Leaving the Military: The 120-Day, 240-Day, and 485-Day Life Insurance Deadlines
Map SGLI's free extension, VGLI's no-health window, and the final VGLI deadline before your separation date.
The day you separate, your life insurance starts a countdown. Miss a deadline and your family could lose coverage, or you could lose the chance to get it without answering health questions.
THE THREE DATES TO KNOW
Day 120: SGLI's free extension ends. FSGLI spouse coverage ends on day 121. Day 240: Last day to apply for VGLI without answering health questions. Day 485 (1 year and 120 days): Final deadline to apply for VGLI at all.
WHY DAY 240 MATTERS MOST
If you have a service-connected condition, a recent diagnosis, or anything that might make underwriting harder, VGLI's no-health window may be your best guarantee of coverage. After day 240, VGLI asks health questions just like a private carrier.
DON'T FORGET YOUR SPOUSE
FSGLI spouse coverage does not convert to VGLI. Your spouse has 120 days to convert it to an individual policy with a participating company, with no proof of good health. Most families never hear about this option.
A SEPARATION CHECKLIST
- Write down your separation date and add 120, 240, and 485 days to your calendar. - Decide whether you need VGLI, a personal policy, or both. - Get personal quotes before day 120 so you can compare. - Help your spouse decide on FSGLI conversion before day 120. - Update beneficiaries on whatever coverage you keep.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Start comparing options at least 90 days before you separate. Having coverage approved before your last day in uniform means there's never a gap.
This guide is for education only and is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Coverage is subject to underwriting. Confirm current VGLI rules at va.gov.