You have 1 year and 120 days after you leave the military to sign up for VGLI. Sign up in the first 240 days and VA will not check your health.
SGLI stays free for 120 days after you leave. After that it stops. VGLI is how you keep VA coverage going. You can get up to the same amount you had with SGLI.
The 240 day mark matters most. Apply by then and you do not need to prove you are healthy. Apply after that and VA asks for proof of good health. If you have health problems, that could mean no coverage.
VA says to apply for VGLI right away, even if you also want a private plan. If you wait and a private company says no, you may miss the 240 day window.
You can apply online through the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) on the Prudential website. You can also mail or fax form SGLV 8714. If you are totally disabled when you leave, you may get up to 2 more years of free SGLI first.
Key facts
- SGLI stays free for 120 days after you leave.
- Apply for VGLI within 240 days for no health review.
- Last day to apply for VGLI is 1 year and 120 days after you leave.
- You can get VGLI up to the amount of SGLI you had.
- You can also turn SGLI into a private permanent policy within 120 days with no health proof.
- Totally disabled at discharge? You may get free SGLI for up to 2 years.
At a glance
| Time after you leave | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Day 1 to day 120 | SGLI stays free. You can switch SGLI to a private permanent policy with no health proof. |
| Day 1 to day 240 | Apply for VGLI with no health review. |
| Day 241 to 1 year and 120 days | Apply for VGLI, but you must show you are in good health. |
| Up to 2 years | Free SGLI Disability Extension if you qualify as totally disabled. |
Deadlines from va.gov SGLI, VGLI and preexisting conditions pages, checked October 7, 2026.
Common questions
What happens if I miss the 240 day window?
You can still apply until 1 year and 120 days after you leave. But you will need to show proof that you are in good health.
Can I get more VGLI than my SGLI?
Not at first. You start with up to your SGLI amount. One year later you can add $25,000. Then you can add $25,000 every 5 years, up to $500,000, until age 60.
Which form do I use?
Apply online through OSGLI, or use form SGLV 8714 by mail or fax.
