Converting SGLI to VGLI Life Insurance
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) ends at separation, but eligible veterans can convert to Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) within specific deadlines, in some cases without medical underwriting.
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides low-cost group term life insurance while on active duty, but that coverage generally ends 120 days after separation. Veterans have a window to convert to Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI), a similar group term policy; applying within 240 days of separation avoids medical underwriting, while later applications (up to 1 year and 120 days after separation) require answering health questions and may be subject to approval. VGLI premiums are generally higher than SGLI and increase with age, so many veterans compare VGLI against private term life insurance options before deciding. Because the no-underwriting window is time-limited, review your life insurance decision well before your separation date rather than after.
Official sources
- Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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