Is Military Insurance Good? What to Know About Coverage

Military personnel, veterans, and their families have access to a range of insurance programs, including health care, life insurance, and other specialized coverage. Understanding these options is important for those who have served or are currently serving.

Understanding Military Health Coverage

Military health coverage is primarily delivered through TRICARE and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. TRICARE serves active duty service members, retirees, and their families, offering different plans to suit varying needs and locations. Eligibility for TRICARE requires registration in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

TRICARE Prime is a managed care option, requiring enrollment and a primary care manager (PCM) for specialist referrals. This plan involves fixed co-payments and annual deductibles based on beneficiary category. TRICARE Select, a fee-for-service option, allows beneficiaries to choose most TRICARE-authorized providers without referrals, but may have higher out-of-pocket costs. TRICARE Young Adult is available for unmarried adult children who have aged out of regular TRICARE coverage, offering Prime or Select options with premiums and cost-sharing. TRICARE For Life acts as supplemental coverage for Medicare-eligible uniformed service retirees and their family members, paying after Medicare.

The VA health care system operates separately, providing services to eligible veterans. Eligibility for VA health services depends on factors such as service-connected disabilities, income levels, and service history, typically requiring active military service and a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Veterans are assigned to one of eight priority groups, which determine access and potential cost-sharing. For instance, veterans with a service-connected disability rated 50% or more disabling are in Priority Group 1, receiving the highest priority. The VA system provides comprehensive medical services, including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and prescription medications.

Exploring Military Life Insurance

Life insurance programs designed for military personnel and veterans include Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI). SGLI is a term life insurance program automatically provided to eligible service members. Coverage is available in increments of $50,000, up to a maximum of $500,000.

SGLI premiums are automatically deducted from a service member’s pay, with an additional charge for Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) coverage. Service members can decline or reduce their coverage amount and designate or change beneficiaries through the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES). Upon separation from service, SGLI coverage ceases, but service members can convert it to VGLI.

VGLI allows service members to continue life insurance coverage after leaving military service by converting SGLI coverage into a renewable term life insurance policy. To be eligible, a service member must apply within one year and 120 days of separation from service. If applied for within 240 days of separation, evidence of good health is not required. VGLI coverage is available in increments of $10,000, up to a maximum of $500,000, but cannot exceed the amount of SGLI held at separation. Premiums are based on the individual’s age and the amount of coverage, with rates increasing as the insured gets older.

Additional Military Insurance Options

Beyond core health and life insurance, military affiliation offers other specific insurance programs. The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is a voluntary dental insurance option. It is available to eligible family members of active duty service members, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve and their families.

TDP provides coverage for various dental services, including preventive, diagnostic, and restorative care. Monthly premiums for TDP vary based on the sponsor’s military status and the number of enrolled family members. Cost-shares, which are percentages of the total charge for services, also apply and can vary based on the sponsor’s pay grade and location. The program has annual benefit maximums and a separate lifetime maximum for orthodontic treatment.

Comprehensive vision benefits under TRICARE are limited, primarily covering active duty service members. For other TRICARE beneficiaries, supplemental vision plans are available for purchase through separate providers. These supplemental plans offer broader vision care.

The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) offers long-term care insurance to federal employees, including active duty and retired uniformed service members and their qualified relatives. Long-term care insurance helps cover costs for services like nursing home care, assisted living facilities, or in-home care when assistance with daily activities is needed.

Accessing Military Insurance Programs

Enrolling in TRICARE health plans begins with registration in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Active duty service members and retirees are automatically registered, but sponsors must register their eligible family members in person at an ID card-issuing facility, providing necessary documentation like marriage or birth certificates. Once registered in DEERS, beneficiaries can enroll in a TRICARE health plan online through the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) website, by mail, or by phone.

Applying for VA health care involves completing VA Form 10-10EZ. Veterans can submit this form online via VA.gov, by mail, by phone, or in person at a VA medical center or Veterans Service Organization. Required documentation includes discharge papers (DD Form 214), personal information, and potentially financial information to determine eligibility and priority group assignment.

For SGLI, coverage is automatic upon entry into service for eligible members. Service members can manage beneficiary designations or elect to decline or reduce coverage amounts through the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) via milConnect. VGLI requires an application within one year and 120 days of separation. Applications for VGLI can be submitted online through the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) website, by mail, or by fax using VA Form SGLV 8714.

Enrollment for the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) can be completed online through the Beneficiary Web Enrollment website on milConnect, by phone, or by mailing a completed TDP Enrollment Authorization Document. For the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP), individuals can apply online or by phone through the LTCFEDS website. It is necessary to verify the program’s current application status.