TIP:
If you have an SGLI policy and are totally disabled when you separate from service, you may be able to keep your SGLI coverage for up to 2 years at no cost.
Follow this link to find out more about the Department of Veterns' Affairs SGLI Disability Extension.

SGLI is a VA program that provides low cost group life insurance to members of the Uniformed Services, including commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, cadets and midshipmen of the service academies. Members are automatically insured under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) for the maximum amount of $400,000 unless an election is filed reducing the insurance by $50,000 increments or canceling it entirely.

In addition the SGLI coverage now includes Traumatic Injury Protection. This coverage provides servicemembers protection against loss due to traumatic injuries and is designed to provide financial assistance to members so their loved ones can be with them during their recovery from their injuries.  The coverage ranges from $25,000 to $100,000 depending on the nature of the injury.

SGLI Premium Update: As of July 2008, the SGLI Premium Rates will decrease by 7 percent. The new rates will be reduced to 6.5 cents per $10,000 or $27 per month for the maximum of $400,000, this includes a mandatory $1 charge for TSGLI.


The premium for part-time coverage is $28 per year for $400,000 of coverage. Members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) will be charged $1.00 for $400,000 of coverage for 1-day call-ups.

The SGLI coverage may be converted, upon release from active duty, active duty for training, initial active duty for training or upon separation from the Ready Reserve, to VGLI or, if desired, to a commercial life insurance policy effective at the end of the 120-day SGLI extension period.

Related Life Insurance Programs:

For more details on the SGLI program, see the VA's Life Insurance Program Website.