Overview of Military Life Insurance
The U.S. Department of Defense offers two main life insurance programs for active‑duty and reserve members: the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and the Voluntary Life Insurance (VLI). Both are designed to provide affordable protection for service members and their families.
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Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
SGLI is a mandatory, low‑cost policy that covers up to $400,000 in death benefits. Eligibility starts at the first day of service, and premiums are automatically deducted from pay. Coverage is available for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members, and it can be upgraded in increments of $10,000 to $20,000.
Voluntary Life Insurance (VLI)
VLI allows service members to purchase additional coverage beyond the SGLI limit, up to a maximum of $1.5 million. Premiums are set by the insurer but are generally higher than SGLI. VLI is optional, requires a medical exam, and can be tailored to the member's needs.
Key Benefits and Considerations
- Low premium rates for SGLI, making it an affordable baseline.
- Automatic enrollment for active‑duty members; reserves must opt in.
- VLI offers higher coverage but requires a health assessment.
- Both plans include a "deemed death" provision for accidental death and dismemberment.
How to Enroll and Manage Coverage
Active‑duty members receive enrollment instructions upon entry, while reservists can enroll through the DoD's online portal or their chain of command. Coverage can be modified during annual reenlistment periods or after a qualifying life event such as marriage or the birth of a child.