September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, a time for you and your family to reflect on whether you have the right coverage to secure your financial future. If you are a service member or Veteran, VA has a wide array of life insurance programs tailored to fit your unique needs, no matter what stage of life you’re in.

VA life insurance programs have undergone changes over the past year, resulting in more coverage for Veterans and service members than ever before. Now might be the perfect time to add life insurance to your estate plan or increase your coverage if you are eligible.

Launch of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)

VALife is VA’s newest life insurance program, and it’s open to Veterans with service-connected disabilities. VALife provides coverage to more service-connected Veterans than ever before, and offers the following key features:

  • Up to $40,000 in coverage, available in increments of $10,000
  • No medical exam or health questions required for enrollment
  • Cash value that builds over the life of the policy

VALife offers an easy and convenient online application. Veterans can apply, receive an instant decision and manage most aspects of their VALife policy completely online. You can learn more about VALife and how to apply at the VALife webpage online.

Coverage increases for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

The SGLI and VGLI maximum coverage increased from $400,000 to $500,000. This includes service members who previously declined or reduced their amount of SGLI coverage. Even though the maximum coverage amount increased, the SGLI premium rate is not changing and will remain at $0.06 per $1,000 of coverage. The premium for the new $500,000 of coverage will be $30 per month, plus $1 for Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) coverage.

VGLI allows separating service members to convert their SGLI coverage to renewable group term insurance. Veterans have one year and 120 days from date of separation to apply for VGLI, and it’s available in amounts ranging from $10,000 to $500,000, based on the amount of SGLI coverage at separation. Visit the SGLI/VGLI webpage online for more information.

Affordable life insurance options help protect those who matter most. SGLI and VGLI can be used to cover end-of-life planning and provide income replacement. It allows family members to focus on each other and worry less about finances when a service member or Veteran passes.

Learn more

In addition to the life insurance programs mentioned above, there are several other insurance programs offered by VA to meet a diverse range of needs. You can learn more about these programs, eligibility requirements and how to apply at the VA Life Insurance webpage online.

Topics in this story

Life Insurance

Leave a comment

The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection.

135 Comments

  1. Gary Schwendinger October 17, 2023 at 22:36

    I’m interested in life insurance.

  2. LeRoy Martin October 15, 2023 at 19:03

    I am looking for $200,000 universal life insurance policy for myself.

  3. Mark Milbert October 11, 2023 at 12:16

    Pretty sad that only for new separations from service, not anyone who served and separated more than a year ago ( I.E. served from 1974-1980 ) …. To hell with the older vets, I see ……

  4. frederick E cohn October 11, 2023 at 02:54

    how do o get life insurance

  5. Raymond Almeida Sr October 10, 2023 at 20:39

    Please send us the info for myself and my wife Virginia

  6. Stephen Durette October 4, 2023 at 09:53

    Do I presently have insurance coverage. I never get anything in the mail since I signed up a few years ago. They sent me something about the first paymant before the waiver kicked inn.

  7. Alan Deschamps October 2, 2023 at 20:38

    I’m not computer sorry I will not do anything online without help.
    I would like an insurance sales rep concerning this life insurance policy to call me
    Please text me prior to calling thank you

  8. Jose M Moreno September 28, 2023 at 20:30

    I am trying to sign up for life insurance but it keeps refusing me

  9. William Stanley Thomas September 28, 2023 at 09:51

    Is this insurance for all veterans or only for new separations from service, I was Vietnam vet am 74 can I apply

  10. Larry W Patterson September 26, 2023 at 21:29

    I am 100% tdiu due to being unemployed less due to my svc connected disabilities, effective July 2022, and the decision or claim was not closed until may 2023. I wondered if the 10,000 waiver could apply in my situation as I know Dec 2022 it ended and if veteran was not 100% by that date then the waiver would not be or couldn’t be used, I was technically 100% tdiu at that time but didn’t know until may 2023 when the claim closed. I only was wondering if this or my case may be an exception?

  11. Joseph M. Moniz September 26, 2023 at 09:34

    Interested in Insurance without health exam’s or health questions required for enrollment

  12. Lester Burgess September 25, 2023 at 17:04

    I’m 69 now how do I get this life insurance started

  13. Milton Shipman September 25, 2023 at 13:29

    Hello

    I would like to know about the plans. Please let me know how I can get coverage.

