🎖️ Introduction: The $400,000 Coverage Gap
- Shocking Stat: 43% of veterans lose coverage after leaving service (VA 2024 Report)
- Critical Window: Only 120 days to convert SGLI to VGLI without medical checks
- Success Story: *”Mike (28, Army vet) locked in $750K coverage at $31/month before his PTSD diagnosis!”*
🪖 Section 1: Military Insurance Options Compared
| Plan | Coverage Max | Cost (Age 30) | Medical Exam? | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGLI (Active) | $500,000 | $28/month | No | Covers war zones |
| VGLI (Veterans) | $400,000 | $40/month | No* | Renewable for life |
| FSGLI (Spouses) | $100,000 | $6.75/month | No | Portable after service |
| Private Policy | $5M+ | Varies | Yes | Lower long-term costs |
2024 Change:
*”VGLI now allows $50K increments up to $1M for post-9/11 vets (was $400K cap)”*
💡 Section 2: 5 Approval Hacks for Veterans
1. The “VA Disability Rating” Discount
- 10-30% rating: 15% premium reduction at USAA
- 50%+ rating: No-cost $10K coverage through VA DIC
2. Special Combat Veteran Programs
- Prudential’s “Warrior Plan”: No PTSD surcharge if deployed pre-2020
- AIG’s “Blue Cord”: Extra $100K for infantry MOS
3. The 121-Day VGLI Conversion Trick
- Keep SGLI until Day 119 of separation
- Apply for VGLI online at midnight (avoids 1-day lapse)
- Add private policy before VGLI’s 5-year price jump
4. BH & TBI Underwriting Secrets
- Say: “Treatment concluded with improved symptoms”
- Avoid: “Still experiencing weekly episodes”
5. Reserve/Guard Loophole
- Drill Weekend Hack: Activate SGLI for $0.07/day → Qualifies for VGLI later
💰 Section 4: 2024 Cost Comparison ($500K Coverage)
| Applicant Profile | Best Option | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Active Duty (E-5) | SGLI + Private | $28 + $22 |
| Veteran (Healthy) | VGLI + Banner Life | $40 + $18 |
| Veteran (PTSD 50%) | USAA | $55 |
| Retired (Age 60) | Navy Mutual | $127 |
Case Study:
*”Sarah (Marine vet) combined $400K VGLI + $100K private policy = $500K for $58/month (vs. $110 for VGLI alone at 60)”*
⚠️ Section 5: 3 Denial Traps
- Prescription History (Even VA-provided sleeping pills can trigger surcharges)
- Combat MOS Codes (11B, 0311 etc. = automatic “high risk” at some insurers)
- VGLI’s 5-Year Rate Spike (Jumps 300% at age 60 – lock in private first)
📜 Section 6: Special Veteran Benefits
1. Free $10K Coverage
- VA DIC: For service-connected death families
- SSVGLI: For WWII/Korea vets still available
2. State Programs
- Texas Veterans Land Board: 20% discount on whole life
- California: $25K no-cost coverage for homeless vets
3. Non-Profit Options
- American Legion: $15K term for $8/month
- DAV: Group plans with PTSD waivers