Most separation checklists focus on the service member’s SGLI and VGLI. The spouse’s coverage has its own, shorter deadline. Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) for a spouse ends 120 days after the service member leaves the military, and VGLI covers only the veteran, not the spouse.
The 120-day deadline
Spouse FSGLI coverage ends on the 121st day after the service member separates. The same 120-day window applies after a divorce, after the service member ends spouse coverage or their own SGLI in writing, or after the service member’s death.
Within those 120 days, the spouse can convert the FSGLI coverage to an individual policy without proof of good health.
How the conversion works
The conversion policy must be a permanent policy, such as whole life, bought from one of the companies on the VA’s list of participating companies. Term, universal life and variable life policies are not allowed.
The spouse applies with the company and usually needs:
- The service member’s most recent Leave and Earnings Statement showing the SGLI deduction
- Proof of the event: separation papers (such as a DD214), a divorce decree, the coverage declination form, or proof of death
Convert, or buy a new policy?
Conversion is guaranteed, which matters if the spouse has health conditions. But whole life costs much more per dollar of coverage than term, so a converted policy is often small or expensive.
A healthy spouse can often get more coverage for less with a private level-term policy. The same approach as for VGLI works here: apply for private coverage early, and keep the conversion option open until the new policy is approved. The difference is that the spouse has 120 days, not 240.
What about children?
FSGLI child coverage is free and ends along with the family’s coverage. If you want coverage on your children after separation, ask us about options.
Plan both policies together
The service member’s VGLI deadline and the spouse’s FSGLI deadline start on the same day but end at different times. Use our SGLI to VGLI calculator for the veteran’s dates, and contact us to compare coverage for both of you across multiple carriers.
Lifeworth Insurance Agency is an independent agency and is not affiliated with the VA or the U.S. government. VGLI, SGLI and FSGLI rules and rates are set by the VA; check va.gov for the current rules before you decide.
Contact Lifeworth Insurance
Lifeworth Insurance Agency
2881 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
(954) 834-5433 · contact@lifeworthinsurance.com