Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is a Department of Veterans Affairs program that provides low-cost group life insurance to all military members. You are automatically insured under SGLI for the maximum amount of $500,000 unless you choose otherwise.
The VA raised the maximum from $400,000 to $500,000 in March 2023.
You can always make changes to the amount of your SGLI coverage or change your beneficiary (the person who gets the money if you die) by using the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES), which is available on the Defense Manpower Data Center website.
You can reduce the insurance by $50,000 increments or cancel it entirely.
SGLI also includes Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI). This coverage provides protection against loss due to traumatic injuries and is designed to provide financial assistance to members so their loved ones can be with them during their recovery from their injuries. The coverage ranges from $25,000 to $100,000 depending on the nature of the injury.
SGLI costs 6 cents per $1,000 of coverage. All SGLI participants must pay a $1 monthly charge for TSGLI, bringing the monthly premium to $31 for $500,000 worth of coverage.
When you get out of the military, your SGLI will stay in effect for 120 days after your discharge. After you get out, you can convert your SGLI to VGLI, (Veterans' Group Life Insurance), a similar program, if you wish.
Related Life Insurance Programs:
- Family Servicemember's Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
- Service Disabled Veteran Insurance (S-DVI)
- Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)
- Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
- Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)
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