Life Insurance for Active Military & Service Members
Serving your country while securing your family's future
Active-duty military members have access to SGLI (Servicemembers Group Life Insurance), one of the most affordable life insurance programs available. However, SGLI's maximum coverage of $500,000 may not be sufficient for service members with families, mortgages, and other financial obligations. Understanding how to supplement SGLI with commercial coverage — and planning for the transition to civilian life — is essential for comprehensive financial protection.
Why Active Military & Service Members Need Life Insurance
- SGLI maximum of $500,000 may not cover your family's full financial needs
- Combat deployments and hazardous duty create elevated mortality risk
- Military families often depend entirely on the service member's income
- Frequent relocations make it harder for spouses to maintain careers
- Transition to civilian life means losing SGLI — coverage planning is critical
- Military housing allowances and benefits end upon separation, increasing family financial exposure
Recommended Policy Types
SGLI (Servicemembers Group Life Insurance)
Automatic enrollment with coverage up to $500,000 at approximately $25/month. No exclusions for combat, hazardous duty, or war — making it one of the best values available.
Commercial Term Life (Supplemental)
Add commercial coverage on top of SGLI to reach your total coverage needs. Many carriers offer standard rates to active-duty members who are not in combat roles.
Family SGLI (FSGLI)
Provides coverage for your spouse (up to $100,000) and children ($10,000 each) at low group rates. An affordable way to insure your entire military family.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Active-duty members should evaluate whether SGLI's $500,000 maximum is sufficient. For service members with families, mortgages, and career plans, total coverage of $750,000-$1,500,000 is often appropriate. Factor in your BAH (housing allowance), BAS (subsistence), and other benefits that would cease upon your death.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming SGLI's $500,000 maximum is sufficient for all situations
- Not enrolling a spouse in FSGLI or not maximizing SGLI coverage
- Failing to plan for the SGLI-to-VGLI transition before separation
- Not buying commercial coverage while still on active duty when rates may be favorable
- Overlooking the Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) rider that comes with SGLI
Expert Tips
- Maximize your SGLI coverage to the full $500,000 — the cost is minimal
- Enroll your spouse in FSGLI and your children in dependent SGLI coverage
- Buy supplemental commercial coverage during a non-deployment period for the best rates
- Start planning your SGLI-to-VGLI or SGLI-to-commercial transition 6-12 months before separation
- Review your Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) election and how it interacts with your life insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SGLI cover combat deaths?
Yes. SGLI has no war clause or combat exclusion. It covers death from any cause, including combat, hostile action, and hazardous duty. This makes SGLI one of the most comprehensive and affordable life insurance programs available.
Can I buy commercial life insurance while on active duty?
Yes. Many commercial carriers offer policies to active-duty members. Some may exclude war or combat initially, while others offer full coverage. Having commercial coverage supplements SGLI and provides a seamless transition when you separate.
What happens to SGLI when I leave the military?
SGLI ends 120 days after separation. You have 240 days to convert to VGLI (Veterans Group Life Insurance) without medical underwriting. Alternatively, you can purchase commercial coverage, which may be cheaper long-term than VGLI.
What is the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)?
SBP is a Department of Defense annuity program that provides up to 55% of your retired pay to your surviving spouse. It is separate from SGLI/life insurance and costs 6.5% of your retired pay. Understanding how SBP interacts with life insurance is key to comprehensive planning.
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