Disabled veterans have VA options that do not ask about health. VALife covers up to $40,000, and VGLI covers up to $500,000 if you apply within 240 days of leaving.
Health problems can make private life insurance hard to get. A private company may say no or charge more. VA has plans that skip the health check if you meet the rules.
VALife is for veterans with any service connected rating, even 0%. It pays up to $40,000. Full coverage starts after 2 years. VGLI is for veterans who had SGLI. Apply within 240 days of leaving and VA will not look at your health.
If you are totally disabled when you leave, you may get free SGLI for up to 2 years. This is the SGLI Disability Extension. When it ends, you can move to VGLI.
Some veterans with a severe service connected disability and a Specially Adapted Housing grant can get VMLI. It pays up to $200,000 to the mortgage lender. If you have SGLI, FSGLI, or VGLI and a doctor says you have 9 months or less to live, you can get up to half your coverage early.
Key facts
- VALife: up to $40,000, no health questions, any service connected rating.
- VGLI: up to $500,000, no health review if you apply within 240 days.
- SGLI Disability Extension: up to 2 years of free coverage if you qualify.
- VMLI: up to $200,000 paid to your mortgage lender. Apply before age 70.
- Terminal illness: get up to 50% of SGLI, FSGLI, or VGLI coverage early.
- S-DVI stopped taking new applications after December 31, 2022.
At a glance
| Program | Health check? | Most coverage |
|---|---|---|
| VALife | No | $40,000 |
| VGLI within 240 days | No | $500,000 |
| VGLI after 240 days | Yes | $500,000 |
| SGLI Disability Extension | Must be totally disabled or have certain losses | Your SGLI amount, up to 2 years |
| VMLI | Needs a severe service connected disability and SAH grant | $200,000 |
From va.gov pages for VALife, VGLI, SGLI, VMLI and totally disabled policyholders, checked October 7, 2026.
Common questions
Can I get a waiver so I do not have to pay?
Only with S-DVI, and only if you meet the rules. VALife does not offer premium waivers.
I have PTSD. Can I still get covered?
VA lists PTSD as a condition that can affect private rates. VALife needs only a service connected rating. VGLI does not check health if you apply within 240 days.
Should I apply for VGLI even if I want private insurance?
VA says yes. Apply for VGLI right away so you do not miss the 240 day window if a private company says no.
