Find the best coverage after service — including VGLI, private term & whole life, and no-exam plans.
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💡 Quick Answer
Most veterans have two strong routes:
- VGLI if you recently separated and have health issues, or prefer simple, guaranteed coverage.
- Private term life if you’re healthy — it’s often much cheaper than VGLI, especially at older ages or higher coverage amounts.
👉 Fast quotes with no medical exams for many applicants: Get My Free Quote
| Situation | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Recently separated (within 240 days), health issues | VGLI | Guaranteed acceptance — no medical exam during the initial window. |
| Healthy, want lowest-priced coverage | Private Term Life | Often 20–50% cheaper than VGLI long term. |
| Need lifetime coverage or cash value | Whole Life | Permanent protection with guaranteed premiums and cash value growth. |
| Small policy for final expenses | Guaranteed Issue Whole Life | No health questions; graded death benefit for the first two years. |
| High VA disability rating, declined elsewhere | Guaranteed Issue or VGLI (if eligible) | Approval even with serious conditions. |
| Need coverage quickly | No-Exam Term Life | Instant decisions; coverage in minutes for many applicants. |
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🇺🇸 What Are SGLI, VGLI & How They Compare
- SGLI (Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance): Coverage while on active duty. Ends shortly after separation.
- VGLI (Veterans’ Group Life Insurance): Allows you to continue coverage after separation.
- Apply within 240 days of separation for no medical underwriting.
- After that window (up to 5 years), you can still apply but medical questions apply.
- Premiums increase every five years and can get expensive as you age.
💡 When VGLI makes sense:
- You’re within the 240-day window and have serious health issues.
- You need simple, predictable coverage while you evaluate private options.
💡 When Private Life Insurance is Better:
- You’re healthy or your conditions are well controlled.
- You want level premiums for 10–30 years.
- You need higher coverage at a lower cost.
🩺 How VA Disability Affects Life Insurance
- A VA disability rating does not automatically prevent approval.
- Private insurers focus on specific medical conditions, medications, and stability.
- Common service-related conditions (PTSD, tinnitus, orthopedic issues) are often insurable, especially if well-managed.
Tip: If you’ve been declined before, apply with a veteran-friendly insurer or go with no-exam coverage first — then upgrade later if rates improve.
⚡ No-Exam Options for Veterans
Many applicants qualify for instant-decision or simplified issue policies that skip medical exams. You’ll answer health questions and insurers check Rx/MIB/MVR data.
Great for: healthy vets, busy families, or those who want coverage today.
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🧠 Choosing the Right Type of Policy
- Term Life (10–30 years): Best for affordability and income replacement.
- Whole Life: Lifetime coverage with guaranteed premiums and cash value.
- Guaranteed Issue Whole Life: For serious health conditions; graded benefits.
💬 Example: Why Many Veterans Choose Private Term
A 40-year-old veteran may pay significantly less for a private 20-year term policy than keeping equivalent coverage through VGLI — especially past age 45 when VGLI costs rise.
✅ Bottom Line
If you’re healthy, compare private term rates before committing to VGLI. If you have serious medical conditions and are within the 240-day window, VGLI is a safe bridge. Either way, getting covered now protects your family and locks in costs before age or health changes.
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❓ FAQ: Life Insurance for Veterans
Can I get private life insurance after leaving the military?
Yes. Most veterans can qualify for private term or whole life coverage based on current health and lifestyle. You don’t need to keep VGLI to be eligible.
What’s the difference between SGLI, VGLI, and private life insurance?
SGLI is coverage during active duty. VGLI is post-service group coverage you can keep after separation. Private policies are individually underwritten and can often be cheaper if you’re healthy.
Is VGLI worth keeping, or should I switch to private coverage?
VGLI is convenient (no medical questions if you apply on time) but premiums rise with age. If you’re in good health, a private level-term policy is often more affordable long-term.
How long do I have to apply for VGLI after separation?
Generally, you have 240 days for guaranteed acceptance (no health questions). After that, you can still apply within a longer window but may need to answer medical questions.
Does a VA disability rating affect getting private life insurance?
Not automatically. Insurers focus on specific medical conditions and stability. Many veterans with disability ratings still qualify for competitive rates, depending on health history and control of conditions.
Will PTSD or mental health treatment disqualify me?
Not necessarily. Underwriters typically review diagnosis, treatment compliance, stability, and any hospitalizations. Many applicants with well-managed PTSD are approved.
Are VA burial benefits enough to replace life insurance?
No. VA burial benefits help with final arrangements but don’t replace income, pay the mortgage, or support dependents. Life insurance provides broader family protection.
Can I keep both VGLI and a private policy?
Yes. Many veterans keep VGLI for flexibility and add a private term policy for larger, level premiums. You can reduce or drop VGLI later if private coverage meets your needs.
Do I need a medical exam for private coverage?
Not always. Many carriers offer no-exam policies based on electronic health data. For higher amounts or complex histories, an exam may be required.
How much coverage should a veteran buy?
A common starting point is 10–12× annual income, plus debts and future goals (like education). Adjust up or down based on your family’s needs and existing benefits.
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