USAA Life Insurance

What's the best life insurance policy for me and my family?

There are different types of life insurance policies. All of them pay beneficiaries money after a policyholder dies. The features of one policy are what sets it apart from another. It's important to understand the differences, so you can decide what's best for you and your family.

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Comparison of life insurance policies
Policy Features	Level Term	Universal Life	Simplified Whole Life
Issuing company
Cost per $1,000 of coverage^{See note2} Explain Cost per $1,000 of coverage (opens popup)	Typically least	Typically more	Typically most
Coverage amount	$100,000 to $10,000,000	Minimum $50,000	$25,000 to $10,000,000
Coverage length	10 to 30 years	Your lifetime	Your lifetime
Eligible age	18 to 70 years	3 months to 90 years	15 to 85 years
Builds cash value Explain builds cash value (opens popup)	No	Yes	Yes
Military features Explain military features (opens popup)	Yes	No	No
Can add coverage Explain can add coverage (opens popup)	Yes	No	Yes
Fixed payment Explain fixed payment (opens popup)	Yes	No	Yes
Waiver of premium^{See note3},^{See note4} Explain waiver of premium (opens popup)	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Get a Life Insurance quote Learn more about level term	Call 800-531-LIFE that's 800-531-5433 for an estimate Learn more about universal life	Get a quote for simplified whole life Learn more about simplified whole life

How much life insurance do I need?

We suggest that you have enough coverage to pay off any debt you have and replace your income for at least five years. Even if you're starting with minimum coverage, having some life coverage is better than none. Let us help you figure out how much coverage is right for your needs.

Calculate coverage needs

How much does life insurance cost?

How much you'll pay for life insurance depends on a variety of factors. Typically, the younger you are, the lower the cost. Other factors include:

Your health and lifestyle.
Your occupation.
The type of life insurance you choose.
How much coverage you're applying for.

Who can get USAA Life Insurance?

Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident can apply for USAA Life Insurance. You don't need a military connection. The ability to get a policy is based on things like age, health, lifestyle and the outcome of a medical exam, in some cases.

Why should I choose USAA Life Insurance?

Our policies can help give your family peace of mind when they need it the most. Here are some of the ways we can help meet your needs.

Coverage Flexibility

With our insurance, you can update your policy as life changes. This way, you'll continue making sure you have the right coverage for your family.^{See note5}
Financial Strength

Our life insurance company maintains high ratings from three key rating agencies, reflecting our standing as a financially strong organization.^{See note6}
Dedicated Support

We'll be there for your loved ones by helping them settle all of your USAA accounts and policies. Learn more about our Survivor Relations team.

How to get life insurance

Get started with these three simple steps.

Step 1: Choose a policy.

Review your term or permanent options and get a quote. We'll work with you to schedule a medical exam, if needed.
Step 2: Apply for coverage.

Answer a few questions and complete your medical exam. We'll review your application.
Step 3: Purchase your policy.

Once your policy is approved, protect the ones you love by making your first payment.

Life insurance FAQ

Should my spouse and I both have life insurance?

What if I already have life insurance through work?

When is the best time to get life insurance?

Who needs life insurance?

Families with small children usually need life insurance because parents want to make sure their children are taken care of and can go to college. Even when one parent is a full-time homemaker without an income, life insurance can help your spouse continue the care you provided, such as childcare and housekeeping. Empty nesters or people without children may still need insurance to pay off debt, cover funeral costs, help pay estate taxes or to borrow money against for retirement. And military members may want life insurance as a supplement to SGLI, or as a cheaper option to VGLI.

Have more questions?

Speak to a USAA representative at 800-531-LIFE (5433) , Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT.

Life insurance advice

Family decisions about life insurance

Learn why today's families should be protected with life insurance.

Read article About family decisions about life insurance
Pros and cons of common life insurance strategies

We'll show you some common elements of coverage timelines, costs and risks.

Read article About pros and cons of common life insurance strategies
Life insurance and the growing challenges retirees face

See how life insurance can fit into your retirement income strategy.

Read article about life insurance and the growing challenges retirees face

Note 1 Rates shown for $100,000 10-year Level Term V for a 35 year old male at best risk class available for these products. Risk class is determined by factors such as tobacco use, health, family medical history and lifestyle. Quotes provided are intended for estimate purposes only. We round up your life insurance needs amount to the nearest commonly purchased coverage amount. The presented quote may represent a higher amount of coverage than you apply for. Your actual premium will be determined by underwriting review. Rates may vary by state. Level Term V: Premiums remain level for the duration of the Initial Benefit Period, then increase annually while benefits remain the same. Form ICC2099555 01-20 (varies by state). In New York: New York Term Series V, Form NLT99235NY 06-20. Call for details on specific policy costs, benefits, limitations and availability in your state.

Note 2 When comparing permanent policies on a "per unit" basis (the amount of premium required for each $1,000 of coverage), typically term life costs the least per $1,000, universal life costs more, and simplified whole life costs the most.

Note 3 Disability Payment of Specified Premium (DPSP) Rider - Form J142-us1 (may vary by state). Rider is available for insured age 20 to 60. Limitations and exclusions may apply.

