There's no single "veteran rate" for life insurance — carriers price the person, not the resume line. The good news is that most of the factors that determine your price are ones you can influence.
What determines a veteran's rate
- Age. The single biggest factor. Every year you wait, the price for the same coverage goes up.
- Health and any service-connected conditions. Carriers underwrite the specific condition, not the disability rating itself. Many rated conditions still land standard or near-standard pricing.
- Coverage amount and type. A small final expense policy costs far less than a large term policy sized to replace income.
- Tobacco use. Non-smokers get meaningfully better pricing across nearly every carrier.
- Occupation, if still serving or in a hazardous civilian trade. Certain roles carry a modest surcharge; most post-service civilian occupations do not.
How veterans compare to VGLI on price
VGLI premiums are age-banded and rise every five years with no cap tied to your individual health. A veteran in good health who locks in a private level-term or whole life policy in their 30s or 40s often ends up paying less over a decade than VGLI would cost for the same coverage — and the private rate never climbs.
| What drives cost down | What drives cost up |
|---|---|
| Buying while young and healthy | Waiting until an older age band |
| Non-tobacco use | Current tobacco/nicotine use |
| Term coverage sized to actual need | Over-buying permanent coverage you don't need |
| Working with an agent who shops multiple carriers | Taking the first single-carrier quote |
Illustrative only
Any premium ranges are illustrative only, not a quote. Rates vary by age, health, coverage, and carrier, and are subject to underwriting.
Getting your real number
The fastest way to know your actual cost is a short conversation with a licensed agent who can shop A+ rated carriers on your behalf. Start with the veteran coverage page, or see if you can skip the exam entirely in our no-exam guide for veterans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do veterans pay more for life insurance than civilians?
Not automatically. Pricing is based on age, health, and coverage amount, not veteran status alone. Many veterans qualify for standard or preferred rates.
Does a VA disability rating raise my premium?
A rating itself isn't an insurance rating. Underwriters look at the specific condition behind it; many service-connected conditions still land standard pricing.
Is it cheaper to keep VGLI or buy a private policy?
It depends on age and health, but because VGLI premiums increase every five years with no level-rate option, a private policy locked in earlier often costs less over the long run.
What's the cheapest type of coverage for a veteran?
Term life offers the lowest cost per dollar of coverage. A small final expense policy has the lowest total premium if you only need to cover end-of-life costs.
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