Life insurance and deployment
Sort the paperwork before you go. Options narrow once orders are issued.
Deployment doesn't usually change an existing policy — coverage bought before generally continues, and most policies don't allow an insurer to cancel or re-rate because your circumstances changed.
What deployment does change is your ability to buy new coverage, and how much administrative slack you have.
Existing coverage generally continues
A policy already issued and in force generally stays in force, subject to premiums being paid. That's the strongest argument for having coverage in place before orders arrive.
Check for war or aviation exclusions in any civilian policy — those apply based on the policy terms rather than on when you bought it.
Buying new coverage gets harder
Once deployment is pending or underway, some carriers decline new applications, add exclusions, or postpone. Availability narrows considerably.
If you're anticipating orders and considering additional coverage, the time to arrange it is now rather than later.
The pre-deployment checklist
- Confirm SGLI beneficiary designations are current
- Confirm beneficiaries on any civilian policy separately
- Set premiums to pay automatically from an account that will stay funded
- Tell someone at home which policies exist and where documents are
- Check whether a power of attorney is needed for policy administration
- Confirm the insurer has a contact who can reach your household
Don't let a policy lapse while away
A failed payment during deployment is a mundane way to lose coverage at exactly the wrong time. Automatic payment from a reliable account is the single most effective protection.
Federal protections exist for servicemembers in some financial contexts — worth asking whether any apply to your policy, but not something to rely on in place of a working payment method.
Common questions
A policy already in force generally continues subject to premiums being paid. Check for war or aviation exclusions, which apply based on policy terms regardless of when you bought it.
It's harder. Some carriers decline, postpone, or add exclusions once deployment is pending or underway. Arranging coverage beforehand is considerably easier.
Confirm beneficiary designations on every policy including SGLI, and make sure premiums pay automatically from an account that will stay funded.
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This page is general information, not advice about your specific circumstances. A licensed insurance professional can tell you what’s actually available to you.
General information only, not insurance advice. Coverage, availability, and terms vary by insurer and by state, and are subject to underwriting. Quote My Policy LLC is a licensed insurance producer. Nothing here binds coverage.