Veterans & military families
Don’t wait two years to protect your family
VA Life Insurance (VALife) has a two-year waiting period before full coverage begins. Many private companies offer veterans coverage that can start paying the full benefit from day one. We’ll help you compare.
The key difference
A two-year wait vs. coverage from day one
VA Life Insurance (VALife) is the VA’s guaranteed-acceptance whole life plan for veterans with a service-connected disability rating. It’s a valuable benefit — but full coverage doesn’t begin until two years after approval. If a veteran passes away during those first two years, the family receives the premiums paid plus interest instead of the full benefit.
Many private insurance companies offer whole life and final expense plans that can pay the full death benefit immediately for veterans who qualify based on a few health questions — often with higher coverage amounts.
We’ll compare both side by side so you can see which protects your family sooner.
- VALifeGuaranteed acceptance, up to $40,000, full benefit after 2 years.
- Private day-one coverageFull benefit from the start for qualifying applicants.
- Combine themSome veterans keep VALife and add a private policy so the family is covered during the 2-year wait.
- Your spouseSpouses can apply for their own private policy.
Side by side
VALife vs. private immediate coverage
| VA Life Insurance (VALife) | Private immediate-coverage plans | |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting period | 2 years. If death occurs in the first 2 years, beneficiaries receive the premiums paid plus interest — not the full benefit. | None for qualifying applicants. Level-benefit plans can pay the full death benefit from day one. |
| Maximum coverage | $40,000, in $10,000 increments | Higher amounts available, depending on the company and your age and health |
| Health questions | None — guaranteed acceptance | Yes. Approval and price depend on the company’s underwriting |
| Who can apply | Veterans age 80 or younger with a VA service-connected disability rating (including 0%) | Veterans with or without a disability rating, plus spouses and family on their own policies |
| Type of coverage | Whole life, premiums set by age | Whole life, final expense, term or IUL |
| Cash value | Starts building after 2 years; no loans | Most whole life policies build cash value; many allow loans |
VALife details from VA.gov, September 2026. VA rules and rates can change; check VA.gov for current terms. Private coverage is subject to underwriting and not every applicant will qualify for a level, day-one benefit.
Other options
More ways to protect your family
Recently separated? Many service members convert SGLI to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), renewable term coverage with premiums that rise with age. We can compare VGLI with private term and whole life, too.
- Final expenseSmaller whole life plans for funeral costs and final bills.
- Term lifeLevel premiums for a set number of years.
- Mortgage protectionCoverage sized to your home, including VA-loan homes.
- IULPermanent coverage with index-linked cash value.
FAQ
Common questions
Is this a VA program?
No. US Insurance Advisors is an independent insurance agency and is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. We have worked with veterans for years, helping them understand their VA life insurance benefits — like VALife and VGLI — and compare them with private coverage so they can make the best choice for their families.
What is the VALife two-year waiting period?
VALife coverage becomes fully effective two years after approval. If the insured veteran dies during those two years, VA pays the beneficiaries the premiums paid plus interest instead of the full coverage amount.
Can I have VALife and a private policy?
Many veterans use both. A private policy with a day-one benefit can help protect your family during VALife’s two-year waiting period, and can add coverage beyond VALife’s $40,000 maximum.
Which is better for me?
It depends on your age, health and goals. For some veterans with serious health conditions, VALife’s guaranteed acceptance may be the better fit. We’ll show you both options honestly.
Should I keep VGLI?
Sometimes it is the better option, especially with certain health conditions. We’ll compare prices and features side by side.