It depends on your health. VGLI is easy to get after you leave the service. If you are healthy, private term may cost less and keep the same price.
VGLI pays $10,000 to $500,000, but not more than your SGLI when you left. Apply within 1 year and 120 days of leaving. Apply within 240 days and you do not need to prove good health.
VGLI price goes up with age. The VA says your cost depends only on your age and the amount, not your gender or tobacco use. You can keep it for life if you pay.
VA examples, as of July 1, 2025: age 29 and under, $500,000 is $30 a month. Ages 40 to 44, $100,000 is $14 a month. Ages 60 to 64, $500,000 is $425 a month. Age 80 and up, $10,000 is $44 a month.
The VA says VGLI may be a good fit if you have a health condition linked to your service. Private term may fit if you are healthy and want a payment that will not change. VGLI does not build cash value.
Our tip: if you are healthy, get private quotes in your first 240 days. You can still pick VGLI with no health check if private costs more or you get turned down.
More questions
Can I add more VGLI later?
Yes. The VA says you can add $25,000 one year after you enroll and then every 5 years, up to $500,000, until age 60.
Is there a break on VGLI payments?
The VA says eligible Veterans do not pay VGLI premiums from November 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027, and coverage keeps going.
Can I turn VGLI into my own policy?
Yes. The VA says you can convert to a permanent policy, like whole life, with no health review.
Words to know
- Cash value
- The savings part of a permanent policy. It grows over time and can be used for loans, cash, or to pay premiums.