  14. RANDY W TIDWELL September 25, 2023 at 12:19

    So where the hell is the 1000 sweepstakes entry?

    • Paul Fridley September 30, 2023 at 07:33

      I would like to sign up for sweepstakes entry !

  15. Arvell Phillips September 25, 2023 at 10:22

    I want to see about getting this insurance, I’m a disabled veteran.

    • Alberta Griffin September 25, 2023 at 19:53

      Please contact Wendell Griffin and his spouse for life insurance

  16. John Earl Streeter jr September 25, 2023 at 07:37

    Please contact me in reference to getting life insurance.

  17. Hairlin Barnes September 25, 2023 at 05:58

    Outstanding information on Information I will continue 2 read as long as I receive the information.

  18. Joseph M Pacifico September 24, 2023 at 20:26

    I am a Korean War vet & am 88 years old. Do I qualify for life insurance?
    Joe Pacifico

  19. Jack Stillman September 24, 2023 at 17:42

    I discharged in 1976 when there was no insurance available how much would half a million dollars cost me now???
    I am getting a non service connected pension with the aid and attending benefit due to a car accident
    But I want to have life insurance for the caregiver who cares for me please and send me information

    • HAROLD J FEDISON September 26, 2023 at 06:07

      I discharged in April 1976.

      • Alvin M White September 28, 2023 at 08:20

        I’m a 71 yr old Retired Veteran. Do I qualify for the program?

  20. Owen Burris September 24, 2023 at 12:06

    I am a vet i can by life insurance my self cheaper than you offer you all need to offer a life insurance that is affordable not this stuff

    • William E Lockwood September 29, 2023 at 16:29

      I am a 75 year old Viet Nam veteran.
      Due to exposure to Agent Orange I am now classified as 100% disabled.
      I was only in the Air Force for 3 1/2 years. So I have not had VA life insurance since I was discharged in Jan 1971. Can I qualify for the new VA life insurance program? If so.
      What is the maximum amount of coverage I can obtain and what is the cost per Thousand?

  21. Jesse Huizar September 23, 2023 at 19:19

    I got out on medical, with all this debt and trying to start my life again. My question is why only one year for the insurance deadline. When our military men and women gave a lot. And still trying to fight the va system. It seems the va is more of a shabby money maker. Living of the veterans. The intentions are not good.

  22. Constablelenny@gmail.com@gmail.com September 23, 2023 at 17:37

    Intetested in insurance, like yo see rates

    • Marc A. Soderston September 27, 2023 at 23:10

      I’d like more information and rates on life insurance. 62yrs. old.Mom recently diagnosed with stage 4 small cell carcinoma…lung.Primary care giver….what a reminder of how much we really take for granted!

  23. Tom Mathis September 23, 2023 at 16:34

    Can I get life insurance for my wife?

  24. Carol Parker September 23, 2023 at 13:50

    I am the recipient of VA Survivor Benefits and want to know if I can get dental and vision insurance with TriCare for Life?

  25. DPH September 23, 2023 at 11:03

    Too expensive and for a low amount of insurance, plus its whole life. Term insurance would be much cheaper and could provide more in coverage.

  26. ronnie sheppard September 23, 2023 at 10:20

    I need insurance

  27. Thomas L. Lawson September 22, 2023 at 18:02

    I’m 90 years old and a Navy veteran. Can I still get this insurance?

  28. Gaylord Mckenzie September 22, 2023 at 17:18

    We were never told about this when we were discharged back in 1977 now im just hearing of it

  29. Ray G. September 22, 2023 at 15:55

    Don’t tell me to slow down because I’m a fast typist. What a ridiculous thing to say. This coverage is way too expensive. Are you trying not to do us a favor as veterans of the armed forces? Who carries the insurance? Why are you allowed to take advantage of veterans and who is getting all those premiums? SMH

  30. Nancy September 22, 2023 at 13:08

    Are widows of 100 percent disabled vets eligible

  31. Daniel Hungerford September 22, 2023 at 10:56

    Show me the schedule page for modest premium policy. I was almost burned by a supposed State approved. Accendo Ins is a scam, still billing me as though I was a frightened idiot.

