Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

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Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

Key takeaways

  • VGLI lets former service members continue the group life coverage they had under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI).
  • Veterans have one year and 120 days from separation to elect VGLI; enrolling within an earlier window avoids health review requirements.
  • Coverage ranges from $10,000 to $400,000 (based on SGLI amount at separation). Coverage can be reduced in $10,000 increments or increased by $25,000 every five years (subject to limits).
  • Premiums are age-based only (no underwriting for tobacco use, occupation, gender or recreational activities), and rates were lowered effective April 1, 2021.

What is VGLI?

VGLI is a renewable term life insurance program that allows veterans to continue the group life insurance they had while on active duty (SGLI). It pays a cash death benefit to designated beneficiaries and remains in force as long as premiums are paid.

Coverage and cost

  • Policy amount: $10,000 up to the amount of SGLI held at separation, with a maximum initial amount of $400,000 (the $400,000 cap applies until the veteran reaches age 60).
  • Adjustments: You may reduce coverage in $10,000 increments. You may increase coverage after enrollment by $25,000 every five years, up to program limits.
  • Premiums: Based on age bands only—factors like tobacco use, job, or gender do not affect rates. Premium rates were reduced effective April 1, 2021.

Eligibility and enrollment windows

Eligible applicants are veterans who held an SGLI policy and meet one of the following separation conditions (examples):
* Released from active duty, training, or orders of 31 days or less.
* Separated by retirement or release from an assignment with the Ready Reserves or National Guard.
* Assigned to the Individual Ready Reserve or Inactive National Guard.
* Placed on the Temporary Disability Retirement List.

You have one year and 120 days from the date you leave service to apply for VGLI. Applying within an earlier period affects health requirements (see next section).

Health requirements

  • If you apply within the initial 240 days after separation, you are not required to submit health evidence for approval.
  • If you apply after that 240-day period but within the full 1 year and 120 days window, you must provide evidence that you are in good health.

Converting to/from civilian policies

  • Within 120 days of leaving service you may convert SGLI to a commercial individual policy offered by some private insurers.
  • VGLI can also be converted to a permanent commercial life insurance policy (for example, whole life) under certain conditions and from a limited group of carriers. Conversion rules and availability vary by carrier.

Considerations and next steps

  • VGLI is often competitive for veterans who want guaranteed access to coverage without medical underwriting, especially soon after separation. However, long-term cost comparisons with private permanent or term policies are important—age-based VGLI premiums can become expensive as you age.
  • Compare VGLI with private life-insurance options to determine which best fits your needs, budget, and health profile.
  • To enroll or get full program details, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or visit their official VGLI information page.