VGLI Coverage for Army Veterans

Veterans Group Life Insurance lets you keep life coverage after leaving the Army. Convert your SGLI without a medical exam - but the window is narrow. Here is everything you need to act before your deadline.

Quick Facts: VGLI

Max Coverage
$500,000
Conversion Window
1 yr + 120 days
Eligibility
Veterans w/ SGLI

What Is VGLI?

VGLI is a VA-administered renewable term life insurance program available to service members who had SGLI coverage. You can convert your SGLI to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days of separation, retirement, or release from full-time duty.

The key advantage: if you apply within 240 days of separation, no medical exam or health questions are required - guaranteed issue regardless of health status. After 240 days but within the full conversion window, a medical exam is required.

VGLI vs Private Life Insurance

Feature VGLI Private Term Life
Max Coverage$500,000$5,000,000+
Medical ExamNot required (first 240 days)Varies - often not required
Rates Age 30~$16/mo per $100K~$7-12/mo per $100K
Rate IncreasesEvery 5 yearsLevel for term period
CancellationCan decline anytimeCan decline anytime

For healthy veterans under 40, private term life insurance typically offers better rates than VGLI. However, VGLI is guaranteed issue during the conversion window, making it invaluable for veterans with health conditions that might disqualify them from private coverage.

How to Apply for VGLI

  1. Submit VGLI Application (SGLV 8714) within 1 year 120 days of separation
  2. Apply within 240 days for guaranteed issue (no health questions)
  3. Coverage can be matched to your SGLI coverage level at separation
  4. Increase coverage by $25,000 every 5 years without medical exam
SGLI on Active DutyThe program you are converting from Private Life InsuranceCompare alternatives to VGLI Eligibility CheckerSee all VA programs you qualify for

VGLI Frequently Asked Questions

You have 1 year and 120 days from separation to convert. No medical exam required if you apply within the first 240 days. After 240 days, a health assessment is required.
VGLI rates are age-based. At age 29-30, $100,000 of coverage costs about $16/month. Rates increase every 5 years. Private term life is often cheaper for healthy veterans under 40.
Yes. You can increase coverage by $25,000 on each 5-year policy anniversary without a medical exam, up to your original SGLI amount at separation.