VA Life Insurance Programs Explained: SGLI, VGLI, S-DVI, and More

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers several life insurance programs, each designed for different groups of service members and veterans. Understanding which programs you qualify for and how they compare can save you money and ensure you have the right coverage.

SGLI: Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance

Eligibility includes active-duty members, Ready Reserve and National Guard members, cadets and midshipmen at service academies, and ROTC members during training. Coverage is available up to $500,000 in increments of $50,000. The cost is $0.07 per $1,000 of coverage per month, making $500,000 coverage cost just $31 per month. SGLI also includes a Traumatic Injury Protection rider (TSGLI) at no additional cost, which pays $25,000-100,000 for qualifying traumatic injuries.

VGLI: Veterans' Group Life Insurance

Eligibility covers veterans who had SGLI and separated within the past 240 days, or within one year and 120 days with evidence of insurability. Coverage matches your SGLI amount up to $500,000. Premiums are based on age and increase at each five-year renewal. There is no medical exam required within the 240-day conversion window. Coverage is renewable for life.

S-DVI: Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance

Eligibility requires veterans with a service-connected disability rating who apply within two years of the rating. Basic coverage is $10,000. Supplemental coverage of up to $30,000 is available for those who qualify for the premium waiver. Totally disabled veterans may receive the basic coverage at no cost. You must apply within two years of receiving a new service-connected disability rating.

VALife: Veterans Affairs Life Insurance

Eligibility covers veterans with any service-connected disability rating between 0 and 100 percent. Coverage is available up to $40,000 in increments of $10,000. Acceptance is guaranteed with no medical exam or health questions. The policy is permanent whole life insurance that builds cash value. Premiums are based solely on age at enrollment.

FSGLI: Family SGLI

Eligibility covers spouses and dependent children of SGLI-insured service members. Spousal coverage is available up to $100,000. Dependent child coverage is $10,000 at no cost for each eligible child. Spousal premiums vary by age.

How These Programs Compare

For maximum coverage amount, SGLI and VGLI offer the most at $500,000. For guaranteed acceptance, VALife and VGLI during the conversion window cannot deny you. For permanent coverage, only VALife and S-DVI offer whole life options. For cost-effectiveness during service, SGLI is unmatched at $0.07 per $1,000. For disabled veterans specifically, the combination of S-DVI, VALife, and VGLI provides multiple layers of protection.

How to Apply

SGLI enrollment is automatic for eligible service members. VGLI applications go through the OSGLI website or by submitting VA Form SGLV 8714. S-DVI applications require VA Form 29-4364. VALife applications are submitted through the VA.gov website. FSGLI enrollment is done through your unit's personnel office.

Review all programs you may qualify for. Many veterans are eligible for multiple programs and can layer coverage for comprehensive protection.