Military Insurance Guide
Best Life Insurance for Veterans & Military (2026)
From SGLI to private life insurance - military life coverage is more complex than civilians face. Here's what you need to know.
SGLI vs VGLI vs Private Life Insurance
| Feature | SGLI (Active) | VGLI (Post-Service) | USAA Life Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Coverage | $500,000 | $500,000 | Up to $10M+ |
| Combat Death Coverage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deployment Premium Waiver | N/A (covered) | No | Yes |
| Term Options | Fixed (service) | Fixed (5-year) | 10/15/20/30-year |
| Eligibility | Active duty only | Veterans (120-day window) | Military/veterans |
| Avg Monthly Cost (500K) | ~$29 | Age-based (higher) | Competitive private rates |
Key Life Insurance Facts for Military
SGLI: Your Active Duty Coverage
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance automatically covers active duty at $500,000 for ~$29/month. It covers combat deaths, which many civilian policies exclude.
VGLI: The Post-Service Transition
Veterans' Group Life Insurance must be applied for within 1 year and 120 days of separation. Premiums increase with age and become expensive past 60. Compare with USAA Life before committing.
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
SBP provides a monthly annuity to surviving spouses of retired servicemembers. USAA offers SBP supplements to fill coverage gaps. Coordinate SBP with your private life insurance plan.
Combat Zone Coverage
Many civilian term life policies exclude combat deaths. USAA Life and Military Mutual both cover combat zone deaths. Always verify this before reducing SGLI or VGLI.
Frequently Asked Questions
VGLI is convenient but premiums increase with age. For veterans under 40 in good health, a 20-year term policy from USAA Life or another insurer is often cheaper. Compare rates before your 120-day VGLI application window closes.
SGLI, VGLI, and USAA Life all cover combat deaths. Many civilian term policies include war exclusions. Always verify this in writing before reducing government coverage.
Yes. FSGLI (Family SGLI) covers spouses up to $100,000 and dependent children at $10,000. Additional private life insurance can supplement this for both you and your spouse.
SGLI automatically covers you during deployment. USAA Life waives premiums during active deployment. For civilian policies, verify your policy's war exclusion clause before deploying.
A common rule is 10-12x your annual income. For a veteran with a $75,000 salary, that's $750,000-$900,000. Add more if you have a spouse, young children, or significant debt like a VA loan mortgage.
Find Your Best Life Insurance Rate
Compare USAA Life, VGLI, and civilian term policies side by side.
Compare Life Insurance Rates