The Question Every Veteran Asks
You have mesothelioma. You are facing difficult treatments. You are worried about your family. What will happen to them when you are gone? How will they pay for the mortgage, the car payments, the kids’ college?
You want to leave something behind. You want to know your family will be okay.
Life insurance is the answer. But here is the problem. Many private life insurance companies will not cover someone with a terminal cancer diagnosis. If they do, the premiums are astronomical.
Here is what you need to know. The VA offers life insurance programs for veterans. Some of these programs are available to veterans with service-connected disabilities like mesothelioma.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about VA life insurance for veterans with mesothelioma. You will learn about Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI), and VALife (a newer program for disabled veterans).
No complicated government language. No confusion. Just clear, honest information to help you protect your family’s future.
Part 1: Why Life Insurance Matters for Mesothelioma Veterans
The Financial Impact of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a devastating disease. It often strikes later in life, after retirement. But it can also strike younger veterans who were exposed to asbestos decades ago.
If you are the primary breadwinner for your family, your death could leave them in a difficult financial situation. Life insurance provides:
- Money to pay off the mortgage
- Money for your children’s education
- Money to cover daily living expenses
- Money for funeral and burial costs
- Peace of mind for you
The Challenge of Private Life Insurance
Private life insurance companies use medical underwriting. They ask about your health. They request your medical records. If you have mesothelioma, you will almost certainly be denied coverage. Or you will be offered a policy with premiums that are impossibly high.
The VA does not use medical underwriting for its life insurance programs in the same way. If you qualify for the program, you are covered regardless of your health condition.
Part 2: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
What Is SGLI?
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is life insurance for active-duty service members, Guard members, and reservists. It provides up to $400,000 in term life insurance coverage.
Who Is Eligible for SGLI?
- Active-duty service members
- Ready Reserve and National Guard members
- Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and NOAA
SGLI for Veterans with Mesothelioma
If you are no longer on active duty, you are not eligible for SGLI. However, you may be able to convert your SGLI to VGLI when you leave the service (see Part 3).
How Much Does SGLI Cost?
Premiums are deducted automatically from your pay. The rate is very low – approximately 0.06per1,000 of coverage per month.
Example: 400,000coveragecostsapproximately24 per month.
Key Feature: Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)
SGLI includes an automatic rider for traumatic injury protection. This is not relevant for mesothelioma (which is not a traumatic injury), but it is part of the SGLI package.
Part 3: Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
What Is VGLI?
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is term life insurance for veterans who had SGLI while on active duty. You can convert your SGLI to VGLI when you leave the service.
VGLI provides up to $400,000 in coverage. You do not need to prove you are healthy. If you had SGLI, you can convert to VGLI regardless of your health condition.
Who Is Eligible for VGLI?
- Veterans who had SGLI while on active duty
- You must apply within 1 year and 120 days of leaving active duty
- For mesothelioma veterans who served decades ago, you may have missed the window
What If You Missed the VGLI Deadline?
If you have a service-connected disability (like mesothelioma), you may be eligible for an extension. Contact the VA Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) at 1-800-419-1473.
How Much Does VGLI Cost?
VGLI premiums increase every 5 years as you age. For a veteran in their 60s or 70s (typical age for mesothelioma diagnosis), premiums can be high.
Example 5-year term rates (age 65-69):
- 100,000coverage:Approximately120 per month
- 200,000coverage:Approximately240 per month
- 400,000coverage:Approximately480 per month
Is VGLI Right for Mesothelioma Veterans?
If you already have VGLI, keep it. You cannot get a better rate elsewhere with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
If you do not already have VGLI, you may not be able to get it now. The application window is limited. However, there are other VA life insurance programs for disabled veterans (see Parts 4 and 5).
Part 4: Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
What Is S-DVI?
Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI) is life insurance for veterans with service-connected disabilities (like mesothelioma). It was available to veterans who were rated for a service-connected disability within 1-2 years of leaving active duty.
Who Is Eligible for S-DVI?
- Veterans who received a service-connected disability rating within 2 years of leaving active duty
- The disability must be rated at 0 percent or higher (all service-connected disabilities qualify)
The Problem with S-DVI for Mesothelioma Veterans
Here is the challenge. Mesothelioma usually develops 20-50 years after asbestos exposure. Most veterans with mesothelioma were exposed during service but not diagnosed until decades later. They did not have a service-connected disability rating within 2 years of leaving active duty. Therefore, they are not eligible for S-DVI.
For Veterans Who Are Eligible
If you are one of the rare mesothelioma veterans who received a rating soon after service, S-DVI provides:
- Up to $40,000 in coverage
- Premiums deducted from your VA disability compensation
- No medical exam required
Cost: Approximately 0.60per1,000 of coverage per month.
Note: The S-DVI program has been largely replaced by VALife (see Part 5). New applications for S-DVI are no longer accepted as of January 1, 2023, except for veterans with an existing S-DVI policy who want to increase coverage.
Part 5: VALife (Veterans Affairs Life Insurance)
What Is VALife?
VALife is a newer VA life insurance program for veterans with service-connected disabilities. It replaced S-DVI for new applicants starting January 1, 2023.
VALife is designed specifically for veterans who did not apply for life insurance within the 2-year window after leaving service. This includes most veterans with mesothelioma.
Who Is Eligible for VALife?
- Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 0 percent or higher
- You must apply within 2 years of receiving your service-connected disability rating
For mesothelioma veterans: This means you must apply for VALife within 2 years of receiving your 100 percent rating for mesothelioma.
How Much Coverage Can You Get?
