Veterans can keep VA life insurance after they leave the military. The main choices are VGLI, VALife for veterans with a service connected disability, and private coverage, plus VA burial help.
While you serve, most people have SGLI. It covers up to $500,000. It is cheap and it comes out of your pay. When you leave, SGLI stays free for 120 days. Then it ends unless you act.
VGLI lets you keep your coverage after you leave. You can get $10,000 to $500,000, up to what you had with SGLI. Apply within 240 days of leaving and there is no health review. The price depends only on your age.
Do you have a VA disability rating, even 0%? Then you can get VALife. It is whole life coverage up to $40,000. You do not have to prove good health. Spouses of people who serve can get FSGLI, up to $100,000.
VA also helps with burial. It can pay part of the funeral and plot costs. It gives a free grave in a national cemetery, a headstone, and a flag. Many veterans add a private policy to cover the rest or to get more coverage.
Key facts
- SGLI covers up to $500,000 while you serve, in $50,000 steps.
- SGLI stays free for 120 days after you leave the military.
- VGLI covers $10,000 to $500,000. Apply within 1 year and 120 days of leaving.
- Apply for VGLI within 240 days and VA will not look at your health.
- VALife covers up to $40,000 for veterans with any service connected rating, even 0%.
- FSGLI covers a spouse for up to $100,000 and each child for $10,000 at no cost.
At a glance
| Program | Who it is for | Most coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SGLI | People serving now | $500,000 |
| VGLI | Veterans who had SGLI | $500,000 |
| VALife | Veterans with a service connected rating | $40,000 |
| FSGLI | Spouses and children of people with SGLI | $100,000 spouse, $10,000 child |
| VMLI | Veterans with a severe service connected disability and an SAH grant | $200,000 (paid to the mortgage lender) |
Coverage limits from va.gov program pages for SGLI, VGLI, VALife, FSGLI and VMLI, checked October 7, 2026.
Veterans guides
Common questions
Does my SGLI keep going after I leave?
Only for a short time. It stays free for 120 days after you leave. To keep coverage, sign up for VGLI or switch to a private policy.
Do I need a health exam for VA life insurance?
Not for VGLI if you apply within 240 days of leaving. Not for VALife if you have a service connected rating. After 240 days, VGLI asks for proof of good health.
Can I have VA coverage and a private policy too?
Yes. VA says you can apply for both VGLI and a private policy. A private company may look at your health first.
