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.
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.