SGLI vs VGLI Cost Comparison Calculator: Military & Veterans Life Insurance in 2026
Military service members and veterans face a critical decision when transitioning from active duty: keep your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) by converting to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), or switch to a private policy. This interactive calculator compares the real costs of SGLI, VGLI, and private term life insurance side-by-side — so you can see exactly how much each option costs and make the best decision for your family’s financial future. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, transitioning service members have a limited 240-day window to convert their coverage without a medical exam — making this one of the most time-sensitive insurance decisions military families face.
Understanding Your Military Life Insurance Options
Before using the calculator, it helps to understand exactly what each type of coverage offers. The military offers two distinct life insurance programs — and private insurance represents a third path that many service members overlook.
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI): Low-cost group term coverage for active duty, reservists, and National Guard members. Provides up to $500,000 at a flat rate of $0.06 per $1,000 of coverage — one of the cheapest life insurance rates available anywhere.
- Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI): Allows service members to convert their SGLI coverage to a renewable term policy after separation from service. No medical exam required if you apply within 240 days of separation.
- Private Term Life Insurance: Policies offered by commercial carriers like Prudential, Pacific Life, and Nationwide. Often 30–50% cheaper than VGLI for healthy applicants and provides level premiums that don’t increase with age.
Why Compare SGLI vs VGLI vs Private Insurance?
Transitioning service members often default to VGLI because it’s the path of least resistance — but that comfort can cost thousands of dollars over a 20-year term. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recommends comparing at least three quotes before purchasing any life insurance policy, and military members have more options than they realize.
- SGLI is unbeatable while you’re in. At $0.06 per $1,000, nothing else comes close for active duty members. You should always maintain maximum SGLI coverage while serving.
- VGLI is a safety net — not always the best deal. Its guaranteed-issue feature is invaluable for those with health conditions, but its age-banded rate increases mean costs escalate sharply after age 40.
- Private term life often wins on price. Healthy non-smokers can frequently lock in level premiums that are 30–50% lower than VGLI, with the added benefit of rates that don’t jump every 5 years.
- You can mix and match. There’s no rule against carrying both VGLI and a private policy. Some veterans use VGLI for guaranteed base coverage and supplement with private insurance.
If you’re a veteran interested in exploring private options, check out our guide to life insurance for veterans for a complete breakdown of what’s available outside the VA system. For service members concerned about coverage gaps during transition, our supplemental life insurance guide explains how to layer multiple policies for full protection.
SGLI vs VGLI: Key Differences at a Glance
Below is a quick-reference summary of how these three options compare before we dive into the interactive calculator:
| Feature | SGLI | VGLI | Private Term Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Age 30, $400K) | $24.00 | $34.00 | ~$22.80 |
| Max Coverage | $500,000 | $500,000 | $1,000,000+ |
| Medical Exam | No | No (within 240 days) | Usually yes |
| Rate Type | Fixed | Increases every 5 years | Level for entire term |
| Eligibility | Active duty, reserves, Guard | Separating service members | General public |
| Portability | Ends at separation | Lifetime renewable | Fully portable |
| Best For | Active duty members | Vets with health issues | Healthy vets seeking lowest cost |
Interactive SGLI vs VGLI vs Private Cost Calculator
Use the tool below to compare real 2026 rates across all three options. Adjust your age, coverage amount, term length, and tobacco status to see how costs change.
SGLI vs VGLI vs Private: Military Life Insurance Cost Comparison Calculator
Compare real 2026 rates across all three options — instantly. See how much you’ll pay per month and over the life of each policy.
⚙️ Customize Your Comparison
📊 Monthly Premium Comparison
* SGLI rate is fixed at $0.06 per $1,000 of coverage. VGLI rates increase with age every 5 years. Private rates are sample estimates for preferred non-tobacco applicants.
📊 Total Cost Over 20 Years
SGLI: $6,960 | VGLI: $10,560 | Private: $6,816
🔒 Compare Real Quotes Now →No obligation. Free quotes from top-rated carriers in 2 minutes.