  32. Sharon Housh September 22, 2023 at 09:15

    Is this available for widow of veteran?

  33. Andjukenda Chantal September 22, 2023 at 08:51

    Good morning,
    I am not a Veteran, but I work for the VA, do I qualify for this whole life insurance?
    Can I get more information on age and pricing?
    Thank you

  34. Jamila Thomas September 22, 2023 at 01:17

    Hello I’m a surviving spouse of a 100% disabled veteran. Would I be eligible for life insurance?

  35. juan garcia September 21, 2023 at 22:58

    not a friendly site.

  36. michael mele September 21, 2023 at 20:49

    I am a veteran who served in the korean war period, I am currently 87 years old. Do I qualify for this VA Insurance.

  37. Francis Lavello September 21, 2023 at 20:27

    So, basically no insurance options for service connected veterans. Absolute shame! Oh, and you can keep our mere 40,000.

  38. Hugh E Horton September 21, 2023 at 18:15

    The valife 10,000 policy is too expensive.

  39. Harlen Davis September 21, 2023 at 17:57

    Why didn’t vets back in the 1960s not be told that they had to stay enrolled in the military insurance when they retired from the service.

  40. Richard Reynolds September 21, 2023 at 17:43

    Seems like a lot of hype. Very simple, tell us the cost for the amount selected.

  41. THOMAS KOENIG September 21, 2023 at 17:35

    I need additional life insurance for my wife of 51years

    VA has been very good to me – can I get a call from someone – in regards to VALIFE

    THANKING IN ADVANCE

  42. Michael Savage September 21, 2023 at 15:22

    Can I have a beneficiary that is not a relative?

  43. Donald Dean September 21, 2023 at 14:41

    How about us War Vets?

    You forgot about us

    • Bobby Darwin September 21, 2023 at 17:55

      Like more information.

  44. PHILIP LYNDE September 21, 2023 at 14:37

    I was unable to sign as I do not have a mobile phone. The site has a deleted email and a phone # I did not recognize. I would like to have the insurance but hurdles seem insurmountable.

    • James Graver September 22, 2023 at 09:27

      I am a 78 year old veteran what would be my monthly payment for this life insurance

      • Ray G. September 22, 2023 at 16:53

        For $10k of coverage, $115.60 per month or $1,371.60 if you pay for the year. Crazy amount, huh? Older vets really get the screws.

  45. Paul Pratt September 21, 2023 at 14:13

    Hello,

    I am seventy five, I have life insurance that stops in 2030, yes, I’ll still be alive. What is available? My health at this time is excellent

    • Mark Anderson September 22, 2023 at 05:05

      Just another scam. You might as well change your name to COLONIAL PENN. The other RIP OFF Insurance company.

      • Ephraim Santiago September 22, 2023 at 13:59

        All insurance is a scam. It’s a business like death.

  46. Theodore Barber September 21, 2023 at 14:06

    I was just determined 100 % disabled veteran. Is the 10 K free available?

  47. Larry Suderman September 21, 2023 at 13:37

    Too bad that this site does not provide any information regarding the cost. I have to wonder if this is similar to the Colonial Penn’s (CP) questionable life insurance program. The problem with the CP product is that you’ll pay more than you’ll ever get in just six years. In addition, if you miss a payment, you get nothing.

  48. Kenneth McBay September 21, 2023 at 12:57

    Around and around in circles trying to log in to anything related to the VA!!!

  49. Allen Graef September 21, 2023 at 12:51

    Just another scam.

  50. Charles W Dunn September 21, 2023 at 12:50

    I am a Marine veteran and I would like to apply

    • Home September 21, 2023 at 18:56

      I am 94 can I buy Insurance?

  51. Charla G Moneymaker September 21, 2023 at 12:15

    I am a surviving spouse of a Veteran who has passed away and was 100% connect with disability at the time of his death. Would I be eligible for this coverage?

