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Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
SGLI is a program that provides low-cost term life insurance coverage to eligible Servicemembers. If eligible, you are automatically issued the maximum SGLI coverage. If you qualify for SGLI, you are automatically enrolled and do not need to apply for coverage.
Servicemembers can make changes to your SGLI coverage. For example, Servicemembers can decline SGLI coverage, select a lesser amount than maximum coverage, designate beneficiaries, and/or make other changes.
Eligibility
You are automatically insured under full-time SGLI if you are one of the following:
- Active duty member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard
- Commissioned member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)
- Cadet or midshipman of the U.S. military academies
- Member, cadet, or midshipman of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) engaged in authorized training and practice cruises
- Member of the Ready Reserve or National Guard and are scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive training per year
- Servicemember who volunteers for a mobilization category in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)
Coverage
SGLI coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to the maximum of $400,000. Covered members receive 120 days of free coverage from their date of separation. Coverage can be extended for up to two years if the Servicemember is totally disabled at separation. Part-time coverage is also provided to Reserve members who do not qualify for full-time coverage (members covered part-time do not receive 120 days of free coverage).
If you are totally disabled at the time of separation (unable to work), you can apply for the SGLI Disability Extension, which provides free coverage for up to two years from the date of separation. At the end of the extension period, you automatically become eligible for VGLI, subject to premium payments.
To assess your life insurance needs and determine if you have enough coverage, you can use the Insurance Needs Calculator.
Ready Reserve or National Guard Members in Non-Pay Status
You are generally still covered by SGLI if you are a member of the Ready Reserve or National Guard and are:
- scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive training per year, AND
- are drilling for points, rather than pay.
SGLI premium rates are the same as those drilling for pay. However, each branch of service handles payment of premiums during this non-pay period differently. If you are a drilling Reservist or Guard member in a non-pay status and have questions about whether you are covered by SGLI and how to pay your premiums, view our branch of service contact list for the number to call for information.
Cost/Rates
If you have SGLI coverage, you pay a monthly premium that is automatically deducted from your base pay. The current basic SGLI premium rate is 7 cents per $1,000 of insurance. The premium includes an additional $1.00 per month for Traumatic Injury Protection coverage (TSGLI).
SGLI Premium Rates Effective July 1, 2014
| Coverage Amount | Monthly premium rate | TSGLI Premium | Total Monthly Premium Deduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400,000 | $28.00 | $1.00 | $29.00 |
| 350,000 | $24.50 | $1.00 | $25.50 |
| 300,000 | $21.00 | $1.00 | $22.00 |
| 250,000 | $17.50 | $1.00 | $18.50 |
| 200,000 | $14.00 | $1.00 | $15.00 |
| 150,000 | $10.50 | $1.00 | $11.50 |
| 100,000 | $7.00 | $1.00 | $8.00 |
| 50,000 | $3.50 | $1.00 | $4.50 |
Converting SGLI to VGLI
You must apply to convert SGLI to VGLI within one year and 120 days from discharge. Veterans who submit their application within 240 days of discharge do not need to submit evidence of good health, while those who apply more than 240 days after discharge are required to answer questions about their health. Learn more about VGLI.
Converting SGLI to Commercial Policy
Servicemembers covered under the SGLI program have the option to convert their SGLI coverage to an individual policy of insurance within 120 days from the date of separation from the military. Learn more about converting to a commercial policy.
Making Changes to SGLI Coverage
If you qualify as eligible for SGLI, you are automatically enrolled and do not need to apply for coverage. However, to designate beneficiaries, or to reduce, decline, or restore SGLI coverage, you must complete and submit the SGLI form SGLV 8286, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate. You should contact your Personnel Office for any changes to Basic SGLI or Family SGLI coverage.
Myths and Rumors About SGLI
There are several myths, rumors and misconceptions about SGLI and VGLI insurance floating around. Please visit our Myths and Rumors page to find out what's true and what's false.
