Veteran life insurance, the straight version.

Three paths. VGLI (Veterans’ Group Life Insurance) lets you continue coverage after service by converting from SGLI. VALife is a VA whole life policy for veterans with a service-connected disability. And private coverage from commercial carriers is open to veterans like anyone else. Many veterans hold a VA policy and a private one together. (Source: VA.gov.)

It depends on your health. VGLI’s advantage is that it asks no health questions if you apply within the window after separation, valuable if your health has changed. If you’re in good health, a private term policy often costs less for the same coverage. The honest answer comes from comparing your actual VGLI rate against a private quote.

VALife is a VA-backed whole life policy, available since January 1, 2023, for veterans age 80 and under who have any service-connected disability rating. It’s guaranteed-acceptance coverage (no medical exam) for up to $40,000, with a two-year waiting period before the full death benefit applies. (Source: VA.gov.)

You have one year and 120 days from your separation date. Apply within the first 240 days and no health questions are asked. After that window you can still apply but may need to answer health questions. Check VA.gov for current deadlines and amounts. (Source: VA.gov.)

Yes. VGLI or VALife and a private policy can be held at the same time, and many veterans do exactly that: VA coverage as a floor, private coverage layered on top for more protection at a working age.

Start with the VA’s insurance office for SGLI, VGLI, or VALife records, and check the veteran’s personal papers for any private policies. The VA insurance line can confirm VA-administered coverage and walk a beneficiary through a claim. (Source: VA.gov.)