For veterans & military families
You served. Now make sure your family is protected.
Leaving the service? SGLI ends, and VGLI premiums climb with age. We compare VGLI with private life insurance and mortgage protection so veterans and their spouses can see what fits their budget.
- Veteran-friendly carriers
- Service-connected conditions considered
- Spouses welcome
Your options
Life insurance options after the military
Government program
VGLI
Converts your SGLI after separation. Apply within 240 days and no health questions are asked; you can apply up to 1 year and 120 days after with proof of good health. Up to your SGLI amount (max $500,000); premiums rise as you age.
Government program
VALife
Guaranteed-acceptance whole life for veterans 80 or younger with any service-connected rating, even 0%. Up to $40,000. Full coverage after 2 years; before that, premiums plus interest are paid.
Private
Private term life
Often less expensive than VGLI for healthy veterans, with level premiums for 10–30 years. Many carriers are veteran-friendly.
Compare private term →Private
Mortgage protection
A strong fit for VA-loan homeowners: coverage sized to the loan, often with living benefits.
Mortgage protection →Private
Final expense
Smaller whole life policies for burial and end-of-life costs, often with no exam.
Private
Spouse & family coverage
Spouses often need their own policy after separation. We can quote you both together.
VGLI vs. private term life
| Topic | VGLI | Private term life |
|---|---|---|
| Health questions | None if you apply within 240 days | Usually, but many no-exam options |
| Premiums over time | Increase as you move into older age brackets | Level for the whole term |
| Maximum coverage | Your SGLI amount (up to $500,000) | Often $1M+ available |
| Living benefits | Limited | Often available through riders |
| Often best for | Serious health conditions | Healthy veterans who want lower cost |
Veteran life insurance FAQ
What is the deadline to convert SGLI to VGLI?
You have 1 year and 120 days from separation to apply. Apply within the first 240 days and you won't have to answer health questions.
Is VGLI worth keeping?
It can be, especially if health conditions make private coverage expensive. For healthy veterans, private term life often costs less over time because VGLI premiums rise with age. Compare both before the 240-day window closes.
Can I get life insurance with a VA disability rating?
Yes. VALife offers guaranteed-acceptance coverage to veterans 80 or younger with a service-connected rating, and many private carriers offer coverage depending on the condition.
Does a VA home loan require mortgage insurance?
VA loans don't require monthly mortgage insurance, though most borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee. That also means nothing pays off the loan if you die — mortgage protection fills that gap.
Can my spouse get coverage too?
Yes. Family SGLI coverage for a spouse ends 120 days after the service member separates, so many spouses need their own policy. We can quote you both together.
Sources
Last reviewed by a licensed agent. Figures change each year — confirm current amounts at the sources above.
Thank you for your service. Let us help protect your family.
Free comparison of VGLI and private options.