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How to convert SGLI to VGLI

When you leave the military, your SGLI ends 120 days after you separate. You can convert it to VGLI to keep your coverage. If you apply within 240 days of separation, you skip the health questions. You have up to 1 year and 120 days to apply, but after the first 240 days you have to show you are in good health.

The deadlines that matter

Day 0: Separation

The clock starts ticking on your transition deadlines.

Days 1–120: SGLI stays active at no cost

Day 120: SGLI Ends

Your free SGLI coverage drops to zero. You need new coverage in place before this day.

Days 1–240: The "No Health Questions" Window

Day 240: Medical Exemption Ends

Last day to convert to VGLI without proving you are in good health. The safest move is to act inside this window.

Day 241 to 1 Year & 120 Days: Proof of Health Required

1 Year & 120 Days: VGLI Option Closes

The final deadline to apply for VGLI. After this, you must seek private coverage.

How to convert, step by step

  1. Choose your coverage amount. You can carry up to the amount you held under SGLI.
  2. Apply within 240 days of separation to skip the health questions.
  3. Pay your first premium to put the coverage in force.
  4. Before you lock in VGLI for the long run, compare it to a private term policy if your health is good.

A cost note before you commit

VGLI is convenient, and it is the right call when your health makes private coverage hard to get. The trade-off is price. VGLI premiums rise every five years as you age, while a private level term policy holds one price for the whole term. If you are healthy enough to qualify, term often costs far less across the years you need coverage. See the full breakdown on our VGLI vs term life page.

Who should convert to VGLI

  • Veterans with a health condition or a service-connected disability who want coverage with no health questions, applied for inside the window.
  • Anyone who wants coverage in force right away while they sort out next steps.

Who should compare a private policy first

  • Healthy veterans who can pass underwriting and want a price locked for 20 or 30 years.
  • Veterans who want a larger coverage amount than VGLI offers.

Choosing Between VGLI and Private Life Insurance

A short quiz can point you toward VGLI or private term in about a minute, based on your age, health, and goals.

Take the quiz: Which Coverage Fits You?

Source: VA, Servicemembers Group Life Insurance and Veterans Group Life Insurance.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to convert SGLI to VGLI?
You have up to 1 year and 120 days after separation. Apply within the first 240 days and you do not have to answer health questions.
Does converting SGLI to VGLI require a medical exam?
No, not if you apply within 240 days of leaving the service. After that window, you must show you are in good health.
What happens to my SGLI after retirement?
SGLI ends 120 days after you separate or retire. You can convert to VGLI within the time limits, or buy a private policy.
Is VGLI the right choice?
VGLI is the right choice if your health makes private coverage hard to get. Healthy veterans often pay less over time with a private level term policy.