- Standard coverage: Up to $40,000
- Increments: 10,000,20,000, 30,000,or40,000
How Much Does VALife Cost?
VALife premiums are based on:
- Your age at enrollment
- Your coverage amount
- Your premium is fixed for life (does not increase as you age)
Example estimated premiums: Approximately 0.50to1.50 per $1,000 of coverage per month, depending on your age.
How to Apply for VALife
Step One: Have a service-connected disability rating (100 percent for mesothelioma).
Step Two: Apply online at VA.gov within 2 years of receiving your rating.
Step Three: No medical exam is required.
Processing time: 30-60 days after receiving all required documents.
Important Waiting Period
VALife has a waiting period before full benefits are paid.
- First 2 years: If you die within 2 years of enrollment, the benefit is limited to the return of premiums plus interest (no death benefit).
- After 2 years: Full death benefit is paid.
For veterans with advanced mesothelioma: This waiting period is a significant limitation. If you have a terminal diagnosis, VALife may not provide a death benefit for your family if you die within 2 years of enrollment.
Part 6: VALife vs. VGLI vs. S-DVI: Which Is Best for You?
| Feature | VALife | VGLI | S-DVI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Service-connected disability rated within 2 years of application | Had SGLI, apply within 1 year 120 days of leaving service | Rated within 2 years of leaving service (closed to new applicants) |
| Coverage | 10k−40k | Up to $400k | Up to $40k |
| Premiums | Fixed for life | Increase every 5 years | Deducted from disability comp |
| Medical exam | No | No (conversion from SGLI) | No |
| Waiting period | 2 years (before full benefit) | No | No |
| Best for mesothelioma veterans | Yes (if newly rated) | Yes (if already have it) | Rarely |
Recommendation for Mesothelioma Veterans
If you are newly rated (100 percent for mesothelioma): Apply for VALife as soon as possible. The waiting period means your family will not receive the full death benefit if you die within 2 years, but it is better than nothing.
If you already have VGLI: Keep it. Do not let it lapse. You cannot get a better policy elsewhere.
If you have neither: Explore private life insurance options carefully. Some companies offer guaranteed issue life insurance policies (no medical exam) for seniors, but the premiums are high and the death benefits are low.
Part 7: VA Life Insurance for Surviving Spouses
When a veteran with VA life insurance dies, the surviving spouse may receive benefits from the policy. But there is no separate VA life insurance for surviving spouses.
What Surviving Spouses Should Know
- File a claim: As soon as the veteran dies, contact the VA Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance at 1-800-419-1473.
- Documents needed: Veteran’s death certificate, policy number, your ID
- Payment timeline: Usually 30-60 days after claim is approved
CHAMPVA and Other Survivor Benefits
Life insurance is separate from other survivor benefits like:
- DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) – monthly tax-free payment
- CHAMPVA – health insurance
- VA burial benefits
You can receive life insurance proceeds AND DIC AND CHAMPVA. They do not affect each other.
Part 8: Private Life Insurance Options
If you do not qualify for VA life insurance, or if you want additional coverage, here are private options to consider.
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
Some companies offer guaranteed issue life insurance. No medical exam. No health questions. Everyone is accepted.
Trade-offs:
- Low death benefits (typically 5,000to25,000)
- High premiums relative to death benefit
- Waiting period (usually 2 years before full benefit is paid)
Example: Colonial Penn, AARP, Globe Life
Burial Insurance
Burial insurance is a type of whole life insurance designed to cover funeral expenses. Typically 5,000to25,000 in coverage. No medical exam for some policies.
Trade-offs:
- Low death benefits
- Higher premiums than traditional life insurance
Term Life Insurance
Traditional term life insurance requires a medical exam. Unless you are in remission, you will likely be denied. If your mesothelioma is in remission (no active disease for 2-5 years), you may qualify for a standard policy. Talk to an independent insurance broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VA life insurance if I already have mesothelioma?
Yes, if you apply for VALife within 2 years of receiving your service-connected disability rating.
How long does it take to get approved for VALife?
Typically 30-60 days after submitting all required documents.
Does VA life insurance pay for suicide?
Yes, after the waiting period. During the waiting period, suicide may result in return of premiums only.
Can I name anyone as my beneficiary?
Yes. You can name your spouse, children, parents, siblings, a trust, or even a charity.
What if I die during the VALife waiting period?
Your beneficiary will receive a return of your premiums plus interest (not the full death benefit).
Can I have both VALife and VGLI?
No. You cannot have multiple VA life insurance policies.
Resources
- VALife Information: www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/valife/
- VGLI Information: www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/vgli/
- VA Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI): 1-800-419-1473
- Apply for VALife: www.va.gov/life-insurance/valife/apply/
- Find a Veterans Service Officer (VSO): www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Family’s Future
You have mesothelioma. You are fighting for your life. But you also need to think about what happens after you are gone. Your family will need financial support. The mortgage will still be due. The kids may still need college tuition.
VA life insurance can help. If you are newly rated for mesothelioma, apply for VALife. The waiting period is a challenge, but something is better than nothing.
If you already have VGLI, keep it. Do not let it lapse.
Do not leave your family unprotected. Apply for VA life insurance today.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about VA life insurance programs for veterans with mesothelioma. It does not constitute financial advice, insurance advice, or official VA guidance. VA benefits rules change. Every veteran’s situation is different. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, insurance professional, or the VA directly about your specific situation. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, speak with a doctor immediately and contact a VA-accredited claims agent or an attorney to understand your benefits, including life insurance.