Understanding VA Life Insurance Programs

For many Veterans, navigating the benefits and insurance programs available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be a daunting task. Among the myriad of benefits, VA life insurance programs stand out as essential provisions that can provide financial security and peace of mind for Veterans and their families.

Types of VA Life Insurance Programs

The VA offers several life insurance programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of Veterans, service members, and their families. Each program is designed to provide coverage in different situations, ensuring Veterans can find a plan that suits their individual circumstances.

Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)

VALife replaced Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance (S-DVI) on January 1, 2023. VALife offers guaranteed acceptance whole life coverage of up to $40,000 to Veterans with service-connected disabilities. The elected coverage takes effect two years after enrollment, as long as premiums are paid during the two-year period.

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

SGLI is a low-cost group term life insurance program for active-duty service members and certain Ready Reserve and National Guard members. SGLI coverage is automatic for most eligible service members and can be extended for up to two years if the service member is totally disabled at separation.

Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

VGLI allows Veterans to convert their SGLI coverage to a renewable term insurance plan after leaving the military. This program ensures that Veterans can maintain life insurance coverage without a medical examination if they apply within a certain timeframe after separation.

Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)

FSGLI provides coverage for the spouses and dependent children of service members insured under SGLI. Spousal coverage cannot exceed the service member’s coverage, and dependent children are automatically covered at no charge.

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)

TSGLI is an automatic feature of SGLI that provides payments to service members who suffer severe injuries, such as amputations, blindness, or paraplegia, due to traumatic events that occur in service.

Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

VMLI offers mortgage protection insurance to severely disabled veterans who have received a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant. This program ensures that if the Veteran passes away, their family is not burdened with the mortgage on the adapted home.[1]

Consult with a VA Accredited Attorney

VA life insurance programs offer valuable protection and peace of mind for Veterans and their families. Consulting with a VA Accredited Attorney can provide Veterans with the expertise and support needed to successfully apply for and manage their life insurance benefits. If you or a loved one is a Veteran, consider reaching out to a qualified VA Accredited attorney to ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.

For more information, schedule a consultation with our VA Accredited Attorney. Our experienced team is dedicated to serving Veterans and helping them secure their rightful benefits.

[1] Life Insurance, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs March 27, 2024), https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/