A Military Spouse’s Guide to Securing the Right Life Insurance

As indispensable members of the military community, military spouses provide stability to the families when their servicemember is deployed, acting as a solid foundation and handling the many challenges of military life. And just like their servicemembers, military spouses need life insurance to help protect the financial security of their loved ones.

What Is Life Insurance for Military Spouses? 

Because military spouses often juggle child rearing and household responsibilities alone, they tend to be the family’s primary care provider. Additionally, many military spouses work and contribute financially to the household budget. If they were no longer there, the care and financial contributions they provide could greatly impact their family’s security.

The primary purpose of military spouse life insurance is to offer peace of mind and financial protection to their families during difficult times, providing a safety net against unexpected loss that leads to unanticipated expenses family members might otherwise have to pay out of pocket.

Benefits of Military Spouse Life Insurance

Not only does having their own life insurance help cover the cost of funeral expenses, it can also be a financial resource for family living expenses, childcare, mortgage payments, education costs, and other daily necessities that the spouse’s income and contributions would have ordinarily helped cover.

3 Common Misconceptions About Military Spouse Life Insurance 

There are several misconceptions about the life insurance options available to military spouses and why the do or don't need it. Here are the three most common, with explanations of why they're inaccurate and shouldn't keep MilSpouses from getting their own policy.

Misconception 1: “Military Spouses are Automatically Covered Under Their Servicemember’s Policy”

While servicemembers obtain coverage through Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI), the servicemember must ensure their spouse and dependent children are covered under the Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI). The maximum payout for a military spouse is $100,000, which may not provide sufficient coverage.

By purchasing their own military spouse life insurance, a MilSpouse can gain additional coverage that will serve their family for the long term, not just immediate or temporary needs.

Misconception 2: “Life Insurance for Military Spouses Is Too Expensive”

Private life insurance options that offer affordable coverage tailored to different budget levels. Some policies, like those offered by AAFMAA, may even provide discounts or benefits specifically designed for military families. Whether a spouse secures AAFMAA’s Military Spouse Life Insurance, or their family benefits from another affordable solution, they can rest assured they will have the support needed when the times comes.

Misconception 3: “Military Spouses Don’t Need Life Insurance”

A spouse’s contributions to the household demand their own protection. While military families may have access to certain military benefits, having additional spouse life insurance coverage provides increased protection for financial security during unforeseen circumstances.

Military Spouse Life Insurance Options 

Different types of life insurance are available for military spouses, including term and whole life insurance, each with varying coverage and benefits. There are both government-sponsored and private policies tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

• Government-Sponsored Life Insurance Programs — Government-sponsored life insurance programs, such as Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI), provide minimal coverage for military spouses. Eligibility for FSGLI is tied to your servicemember's enrollment in SGLI (therefore it ends when military service ends) and offers coverage for the spouse and dependent children. While FSGLI generally provides affordable rates, coverage is limited to a maximum of $100,000.
• Private Life Insurance Programs — Life insurance plans from non-government providers (e.g., AAFMAA) offer military families additional coverage when FSGLI is not enough. Military families can assess their needs and choose the option that best aligns with their financial goals and specific circumstances

How to Apply for Life Insurance as a Military Spouse 

Every important purchase starts with smart planning. Here are the typical steps you’ll follow:

• Research and compare options: Start by researching different insurance providers and comparing their policies to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
• Apply for your chosen policy: Once you've chosen your preferred life insurance provider, start the process either online or by phone with a representative.
• Complete a medical exam: Depending on the type of insurance and coverage amount, you may need to have a medical exam and to conduct other assessments to determine your eligibility and premium rates.
• Submit required documentation: Gather and submit necessary documents, such as: 
• Proof of military affiliation and relationship to the servicemember: This can include military ID cards, marriage certificates, or other official documents proving your relationship.
• Health/medical information: If you have had, or if you have been treated for, any health conditions in the last several years, collect that information in case your application requires you to share it. Also, if you have recently or if you are currently taking any prescription drugs, you may need to provide those details.

Get AAFMAA Life Insurance for You and Your Family

Whether you’re a spouse, servicemember or Veteran, there’s an AAFMAA life insurance policy made for you, and each one comes with exclusive Member Benefits, including our hallmark Survivor Assistance Services. To see how additional life insurance coverage could help support your military family, check out our Quick Quote Life Insurance Calculator today.