Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is low-cost term insurance for members of the uniformed services. SGLI is a group life insurance policy purchased by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from a commercial life insurance company. SGLI...
What is Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)?
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is low-cost term insurance for members of the uniformed services.
SGLI is a group life insurance policy purchased by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from a commercial life insurance company. SGLI coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to the maximum amount of $400,000. Servicemembers are automatically insured for the maximum coverage amount of $400,000 unless they decline coverage or elect a reduced amount.
SGLI members have two options available to them upon release from service. They can convert their full-time SGLI coverage to renewable term insurance under the Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program or to a permanent plan of insurance with one of the participating commercial insurance companies.
Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must currently be serving in the military in any of the following branches/areas:
- Commissioned, warrant and enlisted members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard
- Commissioned members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Public Health Service
- Cadets or midshipmen of the four United States Service Academies
- Ready Reservists scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive training per year
- Members of the Individual Ready Reserves who volunteer for assignment to a mobilization category
Part-time coverage is available for eligible members of the Reserves and Reserve Officer Training Corps who do not qualify for full-time coverage.
If you are a Servicemember in one of the above categories, you are automatically covered under SGLI for the maximum amount of insurance unless you reduce or decline the coverage.
For more information, see the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance section of the "Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance webpage."
Application Details
What is the application process for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)?
Coverage is provided automatically to those who are eligible. However, if you previously declined or reduced your SGLI coverage and want to obtain or increase your coverage, go to the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance webpage and complete Form SGLV 8286, "Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate."