Definition
Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is a program that allows veterans to continue life insurance coverage after they have left the military. It is a renewable term life insurance policy that does not require a medical exam and can be maintained for a lifetime. The coverage is available in increments of $10,000 up to a maximum of $400,000.
Phonetic
The phonetic pronunciation for the keyword “Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)” would be:Veht-er-uhns Groop Life In-shur-uhns (Vee gee El Eye)
Key Takeaways
- VGLI or Veterans Group Life Insurance is a program that allows former servicemembers to continue their life insurance coverage after they leave the military service.
- VGLI offers flexible coverage, allows veterans to choose the amount of coverage they need, and doesn’t require proof of good health if enrolled within 240 days of leaving the military, making it accessible to many veterans.
- VGLI premiums are based on your age, and while they may start low, they increase as the insured veteran gets older. Thus, it’s essential to consider future costs when deciding on VGLI.
Importance
Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is a critical component of financial planning for military veterans, serving as an essential safety net for them and their families. It provides lifetime coverage to veterans who have separated from military service, without requiring a medical examination, if applied for within 240 days from the date of separation. This makes VGLI a vital financial resource, especially for those with health conditions that may otherwise make life insurance difficult to obtain. Moreover, it helps to ensure ongoing financial stability for veterans’ loved ones in the event of the veteran’s death, allowing them to cover bereavement expenses, settle debts, maintain living standards, or fund future needs like education. Therefore, VGLI plays a significant role in safeguarding the financial future of military veterans and their families.
Explanation
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is a program designed to provide life insurance coverage to veterans after they leave military service. The primary purpose of this insurance is to provide financial protection to the veterans’ family members in case of their untimely passing. The service member can convert their existing Service members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to VGLI within one year and 120 days from discharge to enjoy continued coverage. This allows veterans to mitigate the financial risks that may arise due to illness or accidents after serving in the army.VGLI is used to cover end-of-life expenses, pay off outstanding debts, fund children’s education, and provide financial security to the insured’s dependents. Understanding that veterans may have a harder time securing civilian life insurance due to risks associated with military service, especially if they’ve suffered injuries, the VGLI program provides an opportunity for them to secure life insurance without the need for a health review. The amount of coverage a veteran can get under VGLI is typically equal to or less than the coverage they had under SGLI.
Examples
1. Veteran Entrepreneurship: John, a veteran, recently started a small manufacturing business. He opted for Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) to secure his family’s financial future in case of any mishap. This insurance would provide financial assistance to his family, allowing his business to continue in the event of his untimely death. 2. Retirement Planning for Veterans: Sarah, a retired Army nurse, included VGLI as a part of her retirement plan. Seeing how medical and funeral expenses can be financially draining, she saw VGLI as an essential tool to safeguard her spouse from financial burdens, ensuring her spouse will get a lump sum payment in case anything undermines her health conditions.3. Financial Protection for Wounded Veterans: Robert, an Iraq war veteran, critically wounded during his service, found it challenging to get a standard life insurance policy due to his medical condition. However, with VGLI, he was able to receive life insurance coverage without any health examinations, providing him and his family with financial protection.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What is Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)?
Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is a program provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs that allows veterans to continue life insurance coverage after they separate from active service.
How can veterans apply for VGLI?
Veterans can apply either online through the VA’s website or by mail using the VA Form SGLV 8714.
Who is eligible for VGLI?
Any service member who has full-time SGLI coverage and is about to leave active duty or inactive duty, or within one year and 120 days after discharge, separation, or release from active duty or assignment is eligible for VGLI.
What is the coverage amount for VGLI?
The maximum coverage amount for VGLI equals the amount of full-time SGLI coverage you had when you left active duty (up to $400,000). VGLI coverage is issued in multiples of $10,000.
Can I increase my VGLI coverage?
Yes, you can increase your coverage by $25,000 on every 5th anniversary of your policy, up to a maximum of $400,000 until age 60. No medical underwriting is required for these increases.
Does VGLI cover only the service member, or does it include their family as well?
VGLI only covers the service member. However, service members may choose to convert their VGLI coverage to a commercial life insurance policy that may offer additional benefits such as coverage for their spouse and children.
How are VGLI premiums determined?
VGLI premium rates are based on your age and the amount of insurance coverage you want. The VA provides a VGLI premium calculator on their website for precise calculation.
Is VGLI coverage for life?
Yes, VGLI coverage can be kept for life as long as premiums are paid. There is no requirement to have good health to retain your coverage.
What happens if a veteran misses their VGLI premium payment?
If a veteran misses a premium payment, they have a 60-day grace period to make the payment and keep their policy in force. If they miss this grace period, their coverage will be terminated but can be reinstated within 5 years by paying back premiums and providing evidence of good health.
Related Finance Terms
- Prudential Insurance Company of America
- Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Veterans’ Life Insurance Policy Loans
- Veterans’ Mortality Rates
