VA LIFE INSURANCE FOR VETERANS
The VA offers several life insurance programs designed specifically for service members, veterans, and their families. Most programs offer low-cost coverage with guaranteed acceptance.
Visit VA Life Insurance Portal →INSURANCE PROGRAMS
Coverage options for every stage of your military and post-military life
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Low-cost group life insurance for active duty service members, Ready Reserve, and National Guard members. Coverage is automatic unless declined.
Key Details
- ✓Coverage up to $500,000 in $50,000 increments
- ✓Automatic coverage for active duty members
- ✓Low monthly premiums regardless of age or health
- ✓Traumatic injury protection (TSGLI) included
- ✓$100,000 spousal coverage available
- ✓Coverage for dependent children at no cost
Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
Allows you to convert your SGLI coverage to renewable term insurance after separation. No medical exam required if you apply within 240 days of discharge.
Key Details
- ✓Coverage up to $500,000
- ✓No medical underwriting if applied within 240 days
- ✓Renewable 5-year term coverage
- ✓Premiums increase with age at renewal
- ✓Can reduce coverage at any time
- ✓Convertible to individual commercial policy
Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI)
Life insurance for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Available at standard premium rates regardless of the service-connected condition.
Key Details
- ✓Up to $10,000 basic coverage
- ✓Supplemental coverage up to $30,000 (total $40,000)
- ✓Premium waiver for totally disabled veterans
- ✓Standard premium rates despite disability
- ✓Must apply within 2 years of new service-connected disability rating
Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
Coverage for spouses and dependent children of service members with SGLI. Spousal coverage requires evidence of insurability for amounts over $100,000.
Key Details
- ✓Spouse coverage up to $100,000
- ✓Dependent child coverage of $10,000 at no cost
- ✓Spouse premiums based on age
- ✓Available to all SGLI-insured members
- ✓Coverage terminates when member separates
Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)
New whole life insurance program for veterans with service-connected disabilities. No medical underwriting required, with guaranteed acceptance.
Key Details
- ✓Up to $40,000 in whole life coverage
- ✓Guaranteed acceptance, no health questions
- ✓Builds cash value over time
- ✓Premiums based on age at enrollment
- ✓Available to veterans with any service-connected disability rating
- ✓No time limit to apply
HOW TO FILE A CLAIM
What your beneficiaries need to do, and what you can do now to make it simple for them
Identify the policy
Determine whether the coverage was SGLI, VGLI, FSGLI, S-DVI, or VALife. SGLI and VGLI claims go to the Office of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (OSGLI); S-DVI and VALife claims go directly to the VA.
Gather the documents
You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, the policy or file number if known, and the claimant's Social Security number. For SGLI claims a copy of the DD-214 or a statement of service helps speed verification.
Complete the right form
File VA Form SGLV 8283 for SGLI, VGLI, and FSGLI claims. File VA Form 29-4125 for S-DVI and VALife. Each named beneficiary files their own form for their share of the proceeds.
Submit and follow up
Submit online at benefits.va.gov/insurance, by mail, or by fax. Call OSGLI at 1-800-419-1473 for SGLI and VGLI, or the VA Insurance Center at 1-800-669-8477 for VA-administered policies. Most claims settle within a few weeks.
Do this today: check your beneficiary designation
The single most common problem with military life insurance claims is an out-of-date beneficiary form. Divorce, remarriage, and new children do not update your designation automatically — the VA pays whoever is named on file. Active duty members can review and update SGLI beneficiaries through the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) in milConnect. Veterans with VGLI, S-DVI, or VALife can update beneficiaries at benefits.va.gov/insurance or by calling 1-800-669-8477.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions about SGLI, VGLI, and VA-administered life insurance
Does my SGLI coverage end when I leave the military?+
How much does VGLI cost compared to SGLI?+
Can I have both VGLI and a civilian life insurance policy?+
Do I qualify for S-DVI or VALife if I have a 0% disability rating?+
How do my survivors file a claim after my death?+
EXPLORE MORE VETERAN BENEFITS
Life insurance is just one of many benefits you've earned through your service.