---
title: Life Insurance for Active duty military | Coverfolk
url: https://coverfolk.com/jobs/active-military
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Life insurance for active duty military

More than 1.2 million people serve on active duty. Many are young. The average enlisted member is 27.4 years old.

[Find my coverage gap](/jobs/active-military/calculator)

Updated October 8, 20264 sources[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

**1.2 million**More than 1.2 million active duty members in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force (2023)[Source: Military OneSource: 2023 Demographics Profile, Active Duty Members](https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Infographic/2023-demographics-active-duty-members.pdf)

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## Why it matters

Most service members are signed up for SGLI on their own. It pays up to $500,000. That is a strong base, but it is tied to your service.

SGLI coverage stops 120 days after you leave the military. A policy you own can stay with you. Some private policies may limit pay for deaths in war, so read the terms.

* SGLI pays up to $500,000 in $50,000 steps. If you are eligible, you are signed up on your own through your branch.
* SGLI coverage lasts 120 days after you leave the military at no cost. You can switch to VGLI, but VGLI rates go up as you age.
* State law lets life policies limit the amount paid for a death while serving in the armed forces of a country at war.

## What an insurer may ask you

Have these ready. Being honest up front gets you a real price and avoids problems at claim time.

* Your branch, rank, and job in the military
* Any planned deployment
* Whether you fly as a pilot or crew member
* Your age, health, and tobacco use
* How much SGLI you have now

## Common questions

Do I already have life insurance in the military?

Most likely. SGLI signs up eligible members on their own. It pays up to $500,000.

What happens to SGLI when I get out?

It keeps going for 120 days for free. Then it ends unless you switch to VGLI or buy your own plan.

Can a private policy cover me while I serve?

Some can. State law lets insurers limit what they pay for a death in war. Ask about any war clause before you buy.

Is VGLI cheap?

It can be at first. VA says VGLI rates go up as you get older. At $500,000, the monthly rate is $30 at age 29 or younger and $40 at ages 30 to 34.

## Coverage people in this job pick

[**Term life: The most coverage for the least money, for 10 to 30 years.**](/coverage/term-life)[**Mortgage protection: Life insurance sized to your home loan, so the house stays paid.**](/coverage/mortgage-protection)[**Final expense: Small whole life plans that pay for a funeral and last bills.**](/coverage/final-expense)[**Does my job change what I pay for life insurance?**](/answers/does-my-job-affect-life-insurance)[**Is the life insurance from my job enough?**](/answers/work-life-insurance-enough)[**How much life insurance do I need?**](/answers/how-much-life-insurance-do-i-need)

## Sources

1. [Military OneSource: 2023 Demographics Profile, Active Duty Members](https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Infographic/2023-demographics-active-duty-members.pdf)
2. [VA: Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)](https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/sgli/)
3. [VA: Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)](https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/vgli/)
4. [Minnesota Statutes 61A.06: Life insurance policy provisions](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/61A.06)

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