  52. Jose M. Gonzalez September 21, 2023 at 11:59

    what the HELL ? ? ?
    I already clicked on a link to find out more about this VA Insurance and I end up HERE, being prompted to click MORE to find out more about this VA Insurance ?
    I’m not interested in being click-baited all over the internet only to end up being connected to some “lisenced insurance agent” trying to sell me more than what I want.
    ONE click.
    THAT’s what I want to get the information that I was promised.
    Es that so difficult ?

    • James A. Stigers September 22, 2023 at 18:38

      None at this time.

  53. Frank Dooling September 21, 2023 at 11:48

    I was told that at the age of 82 I don’t qualify for any life insurance.

    • Charlsie Robertson September 21, 2023 at 19:12

      My father is 98 years old. Was a World War Two Veteran. He told us his daughters that he had V A life insurance, we found out that this is not true. After all these years we thought he did. Now he is 98 with no life insurance. What can we do.

  54. Charles Maxwell September 21, 2023 at 10:35

    I had to reduce my amount of coverage years ago and then when I was able to increase it back to the amount I was denied . I over shot the allowable time by a couple weeks( I did not know this and was never informed . Since this we gave kept the 10, OOO ) but I find it’s really not ethically right . After paying in years before

  55. David Spooner September 21, 2023 at 10:04

    I glad veterans currently leaving the military have the opportunity to get VGLI. That’s a huge benefit! However, veterans like myself, have once again been forgotten. I served 30 years. Retired in 2010. Don’t qualify for VGLI. In addition, my post 911 education benifits expired because I retired prior to 2013. This means my 30 years of service is not as meaningful as a veteran who served only 6 years but left the service after 2013! They get non- expiring education benefits and VGLI! What the F…!

  56. Patrick Dahill September 21, 2023 at 09:51

    As usual these rates are excessive, I receive mailings all the time from various insurance companies and your rates are no different. I looked at this thinking I would be pleasantly surprised. I should have known better.☹️

  57. Keith September 21, 2023 at 09:41

    The coverage is too expensive for the amount of benefit it offers. It is meant to pay off debts, help loved ones etc. In todays environment the amount coverage offered for the premium is chump change.

    • Jerry September 24, 2023 at 12:58

      271. Mo for 40’000. Ridicluously high.

  58. Debbie Johnson September 21, 2023 at 09:38

    Need help badly

  59. Edward Petersen September 21, 2023 at 09:32

    This is great but you can’t get Life Insurance after 81 because of age requirements

  60. Harold Richey September 21, 2023 at 09:21

    So, what is monthly life insurance rate for a 79 year old veteran who wants $40,000 coverage?

    • Ray G. September 22, 2023 at 16:57

      It says $485.60 per month or $5,761.60 annually. I’d look elsewhere with those prices. Wow

  61. Chris Quinn September 21, 2023 at 09:18

    Can I get life insurance if I have had stage 4 cancer

  62. Rhonda Ford September 21, 2023 at 08:34

    This was Good Veteran Information. My REQUEST is that IMPORTANT INFORMATION such as this also BE MAILED TO Older (65 & OLDER) VETERANS THAT MAY NOT BE COMPUTER OR TECH SAVVY & NEED ASSISTANCE TO COMPLETE
    APPLICATION FORMS.

    MY FATHER (88 1/2 YRS) IS A KOREAN WAR 1953-1956 VETERAN;
    THAT IS STILL AT WAR, FIGHTING TO RECEIVE HIS ARMY MILITARY BENEFITS PROMISED.

    I AM HIS 69 YR. OLD DAUGHTER, THAT BRINGS HIM TO ALL HIS VA CLINICS & ALL HIS DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS TRYING TO IMPROVE HIS HEALTH, APPLYING & TRYING TO RECEIVE HIS VETERAN BENEFITS. STILL IN 9/2023.

  63. Francoise Raymonde Mulligan September 21, 2023 at 08:33

    Please call me
    in order for me to discuss the BEST VA Life insurance
    Thank you ?

  64. Nancy Ragsdale September 21, 2023 at 08:26

    Am I eligible for the whole life insurance as spouse of deceased 100% disabled veteran?

