty for requesting after the important date — you straightforward lose the automatic underwriting advantage.
Other life insurance options for military families
Tricare life insurance is available to military families and retirees. Unlike SGLI and VGLI, Tricare life insurance does require medical underwriting, but it may offer higher coverage limits or different terms than military programs. Spouses and adult children of active duty members or retirees can enroll.
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is a separate program that pays a monthly annuity to your family if you die while on active duty or after retirement. SBP is not life insurance — it is a pension benefit — but it serves a similar purpose. You elect SBP coverage during your military career, and the cost is deducted from your military pay or retirement check. SBP can work alongside SGLI, VGLI, or commercial insurance.
Commercial life insurance is also an option, especially for spouses who want coverage beyond what FSGLI or Tricare offers. Veterans and military spouses often may have access to for discounted rates through military-affiliated insurers. However, commercial policies require medical underwriting and may cost more than VGLI, depending on your age and health.
How to contact the VA about life insurance
The VA Life Insurance Center handles all SGLI, VGLI, and FSGLI questions and requests. You can reach them by phone at 1-800-419-1473, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. They can answer questions about coverage, premiums, conversion important date, and claims.
You can also visit the VA website at va.gov/life-insurance to view current premium rates, read forms, and submit requests online. The website includes a premium calculator so you can estimate your VGLI cost based on your age and coverage amount before you convert.
If you are filing a claim after a death, contact the VA Life Insurance Center with the deceased's service member number or Social Security number and a certified copy of the death certificate. The VA typically processes claims within 30 to 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my SGLI if I transfer to the Reserve or Guard?
SGLI continues while you are in the Reserve or Guard. If you later separate from the Reserve or Guard, your SGLI ends 120 days after separation, and you have that window to convert to VGLI without medical underwriting.
Can I increase my VGLI coverage after I convert?
No. VGLI conversion locks in your coverage amount. You can reduce it at any time, but increasing it requires medical underwriting. If you think you will need more coverage, request the maximum amount ($400,000) when you convert.
Do I lose FSGLI coverage when my spouse retires?
Yes. FSGLI ends when your spouse's SGLI ends, which typically happens at discharge or retirement. You cannot continue FSGLI on your own. At that point, you can explore commercial life insurance, Tricare life insurance, or other options.
What if I did not convert to VGLI within 120 days?
You can still request VGLI after the important date. The VA will ask for medical information, and your approval and rates will depend on your current health. There is no penalty for requesting late — you straightforward lose the automatic underwriting advantage.
Can military spouses get life insurance without a medical exam?
Yes, through FSGLI if you enroll during an open enrollment period or within 60 days of a may have access to life event. After those windows close, FSGLI enrollment requires medical underwriting. Tricare life insurance and commercial policies also require medical information.