SGLI and other Group Life Insurance
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is an insurance policy provided and subsidized by the federal government with up to $500,000 of coverage to the beneficiaries of all active servicemembers. It is paid for through a monthly deduction of $30.00 from their pay. All servicemembers are covered for the same cost regardless of health. There is also coverage for family members under Family SGLI. Servicemembers must make a request to change or refuse the insurance coverage(s). The coverage ends 120 days after the servicemember leaves the military. Upon separation or retirement, Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) becomes an option. You’ll find an overview of these benefits below. Feel free to contact our Education team with questions.
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
No underwriting requirements at the time of entry into military service
Automatically provided to servicemembers at $500,000
All servicemembers are covered for the same cost regardless of health
Servicemembers must make a request to change or refuse the insurance policy coverage
SGLI’s Accelerated Death Benefit Option provides up to 50% of the death benefit for the terminally ill with a life expectancy of nine months or less
Free Beneficiary Financial Counseling Services (BFCS) for one year are available through a professional financial planner
Coverage ends 120 days after the servicemember leaves the military
Enrollment into Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) without medical underwriting is available within 240 days of separation/retirement
SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
Disability compensation for serious injury and loss of limbs up to $100,000
Automatically provided for all servicemembers carrying any amount of SGLI for $1.00 per month
Military members who totally cancel their SGLI also forfeit this benefit
Family SGLI (FSGLI) Coverage
Provides spouse coverage with a death benefit of up to $100,000
Automatic coverage unless servicemember specifically requests that it be canceled
Premiums determined by the spouse’s age and increase in five-year increments
Child(ren) covered at no cost with $10,000 of life insurance per child until the child(ren)’s 18th birthday
Spouse coverage is convertible to commercial permanent insurance within 120 days of servicemember’s retirement or separation
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
Group term insurance
Renewable at five-year intervals with an increasing premium
Cost varies according to age and amount of coverage
No proof of insurability required if elected within 240 days of separation or retirement
VGLI is available up to 16 months after leaving the service, but a medical exam may be required after the first 240 days
Can be converted to commercial permanent insurance any time up to amount of VGLI held
VGLI’s Accelerated Death Benefit Option provides up to 50% of the death benefit for the terminally ill with a life expectancy of nine months or less
Free Beneficiary Financial Counseling Services (BFCS) are available for one year through a professional financial planner
| Monthly Premiums for $500,000 Maximum Coverage under VGLI: | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | Under 30 | 30+ | 35+ | 40+ | 45+ | 50+ | 55+ | 60+ | 65+ |
| Cost | $35 | $45 | $60 | $80 | $105 | $165 | $300 | $495 | $735 |
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)
Those with a service-connected disability can apply for S-DVI from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. S-DVI policies are issued for a maximum face amount of $10,000. For those who are determined to be totally disabled, premiums can be waived and the veteran may be eligible for a supplemental policy of up to $30,000. However, premiums for the supplemental policy cannot be waived.
You can apply for S-DVI if you meet the following four criteria:
- You were released from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions on or after April 25, 1951
- You were rated by the VA for a service-connected disability (even if only 0%)
- You are in good health except for any service-connected conditions
- You apply within two years from the date the VA grants your new service-connected disability
Navy Mutual Aid Association’s Department of Education and Veteran Services does not endorse or favor any commercial financial product or service or promote the services of any specific financial institution. Further, Navy Mutual Aid Association and its accredited VSO Representatives do not charge or accept a fee or gratuity for representation services rendered to claimants before the Department of Veterans Affairs. 38 C.F.R. §14.628.