The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers life insurance programs designed to provide financial security during and after military service. These programs vary based on service status, eligibility, and disability rating.
Our team is here to help you understand your options and guide you through available coverage programs with clarity and support.
Overview of VA life insurance programs
VA life insurance is not a single policy, but a collection of programs designed for different stages of military service and post-service life. The primary active programs include:
- Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
- Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)
- Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)
- Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
SGLI provides low-cost term life insurance for eligible active-duty service members.
- Automatic enrollment for most service members
- Coverage up to $500,000
- Includes Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)
- Ends after separation from military service unless converted
SGLI serves as the foundation for post-service conversion options.
Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
VGLI allows veterans to continue life insurance coverage after leaving military service.
- Converts from SGLI after separation
- Coverage up to the amount held at separation
- No medical exam if applied within the VA's guaranteed enrollment window
- Renewable term life insurance
- Premiums increase with age
VGLI is designed to provide continued coverage during the transition to civilian life.
VA Life Insurance (VALife)
VALife is a permanent whole life insurance program for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
- Guaranteed acceptance (no health questions required)
- Available to veterans with any VA disability rating (including 0%)
- Coverage up to $40,000 in $10,000 increments
- Builds cash value after 2 years
- Fixed premiums that do not increase over time
VALife is designed for long-term financial protection, especially when private coverage may be difficult to obtain.
Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)
VMLI provides mortgage protection for severely disabled veterans.
- Pays off the remaining mortgage balance upon death
- Requires eligibility under a VA housing grant program
- Designed to protect surviving family members from housing loss
Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
FSGLI provides coverage for military families.
- Covers spouses and dependent children of service members enrolled in SGLI
- Coverage amount based on election and eligibility
- Ends when the service member separates from service unless converted
| Program | At a glance |
|---|---|
| SGLI | Active-duty coverage only |
| VGLI | Post-service term coverage continuation |
| VALife | Permanent coverage for veterans with disabilities |
| VMLI | Mortgage protection for severely disabled veterans |
| FSGLI | Family coverage while serving |
Important considerations
- VA life insurance is not automatically permanent after separation
- Most veterans must actively convert or apply for coverage
- Costs, coverage limits, and eligibility vary by program
- Private insurance may offer higher coverage amounts depending on health and eligibility
How we help veterans
Choosing the right life insurance option can be complex. We assist veterans and families by:
- Explaining VA insurance program differences
- Reviewing eligibility and timing requirements
- Helping with application guidance
- Clarifying conversion options after service
- Supporting informed financial decisions
Our goal is to make the process clear, accurate, and easier to navigate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my SGLI after leaving the military?
No. SGLI ends after separation, but you may be eligible to convert to VGLI.
Is VALife free?
No. VALife is a paid whole life insurance program with fixed premiums.
Can veterans with no disability rating get VA life insurance?
Yes. VGLI may be available if you had SGLI coverage during service.
Which VA life insurance option is best?
It depends on your health, service history, and coverage needs. Some veterans prefer private term insurance for higher coverage amounts, while others use VA programs for guaranteed eligibility.
Questions about coverage?
Our service officers can walk you through your options — at no cost.