📋 SGLI vs VGLI vs Private: Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | SGLI (Active Duty) | VGLI (Veterans) | Private Term Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Age 30, $400K) | $24.00 | $34.00 | ~$22.80 |
| Maximum Coverage | $500,000 | $500,000 (conversion limit) | $1,000,000+ |
| Medical Exam Required | ❌ No | ❌ No (within 240 days) | ✅ Usually (simplified options available) |
| Rate Type | Fixed ($0.06/$1K) | Age-banded (increases every 5 yrs) | Level (fixed for term length) |
| Eligibility | Active duty, reserves, Nat’l Guard | Separating service members, veterans | General public (civilians + vets) |
| Conversion Window | N/A (active duty only) | 240 days post-separation | Apply anytime |
| Portability | ❌ Ends upon separation | ✅ Stays with you for life | ✅ Fully portable |
| Rate Guarantee | No guarantee (DoD sets rates) | Increases with age every 5 years | Level premium guaranteed for term |
| Best For | Active duty members | Veterans with health issues | Healthy veterans seeking lowest rates |
💰 VGLI Monthly Rate Schedule (2026 — Per $1,000 of Coverage)
| Age Group | Monthly Rate (per $1,000) | $100K Coverage | $400K Coverage | $500K Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | $0.04 | $4.00 | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| 30–34 | $0.05 | $5.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| 35–39 | $0.06 | $6.00 | $24.00 | $30.00 |
| 40–44 | $0.08 | $8.00 | $32.00 | $40.00 |
| 45–49 | $0.11 | $11.00 | $44.00 | $55.00 |
| 50–54 | $0.15 | $15.00 | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| 55–59 | $0.23 | $23.00 | $92.00 | $115.00 |
| 60–64 | $0.37 | $37.00 | $148.00 | $185.00 |
| 65–69 | $0.54 | $54.00 | $216.00 | $270.00 |
| 70–74 | $0.86 | $86.00 | $344.00 | $430.00 |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About SGLI and VGLI
Q: What’s the difference between SGLI and VGLI?
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is a low-cost group term life insurance program for active duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members. It provides up to $500,000 of coverage at a flat rate of $0.06 per $1,000 of coverage. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) allows service members to convert their SGLI coverage to a renewable term policy after separation from service — no medical exam required if applied within 240 days.
Q: Is VGLI better than private life insurance?
It depends on your health. VGLI is a guaranteed-issue conversion — no medical exam needed within 240 days of separation. This makes it the best option for veterans with service-connected disabilities or health conditions. However, if you’re in good health, private term life insurance is typically 30-50% cheaper than VGLI at younger ages and offers level premiums that don’t increase with age.
Q: How much does SGLI cost per month?
SGLI costs $0.06 per $1,000 of coverage per month. For the maximum $500,000 coverage, that’s $30 per month. An additional $1 per month is added for traumatic injury protection (TSGLI), bringing the total to $31/month for full coverage. This is one of the lowest life insurance rates available anywhere.
Q: When should I convert SGLI to VGLI?
You have 240 days (approximately 8 months) after separation to convert SGLI to VGLI with no medical exam. After 240 days, you can still apply, but you’ll need to answer health questions. The ideal strategy: within those 240 days, shop private term life insurance quotes. If you qualify for a better private rate, take it. If health issues prevent private coverage, convert to VGLI — it’s a valuable safety net.
Q: How do VGLI rates increase with age?
Unlike private level term policies that lock in a rate for 10-30 years, VGLI rates increase every 5 years based on your age bracket. At age 30, a $400,000 VGLI policy costs $20/month. By age 65, that same coverage jumps to $216/month. This is why many financial advisors recommend healthy veterans switch to private term life insurance before age 40.
Q: Can I have both VGLI and private life insurance?
Yes — there’s no restriction on owning multiple life insurance policies. Many veterans carry VGLI for some guaranteed coverage and supplement with a private term policy for additional coverage at better rates. The key is to shop private quotes before your VGLI 240-day conversion window closes so you can compare real numbers.
Get the Best Life Insurance Rate After Your Service
The transition from active duty to civilian life comes with enough decisions — your life insurance shouldn’t be the hardest one. Whether you choose VGLI for its guaranteed-issue convenience, private term life for its lower cost and locked-in rates, or a combination of both, the key is to compare real quotes before that 240-day conversion window closes. For more guidance on navigating your coverage options, see our life insurance quotes comparison page or learn about no-exam life insurance options that may fit your needs.
- Active duty members should max out SGLI at $500,000 — at $0.06 per $1,000, no private carrier can beat this rate.
- Veterans with health conditions should convert to VGLI within the 240-day window — the guaranteed-issue feature protects your insurability.
- Healthy veterans should shop private term life insurance before the VGLI deadline — you could save 30–50% on premiums.
- You can layer VGLI + private coverage for maximum protection — there’s no restriction on owning multiple policies.
Ready to see what you qualify for? Most healthy veterans can find private term life coverage for less than the cost of VGLI — and level premiums mean your rate won’t increase every five years. The calculator above gives you a starting point, but real quotes from multiple carriers reveal the true cost savings available to you.
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