  65. Jose R Ortega September 21, 2023 at 08:19

    Quisiera mas información , me interesaria el seguro

  66. Jeanne Pack September 21, 2023 at 07:37

    Can the wife of a Vet have the insurance?

    • Colleen Lord September 21, 2023 at 13:37

      Would like answer please

    • James l johnson September 22, 2023 at 10:07

      Can my wife have life insurance

  67. Barbara Williamson September 21, 2023 at 07:31

    Can a spouse of a 100% disabled veteran that has passed away because of service connected disability get inurance through VA

  68. Angel Soto September 21, 2023 at 07:08

    Greenes,
    I World like more information.

  69. Larry Bowden September 21, 2023 at 06:54

    I’m retired ARMY, with a 10,000 coverage. This is separate from this offer?

  70. Andrew Maistros September 21, 2023 at 06:33

    I was never told I could keep my sgli when I got out. Thanks for sending this info a decade after my eas. What a scam.

  71. Raymond J Fickel September 21, 2023 at 06:29

    I’m interested in this life insurance

  72. Tiffany Primo September 21, 2023 at 06:25

    Would like to know more about life insurance

  73. Javykta Scott September 21, 2023 at 05:31

    I’m a veteran with 100% service connected and I like to see about getting life insurance with your company thank you

  74. Javykta Scott September 21, 2023 at 05:30

    Everything sound real great but how do veteran that 100% service connected become a member of the National Life Insurance could someone contact me or send me an email how can I join I’m a veteran 100% service connected here’s my new email address

  75. Paul Brown September 21, 2023 at 01:23

    I would like to get insurance for my wife, but i want more than 40,000 dollars, that is nothing. I now have over 70,000 on her. I am 100% disabled.

  76. Ricky Thompson September 21, 2023 at 01:10

    I served 21 years Active Duty USMC. 4 OF 5 Overseas tours were with my Family. Because we moved so much, my wife, of 41 years. Wasn’t able to keep a stedy job. She’s 65,. Been fighting Cancer since Dec 2021. Surgery, Chemo (X2X 8)
    Radiation (2X18 X 2) Plus currently 10 of 18. Dr says, if she needs more than 18 Radiation treatments this time. He’ll do more. You want to tell Me now? I can take out, an insurance Police on her? Your Crazy!

    • CJ Reed September 22, 2023 at 11:04

      Ricky,

      If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during a certain time frame, your wife may be eligible for relief under the Camp Lejeune Water poisoning situation. Certain cancers are covered. Contact a VSO or your County Veterans Service Office to apply. The deadline for applications is quickly approaching.

  77. Patricia September 20, 2023 at 23:49

    My ex husband was a Gulf war veteran. He died of lung cancer March of 2016. I’m the only survivor spouse and we had 1 son together.. how do I file a claim on a dead man ?

  78. Jonathan B. Untalan September 20, 2023 at 23:45

    Thank you V/A for u guys help I appreciate your support

  79. Jonathan B. Untalan September 20, 2023 at 23:44

    Thank you V/A I appreciate your help

  80. Tsgt. Stough September 20, 2023 at 23:32

    It’s discriminating reading how those of us that served during the Reagan administration are overlooked. Including those of us that don’t have a service connected disability. The freedoms that I trained hard to protect are disregarded. This I believe is partly to blame for low veterans morale which contributes to an indifference wanting to engage modern society beliefs.

  81. Gerald L. Durbin September 20, 2023 at 23:12

    Wow have I not known about this before I would of had some life ins. A long ago.

  82. Luis Tolentino Jr September 20, 2023 at 22:51

    Is there an age limit to apply?
    Does age affects how much you
    have to pay? Or age doesn’t
    matter?

    • Ray G. September 22, 2023 at 17:03

      Age definitely matters. If you click on the link above all this for VALife or SGLI, you’ll see the premium tables after scrolling.

  83. Patricia Stout September 20, 2023 at 22:48

    I’d like to speak to someone please

  84. Teddie Hamilton-McCoy September 20, 2023 at 22:39

    I am the surviving spouse of an Army Veteran who had 100% disability. He was a Vietnam veteran & passed away in 2012.

    • Raymond Palkowitz September 21, 2023 at 15:32

      I am a veteran but not a service connected veteran. Can I still get life insurance through one on the VA’s life insurance programs?
      I read above that it says (if you are a service connected veteran).

  85. Milan Thakkar September 20, 2023 at 22:37

    Looking for Life Insurance

  86. Patricia M. Grant September 20, 2023 at 22:15

    I already have a $10,000 life insurance policy with my sister as beneficiary. Can I get another $5,000 policy for a dear friend who has helped me as I’ve gotten older?

  87. Milton mines September 20, 2023 at 22:14

    I’m a veteran can I apply for life insurance I get disable benefits

  88. willie September 20, 2023 at 22:07

    thanks for the info

  89. Harold J Johansen September 20, 2023 at 22:02

    Is there an insurance program for aged veterans who ETS’d years ago? I am 79 years old and left the service in 1971.

  90. Lidia Chavez September 20, 2023 at 22:01

    Is this insurance available for surviving spouses?
    My husband was a Vietnam veteran who died in 2015.

  91. John W Valentine Sr September 20, 2023 at 22:01

    I tried to get insurance from you and was turned down for my health issues and it doesn’t say anything about you will be turned down due to health problems. I found life insurance from another reputable company

  92. John Anthony Mondelli September 20, 2023 at 21:36

    Not a Value ridiculous rates.

  93. Kerry September 20, 2023 at 21:28

    Sounds great but what about Vets who do not have a service-connected disability? We need life insurance, too!

  94. David L Johnson September 20, 2023 at 21:11

    please contact me D

  95. Arthur A Joseph Jr September 20, 2023 at 21:08

    Interested will follow up soon

  96. Earl Byrd September 20, 2023 at 21:00

    How much will 100,000.00 dollars of whole life insurance cost me per month. I am a disabled Army Vietnam Veteran

    • Ray G. September 22, 2023 at 17:05

      This one maxes out at $40,000.

  97. Thomas F. Labriola September 20, 2023 at 20:59

    Do you have term life insurance?
    Are there any age limits?

  98. Heinz Friebel September 20, 2023 at 20:57

    Will I be eligible to get a Life Insurance quote?

  99. Frank Legare September 20, 2023 at 20:37

    Looking for the life insurance, I’m a disabled veteran and would also like to look into mortgage insurance where my home will be paid for when I die please text me a phone number to call please
    Frank Legare

  100. Elija Smith September 20, 2023 at 19:25

    I’d like to get life insurance if I could

  101. Trevor Smith September 20, 2023 at 19:24

    The VALife sounds great but really isn’t. Coverage is not much and delayed a year, and then stops around the time you’ve paid $40k. It’s actually a savings plan more than insurance.

  102. Willie Harold Skipper Sr September 20, 2023 at 19:04

    What are the premiums

  103. Richard E Williams September 20, 2023 at 19:02

    Can an 86 year old get life insurance thru the VA? USN retired

  104. victor v rodriguez September 20, 2023 at 18:58

    Can someone reach out to me tomorrow am interested in life insurance

  105. Gunter Wall September 20, 2023 at 18:52

    Applied last week, but it was declined.

  106. Norman LaFontaine September 20, 2023 at 18:51

    I’m a veteran and served from March 1966 through Dec 1969. Am I eligible for life insurance?

  107. Gary ferguson September 20, 2023 at 18:40

    From everything that I read about this insurance program it is no different than what is offered on Television for $9.98 a month. So let’s get real and and do some sided by side comparison and where the advantages for veterans would be.

  108. Chuck Wallace September 20, 2023 at 18:38

    I’m 70 what would it cost for 20,000

    • Ray G. September 22, 2023 at 17:08

      $156 monthly or $1,851.00 annually.

  109. Raymond Smith September 20, 2023 at 18:14

    I need help

  110. John Marecki September 20, 2023 at 18:08

    Yeah sorry, this wasnt a thing when i was discharged in 2013 now i cant even apply for the sgli or vgli which is horese crap to be honest!

  111. Donny Green September 20, 2023 at 18:01

    health information

  112. James Budd September 20, 2023 at 17:43

    Is this just for the veteran or does it include coverage for spouse also?

Comments are closed.

More Stories