The 240-day mark is the most important VGLI date: before it, VGLI needs no health questions. If you have passed it, you still have options. What they are depends on how long ago you separated and on your health.
Where you stand
Day 241 to 1 year and 120 days after separation
You can still apply for VGLI, but you must show that you are in good health. If the VA approves you, the coverage and rates are the same as for anyone else your age.
After 1 year and 120 days
VGLI is no longer available. Your options are private coverage or, if you have a VA service-connected disability rating, VALife (see below).
Not sure which window you are in? Enter your separation date in our SGLI to VGLI calculator.
Options that are still open
Apply for VGLI with health questions
If you are still inside the final deadline, applying costs nothing and keeps the door open while you look at other coverage.
Private term or whole life
A private policy is underwritten, so a healthy veteran may get a good price on level-term coverage. With health issues, underwriting varies a lot between carriers, which is why comparing multiple carriers matters.
VALife, if you have a service-connected disability rating
Veterans with any VA service-connected disability rating, even 0%, can apply for VALife: up to $40,000 of guaranteed-acceptance whole life insurance with no health questions. Full coverage starts two years after approval; if you die before then, your beneficiary receives the premiums paid plus interest. If you are under 81, there is no deadline to apply.
Guaranteed or simplified-issue final expense coverage
Smaller final expense policies can cover funeral costs and final bills with few or no health questions.
Two cases to check first
Still within 120 days of separation? You are inside the 240-day window, so VGLI needs no health questions. You can also convert SGLI to a permanent individual policy with a participating company without proof of good health.
Totally disabled when you separated? The SGLI Disability Extension may keep your SGLI free for up to two years. Ask the VA how your VGLI dates apply to you.
Talk it through
We are an independent agency and work with multiple carriers. Tell us your separation date and your situation, and we will lay out what is still available. Request a review.
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