The VA offers several life insurance programs for service members, veterans, and their families. This 2026 guide compares your options — from automatic SGLI coverage on active duty to VGLI after separation, plus VALife for disabled veterans.
VA life insurance programs at a glance
| Program | Who qualifies | Max coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SGLI | Active duty, Reserve, Guard | $500,000 |
| FSGLI | Spouse/children of SGLI members | $100K spouse / $10K child |
| TSGLI | SGLI-insured w/ traumatic injury | $25K–$100K lump sum |
| VGLI | Separating service members | $500,000 |
| VALife | Veterans 0–80, any rated disability | $40,000 (whole life) |
| S-DVI (closed to new) | Pre-2023 disabled vets | $10,000 |
| VMLI | Vets w/ SAH grant | $200,000 |
SGLI: Active-duty coverage
SGLI covers active service members automatically at $500,000 for just $26 per month. Coverage extends 120 days after separation. Read the full SGLI guide for premium tables.
VGLI: Post-separation term coverage
VGLI continues SGLI-style term coverage after separation. Apply within 240 days for guaranteed acceptance. Premiums rise with age — younger veterans often save with private term.
VALife: For service-connected veterans
VALife launched in 2023 as the new whole-life policy for veterans with any VA disability rating from 0% to 100%. Key features:
- Up to $40,000 in whole-life coverage.
- Guaranteed acceptance regardless of health.
- Available to any veteran under age 81 with a service-connected rating.
- 2-year waiting period before full death benefit pays out. Premiums during that time are returned plus interest if you pass away.
VMLI: Mortgage protection for SAH grant recipients
Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) pays off your mortgage if you die. You qualify if you received a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant. Coverage maxes at $200,000.
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)
S-DVI is closed to new applications as of January 1, 2023. VALife replaced it. Existing S-DVI policies remain in force.
Which VA life insurance is right for you?
- On active duty? Keep your full $500K SGLI.
- Separating soon? Apply for VGLI within 240 days — or compare with private term life.
- Service-connected disability? Add VALife for guaranteed $40K of whole-life coverage.
- Received an SAH grant? Apply for VMLI to protect your mortgage.
Commercial Life Insurance for Veterans: Top Options
VA programs (SGLI, VGLI, VALife) cover specific needs but may not be the best or only option for every veteran. Commercial carriers offer competitive term life insurance that can complement or replace VA coverage — especially for veterans who are young, healthy, and can qualify for preferred rates that are lower than VGLI premiums.
| Provider | Type | Veteran-specific features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | Term & whole life | Military-focused underwriting; coverage continuity during deployments; may exclude combat-zone death riders vary | Active duty, veterans, military families |
| AAFMAA | Term, whole, & mortgage life | No war exclusion; covers combat-zone deaths; Survivor Assistance Services for families | Veterans who want no war exclusion clause |
| Navy Mutual | Whole life | Nonprofit; immediate coverage; no war exclusion; available to all branches | Veterans wanting guaranteed permanent coverage |
| Haven Life (backed by MassMutual) | Term life | Instant online quotes; competitive rates for healthy veterans under 45; no medical exam for many | Young healthy veterans seeking low-cost term |
| Banner Life | Term life | Competitive rates; available to veterans with minor health issues; strong financial ratings | Veterans with service-related health history seeking term |
| Protective Life | Term & universal life | Flexible term lengths (10–40 years); competitive for veterans with standard health ratings | Veterans wanting longer-term coverage past VGLI age limits |
VGLI vs. commercial term life: which is cheaper?
VGLI premiums increase in 5-year age bands and can become expensive after age 50. A healthy 35-year-old veteran can typically find 20-year term life coverage from commercial carriers at a lower monthly cost than VGLI for the same coverage amount. At age 60+, VGLI may become more competitive for veterans with significant health conditions because VGLI does not require medical underwriting. Compare both before committing to one program exclusively.
Key consideration: AAFMAA and Navy Mutual are the top commercial choices for veterans who need a no war exclusion policy — critical for veterans still in the Reserves or National Guard who may be deployed. Most standard commercial term policies exclude combat-zone deaths; these two do not.
For a detailed side-by-side comparison of VA and private life insurance, see VGLI vs Term Life Insurance: 2026 Comparison for Veterans.
Related guides
Compare programs at the VA life insurance hub.
See also: VGLI vs Term Life Insurance: 2026 Comparison for Veterans