United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

 

Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

VGLI is a life insurance program that allows Veterans to convert their full-time SGLI coverage to lifetime renewable term insurance after separation from service. If you apply within 240 days after discharge, you can obtain this coverage regardless of health. You can retain VGLI for as long as you pay the premiums.

Eligibility

You qualify for VGLI if you are one of the following:

  • Servicemember being released from active duty who was covered by SGLI, OR
  • Servicemember separating, retiring, or being released from assignment in the Ready Reserve or National Guard who was covered by SGLI, OR
  • National Guard or Reserve member covered by part-time SGLI who incurred a disability or aggravated a pre-existing disability while performing inactive duty or traveling to/from duty, OR
  • Member of the Individual Ready Reserve or Inactive National Guard.

Coverage

VGLI coverage is available in increments of $10,000 up to a maximum of $400,000. However, a Servicemember's initial VGLI coverage amount cannot exceed your SGLI coverage amount in force at the time of separation from service.

Effective April 11, 2011, VGLI policy holders who are under age 60 and have less than $400,000 in coverage can purchase up to $25,000 of additional coverage on each five-year anniversary of your policy, up to the maximum $400,000. No medical underwriting is required for the additional coverage.

Cost/Rates

VGLI Premiums are based upon the Veterans age. Premium rates were reduced effective July 1, 2008. Follow this link to view VGLI premium rates.

Use the Insurance Needs Calculator to assess your life insurance needs and determine if you have enough coverage.

Deadline to Convert SGLI to VGLI

You must apply to convert SGLI to VGLI within one year and 120 days from discharge. Veterans who submit their application within 240 days of discharge do not need to submit evidence of good health, while those who apply more than 240 days after discharge are required to answer questions about their health.

How to Apply

Applying for VGLI is simple using one of the following methods:

Converting VGLI to a Commercial Policy Conversion Feature

VGLI policyholders can convert your VGLI to an individual commercial life insurance policy at any time. Follow these links for: