SGLI: Everything Army Soldiers Need to Know

Servicemembers Group Life Insurance is automatic, affordable, and essential for every active duty Army soldier. Here is what you need to know about coverage amounts, costs, beneficiary rules, and how to supplement SGLI with private coverage.

Quick Facts: SGLI

Max Coverage
$500,000
Monthly Cost
$29/mo
Eligibility
Active + Reserve
Government-backed program
No medical exam required
Automatic enrollment on day 1

What Is SGLI?

Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is a low-cost group life insurance program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Every eligible service member is automatically enrolled at the maximum coverage level ($500,000) unless they elect a lower amount or decline coverage.

SGLI covers active duty Army soldiers including Army National Guard and Reserve members when on active duty or inactive duty training. Coverage begins on the first day you are on active duty orders.

SGLI Coverage Levels and Cost

You can choose coverage in $50,000 increments from $50,000 up to the maximum of $500,000. The cost is $0.06 per $1,000 of coverage per month, plus $1/month for TSGLI (traumatic injury coverage).

Coverage Amount Monthly Cost Annual Cost Cost per $1K Coverage/Year
$50,000$3/mo + $1 TSGLI$48/yr$0.96
$100,000$6/mo + $1 TSGLI$84/yr$0.84
$200,000$12/mo + $1 TSGLI$156/yr$0.78
$400,000$24/mo + $1 TSGLI$300/yr$0.75
$500,000 (max)$29/mo + $1 TSGLI$360/yr$0.72

Beneficiary Rules

You can name any person or entity as your SGLI beneficiary. If you are married, your spouse is the automatic primary beneficiary unless you designate otherwise. You can name multiple beneficiaries and specify percentage splits. Update your beneficiary designation through the SGLV 8286 form or milConnect portal.

Common mistake: Many soldiers forget to update beneficiaries after marriage, divorce, or having children. Review your SGLI designation annually.

TSGLI - Traumatic Injury Coverage

All SGLI-insured soldiers automatically receive Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (TSGLI). This pays $25,000 to $100,000 for qualifying traumatic injuries including loss of limbs, blindness, severe burns, and other serious injuries that require assistance with daily activities for 30+ days.

What SGLI Does NOT Cover

Quick Savings Estimate

Estimate annual savings if you supplement SGLI with a private life policy.

How to Supplement SGLI

$500,000 may not be enough for soldiers with mortgages, multiple dependents, or significant financial obligations. Common SGLI supplement strategies include:

Related Insurance Pages

VGLI After ServiceConvert SGLI when you separate Private Life InsuranceSupplement options and comparisons Eligibility CheckerFind all programs you qualify for

SGLI Frequently Asked Questions

SGLI costs $0.06 per $1,000 of coverage per month. Maximum $500,000 coverage costs $29/month plus $1 for TSGLI (traumatic injury coverage), totaling $30/month.
Active duty service members, members of the Selected Reserve, and Ready Reserve are automatically eligible. Coverage starts on day one of active duty orders.
SGLI coverage continues for 120 days after separation at no cost. After that, you can convert to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days of separation without a medical exam.
Yes. You can reduce SGLI in $50,000 increments or decline coverage entirely using SGLV 8286. Most financial advisors recommend keeping the maximum $500,000 given the low cost of $29/month.
Yes. SGLI covers death from any cause including combat, accidents, suicide (after 2 years), and natural causes. There are very few exclusions compared to private life insurance policies.