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Leaving the Military? Protect Your Life Insurance Transition

Your SGLI-to-civilian transition creates deadlines worth understanding before you make a coverage decision.

Key deadline: Eligible former Service Members generally have 1 year and 120 days to apply for VGLI, and the first 240 days are especially important because VGLI generally requires no evidence of good health during that period.
1

Inventory your coverage

Confirm your SGLI amount, beneficiaries and the date your military coverage ends.

2

Preserve options

Compare private coverage early without giving up VGLI eligibility. If health is a concern, securing VGLI during the no-health-review period can help avoid a gap.

3

Replace only after approval

If private insurance is a better fit, wait until the new policy is approved, delivered and in force before cancelling other protection.

Why Comparing Early Can Help

Private underwriting can take time. Starting early gives you more room to compare without running into the VGLI deadlines.

Compare Rates & Apply for Protection →

VA specifically advises Veterans with preexisting conditions to consider VGLI promptly during the no-health-review period even when shopping for another policy. Read VA guidance →