Texas Veterans: Do You Still Need Life Insurance After the Military?

If you’re a veteran living in Texas, you’ve already done the hard work—served your country, sacrificed your time, and looked out for others.

But now that you’re out of uniform and building your civilian life, you might be wondering:

Do I still need life insurance? Isn’t VA coverage enough?

The short answer: Yes, you still need it—and here’s why.

Whether you live in Killeen, San Antonio, Tyler, or a small town west of Abilene, this guide is here to give Texas veterans a clear, honest look at post-military life insurance and what your family really needs moving forward.

What the VA Offers—and Where It Falls Short

✅ Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

If you had SGLI while serving, it ended shortly after discharge (usually 120 days).

You can convert it to VGLI (Veterans’ Group Life Insurance), but…

⚠️ VGLI Can Get Expensive Over Time

• You don’t need a medical exam—but the cost increases every 5 years
• By age 50+, the premiums often become more expensive than private policies
• VGLI maxes out at $500,000

So while VGLI is a great short-term solution after discharge, it’s not always the smartest long-term option—especially if you’re healthy and under age 40.

Why Texas Veterans Still Need Private Life Insurance

1. To Protect Your Family Long-Term

VA benefits are helpful, but they won’t pay off your home or replace 10–20 years of lost income. If you have a spouse, kids, or people who depend on you—private life insurance fills the gap.

2. To Lock In Lower Rates While You’re Young & Healthy

Most vets in Texas leave the service in their 20s, 30s, or early 40s. That’s the ideal time to lock in affordable term life coverage for 20–30 years.

You could get:

• $500,000 for ~$25–$40/month
• $1 million for ~$50–$65/month
• With no medical exam required (in some cases)

3. To Make Sure Your Benefits Travel With You

Private life insurance:

• Stays with you for the full term
• Doesn’t change when you switch jobs
• Doesn’t get canceled if you miss a VA form or deadline

Real Example: Marine Veteran in Temple, TX

Chris, 35, left the military after 10 years and transitioned into oil and gas work. He converted to VGLI, but by age 50, his premiums would jump to over $180/month.

He applied for:

• $750,000 private term policy, 30-year coverage
• Premium: $36/month
• Includes living benefits if he gets seriously ill

Now, he has full control of his policy—and his VGLI isn’t draining his budget.

Term vs. Whole Life for Veterans in Texas

🟢 Term Life Insurance

• Most affordable
• Great for income replacement and mortgage protection
• 10–30 year terms
• Ideal for vets raising families or starting businesses

🟢 Whole Life or IUL

• More expensive, but lasts for life
• Good for legacy planning, final expenses, or building cash value
• Often used by veterans in their 50s+ or those with lifelong dependents

Start with term—you can always add whole life later.

What If You Have Service-Connected Health Conditions?

Don’t count yourself out.

There are no-exam and simplified issue policies in Texas that approve people with:

• PTSD
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Sleep apnea
• Mild depression or anxiety
• High blood pressure or diabetes

Even with a VA disability rating, many veterans still qualify for private coverage.

Final Word

Just because your time in service has ended doesn’t mean your responsibility to your family has.

VA benefits are helpful—but they’re not built to replace your full income, pay off your mortgage, or give your loved ones the space to grieve without pressure.

That’s what private life insurance is for. And getting it now—while you’re young, healthy, and rebuilding civilian life—means more protection for less money.

I help Texas veterans get simple, affordable life insurance with no fluff and no pressure. You’ve served your country. Now let’s protect your future.