Life Insurance for the Military
Jason Stolz CLTC, CRPC
Life insurance for the military is one of the most important financial tools for protecting service members and their families. Whether you serve on active duty, in the Reserves, or as part of the National Guard, you face risks that most civilians never encounter. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we specialize in helping military personnel, veterans, and families secure affordable life insurance that complements or replaces government-provided coverage.
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Compare affordable private life insurance options for active duty, veterans, and military families.
Why Military Members Need Private Life Insurance
While most active-duty service members are covered by Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), that benefit ends when you separate or retire. Without replacement coverage, families can face a gap in protection at a critical time. Private life insurance provides lifelong security and can often supplement or extend SGLI coverage — ensuring your loved ones are protected regardless of your service status.
At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we help active-duty personnel, veterans, and military families compare civilian plans that fit their budget, lifestyle, and long-term financial goals. Our team understands how to work with underwriters familiar with military service, deployments, and related risks.
Who Qualifies for Military Life Insurance?
Nearly all branches and statuses of service qualify for private life insurance, including:
- Active-duty military in any branch — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Space Force.
- Reserve and National Guard members who serve part-time but may be deployed.
- Veterans transitioning from active duty or retiring from military service.
- Military spouses and dependents seeking independent coverage.
- Defense contractors and civilian personnel working alongside military operations.
Types of Life Insurance Available to Military Members
- Term Life Insurance: Affordable protection for 10–30 years. Ideal for covering mortgages, family income, or children’s education.
- Whole Life Insurance: Permanent coverage with guaranteed cash value growth, suitable for long-term family and legacy planning.
- Universal Life Insurance: Adjustable coverage that offers flexible premiums and death benefits for evolving financial needs.
- Final Expense Insurance: Simplified plans that help cover burial and funeral costs, often available without a medical exam.
SGLI vs. Private Life Insurance
SGLI provides up to $500,000 of coverage while on active duty — but it ends when service does. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) can be converted afterward, but premiums rise sharply with age. Private life insurance offers stable long-term premiums, customizable coverage, and higher benefit options without relying solely on government programs.
By securing a private policy while still in service, you can lock in better rates and coverage that stays with you through retirement, deployment, and civilian life.
How Deployment and Military Duty Affect Underwriting
Underwriters may evaluate factors like deployment frequency, hazardous duties, or overseas assignments. However, many insurers specialize in military underwriting and will issue policies even if you’re subject to deployment. Diversified Insurance Brokers partners with these carriers to help you secure approval without unnecessary restrictions.
Case Study Example
A 31-year-old Army officer preparing for deployment wanted to supplement his SGLI coverage for his growing family. We helped him secure a $750,000 30-year term life policy that will remain in force even after leaving active duty. This provides peace of mind for his spouse and ensures his coverage continues through every stage of life.
How Much Coverage Should Military Families Consider?
A general guideline is to carry at least 7–10 times your annual income in total life insurance (including SGLI and any private coverage). Families with dependents, debt, or long-term care responsibilities often benefit from combining term and permanent policies for both flexibility and guaranteed protection.
Why Work With Diversified Insurance Brokers
Since 1980, our family-owned, fiduciary agency has served clients nationwide — including active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders. With access to over 75 top-rated carriers, we compare every option to find the right balance of value, protection, and flexibility. You’ve dedicated your life to protecting others; let us help you protect what matters most at home.
Explore related coverage options such as Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions, Convert Term to Permanent Life Insurance, and Best Independent Insurance Agent.
Compare Life Insurance Rates for Military Members
View real-time quotes from top-rated carriers serving active-duty, retired, and veteran clients.
Protecting Those Who Protect Us
Whether you’re serving on active duty, returning from deployment, or transitioning into civilian life, life insurance ensures your family’s financial security remains intact. Our advisors will help you compare policies, riders, and pricing so you can focus on your mission with confidence.
Request Your Personalized Military Life Insurance Quote
Our experienced advisors compare rates from 75+ carriers to find your best options for active-duty and retired service members.
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FAQs: Life Insurance for the Military
Do active-duty service members need private life insurance?
Yes. SGLI ends when you separate or retire, so private coverage ensures your family stays protected long term.
Can deployed service members get life insurance?
Yes. Some carriers offer policies that remain active even during deployment, depending on the assignment and location.
What happens to SGLI when I leave the military?
SGLI ends 120 days after separation unless converted to VGLI, which can become expensive as you age.
Can veterans apply for private life insurance?
Yes. Veterans are eligible for individual life policies that often cost less than VGLI and include more options.
Does military service make coverage more expensive?
Not necessarily. Rates depend more on your health, duties, and deployment history than your branch of service.
Can I have both SGLI and private life insurance?
Yes. Many service members use both — SGLI for basic coverage and private life insurance for long-term family protection.
What if I was declined in the past?
You can reapply through an independent broker that works with carriers experienced in military underwriting.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
