Veteran Group Life Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Veteran Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is a life insurance program that is offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. VGLI is designed to provide affordable life insurance coverage to veterans who may not have access to such coverage through other means. In this article, we will provide an overview of VGLI, its benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for coverage.

What is Veteran Group Life Insurance?

VGLI is a life insurance program that provides coverage to veterans who have served in the military. The program is designed to offer affordable life insurance coverage to veterans who may not have access to such coverage through other means. Under VGLI, veterans are able to continue the life insurance coverage they had while in the military, even after they are no longer serving.

VGLI is a term life insurance policy, which means that it provides coverage for a specific period of time. The coverage period for VGLI is generally the same as the term of the veteran’s previous Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) policy. However, veterans are able to renew their VGLI coverage for as long as they need it, as long as they continue to pay the premiums.

One of the benefits of VGLI is that veterans are able to convert their SGLI policy to VGLI without having to provide proof of good health. This means that veterans who have developed health issues since leaving the military may still be eligible for VGLI coverage.

VGLI is offered through the VA, and premiums are based on the age of the veteran and the amount of coverage they choose. The maximum coverage amount under VGLI is $400,000.

The Benefits of VGLI

There are several benefits to enrolling in VGLI:

  • Guaranteed acceptance: Veterans are guaranteed acceptance into VGLI, regardless of their health status.
  • Affordability: VGLI premiums are generally lower than premiums for other types of life insurance coverage.
  • Flexibility: Veterans can choose the amount of coverage that best suits their needs, up to a maximum of $400,000.
  • Continuation of coverage: Veterans are able to continue their life insurance coverage after leaving the military, without having to undergo a medical examination.

Eligibility for VGLI

Not all veterans are eligible for VGLI coverage. In order to be eligible for VGLI, veterans must meet the following criteria:

  • Have been insured under the SGLI program while on active duty
  • Be within 1 year and 120 days of separation from active duty
  • Not be eligible for VGLI coverage based on their service-related disabilities
  • Not be eligible for VGLI coverage based on their participation in TSGLI

It is important to note that veterans who are eligible for VGLI coverage must apply for coverage within 1 year and 120 days of separation from active duty. Failure to apply within this time frame may result in the veteran being ineligible for coverage.

How to Apply for VGLI Coverage

Applying for VGLI coverage is a simple process, and can be done online or by mail. To apply for VGLI coverage, veterans must follow these steps:

  1. Complete and submit a VGLI application within 1 year and 120 days of separation from active duty.
  2. Choose the amount of coverage they wish to purchase, up to a maximum of $400,000.
  3. Pay the initial premium for their VGLI coverage.

Once the application and premium payment have been received, the veteran’s coverage will become effective. Veterans will receive a VGLI policy that outlines the terms and conditions of their coverage, as well as their premium payments.

FAQ

What is the maximum amount of coverage available under VGLI?

The maximum amount of coverage available under VGLI is $400,000.

How long does VGLI coverage last?

VGLI coverage lasts for a specific term, which is generally the same as the term of the veteran’s previous SGLI policy. However, veterans are able to renew their VGLI coverage as needed, as long as they continue to pay the premiums.

What happens if a veteran misses a premium payment?

If a veteran misses a premium payment, their VGLI coverage may be cancelled. However, veterans are generally given a grace period of 31 days to make their premium payment before their coverage is cancelled.

Is VGLI coverage available to veterans who were not insured under SGLI?

No, VGLI coverage is only available to veterans who were insured under the SGLI program while on active duty.

Can veterans choose the amount of coverage they wish to purchase?

Yes, veterans are able to choose the amount of coverage that best suits their needs, up to a maximum of $400,000.

Is VGLI coverage expensive?

No, VGLI premiums are generally lower than premiums for other types of life insurance coverage. The cost of VGLI coverage is based on the age of the veteran and the amount of coverage they choose.