What will your life insurance cost after you separate?
Not an official VA calculator — educational only. VGLI rates from the VA.gov table effective July 1, 2025; private-term figures are illustrative estimates, not quotes. Confirm current rates at VA.gov and get an actual term quote based on your health before deciding.
Get the plain-English SGLI → VGLI breakdown and our new tools. No spam — real stuff when we publish it.
Common questions
How much does VGLI cost, and why does it go up?
VGLI premiums are age-banded: they step up every five years as you get older, and continue for life. For $400,000 of coverage, that runs about $24/mo under age 30, ~$76/mo at 45–49, ~$200/mo at 55–59, and ~$860/mo at 70–74. A private level-term policy, by contrast, locks one fixed premium for the whole term. (VA.gov VGLI rate table, effective July 1, 2025.)
How long do I have to convert SGLI to VGLI?
You must apply for VGLI within 1 year and 120 days of separating. If you apply within 240 days of separation, VGLI is issued with no health questions — guaranteed, regardless of your medical history. After 240 days (but before the outer deadline) you can still apply, but must show evidence of good health. VGLI never requires a medical exam. Your SGLI also continues free for 120 days after you separate.
Is VGLI or private term life better?
It depends on your health and situation — neither is universally better. If you're healthy, a level-term policy bought young often costs less over time because its premium stays flat while VGLI climbs with age. But if you have health conditions that would raise your rate or get you declined privately, VGLI's guaranteed-issue coverage can be the better or only option. This tool shows the cost comparison; the decision is yours (ideally with a licensed agent).