Shinseki Announces VA Cutting Insurance Premiums for Families

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today that military personnel insuring their families under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program, which is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, will have reduced out-of-pocket expenses beginning July 1.

“VA hopes these reductions will allow more military personnel to obtain affordable life insurance coverage for their spouses, particularly in these difficult economic times,” said Shinseki.  “Without insurance protection, life after the loss of a spouse can be not only challenging emotionally, but can place a severe financial strain on a family.”  

Family SGLI (FSGLI) monthly premium rates will be reduced for all age groups by an average of 8 percent.  The new rates are based on revised estimates for the cost of the program.  This is the third time that premiums have been reduced since the FSGLI program began in November 2001.  Spousal premiums were previously reduced for all age groups in 2003 and 2006. 

FSGLI coverage provides life insurance protection to military personnel for their spouses and children.  Children are automatically insured for $10,000, with no premiums charged. 

Based on the coverage of service members, spouses may be insured for up to $100,000.  Military personnel pay age-based premiums for spousal coverage — the older the spouse, the higher the premium rate.  

The premium reduction ensures FSGLI remains highly competitive compared to commercial insurers.  

FSGLI coverage is available in increments of $10,000.  The current and revised monthly premium rates per $10,000 of insurance, along with other information, are available on the Internet at www.insurance.va.gov. 

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