Note 4 Waiver of Premium — Form LBR30447ST 07-97 (may vary by state); NY form NRB31179NY 10-97. Waiver of premium rider is available for insured age 15 to 55.

Note 5 The Term Life Event Option Rider is available at no additional cost with a Level Term V life insurance policy. It gives you a one-time option to purchase additional term life insurance upon the occurrence of a Life Event. Additional insurance limited to the lesser of $100,000 or the face amount of the base policy. Additional insurance requires payment of additional premium. Rider expires after 10 years or when insured is age 45, whichever comes first. The rider is subject to issue age limitations and other terms, limitations, and conditions. Availability and benefits may vary by state. Form: ICC1598284 03-15 (may vary by state); NY Form LBR98303NY 03-15.

Note 6 As of February 1, 2024, A.M. Best: A++, Superior (highest of 16 possible ratings); Moody's Investors Service: Aa1, Excellent (second highest of 21 possible ratings); S&P Global Ratings: AA+, Very Strong (second highest of 21 possible ratings). Ratings are subject to change. Ratings apply to USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York not to the products or services they provide. Company ratings represent an opinion of financial strength and the company's ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders. Ratings refer to the claims-paying ability of the insurance company and do not reflect the safety or performance of any product. The rating agencies listed are independent of each other and use proprietary evaluation criteria and ratings scales. For the latest Financial Strength Ratings, visit www.ambest.com, www.moodys.com and www.spglobal.com/ratings.

Military Protection Plus is level term life insurance with Military Severe Injury Benefit Rider and Military Future Insurability Rider. Level Term V: coverage is level for the duration of the policy. Premiums remain level for the duration of the Initial Benefit Period, then increase annually. Term Policy Form ICC2099555 01-20 (may vary by state); in New York, New York Term Series V: Form NLT99235NY 06-20. Military Severe Injury Benefit Rider provides $25,000 to help with the expenses in the event of certain injuries while performing eligible military duties. Rider Form LBR67140ST 05-07 (may vary by state). Military Severe Injury Benefit Rider not available in New York. Military Future Insurability Rider provides an option to obtain additional life insurance coverage upon separation from the military, subject to rider terms and conditions and characterization of military separation. New policy's level term period is dependent on the length of base policy's remaining level term period. Rider Form LBR97953ST 03-14 and ICC1497953 03-14 (may vary by state); in New York, Form NBR97955NY 04-15.

Increases in coverage more than two times the base policy face amount up to the current maximum Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) amount depends on your health and is subject to underwriting approval.

Simplified Whole Life: ICC2099630 03-20 (may vary by state). In New York, NWL99614NY 11-20.

Universal Life is known as Flexible Premium Adjustable Life in several states.

Universal life insurance coverage is designed to last as long as sufficient premiums are paid or enough cash value is maintained to cover the policy's monthly deductions.

Universal life Insurance products are issued by: John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Boston, MA 02116 (not licensed in New York) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY 10595. Protection Universal Life LCC21 22PROUL, Protection Indexed Universal Life ICC24 24PIUL, Accumulation Indexed Universal Life ICC24 24AIUL. Form numbers may vary by state.

Loans and withdrawals will reduce the death benefit and the cash surrender value, and may cause the policy to lapse. Lapse or surrender of a policy with a loan may cause the recognition of taxable income. Withdrawals in excess of the cost basis (premiums paid) will be subject to tax and certain withdrawals within the first 15 years may be subject to recapture tax. Additionally, policies classified as modified endowment contracts may be subject to tax when a loan or withdrawal is made. A federal tax penalty of 10% may also apply if the loan or withdrawal is taken prior to age 59 1/2. Cash value available for loans and withdrawals may be more or less than originally invested. Withdrawals are available after the first policy year.

Guaranteed product features are dependent upon minimum premium requirements and the claims-paying ability of the issuer.

Some riders may have additional fees and expenses associated with them.

USAA Life General Agency, Inc. (LGA) (known in CA and NY as USAA Health and Life Insurance Agency) acts as an agent for select insurance companies to provide additional products to USAA members. LGA representatives are salaried and receive no commissions. However, LGA receives commissions from those companies which can include compensation based on the total quantity and quality of insurance coverage purchased through LGA. Plans not available in all states.

Death benefits are generally paid income tax-free to the beneficiary. The death benefit may be included in the insured's estate for federal estate tax purposes. You are advised to consult with a qualified tax professional for information specific to your personal situation.

USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York are not affiliated with John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) or its affiliates nor do we guarantee the quality of their products or services. Although we may promote and/or recommend the products offered by this company, consumers should review the product carefully prior to making a purchasing decision.

New York Residents — Domestic Violence Information. New York Insurance Regulation 168, titled "Confidentiality Protocols for Victims of Domestic Violence and Endangered Individuals" requires us to provide you with information related to Insurance Law 2612, which relates to discrimination based on being a victim of domestic violence, the regulatory required confidentiality of information protocols and the contact information for the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline. You may download and print the information here (PDF).

Life insurance and annuities provided by USAA Life Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX and in New York by USAA Life Insurance Company of New York, Highland Falls, NY. All insurance products are subject to state availability, issue limitations and contractual terms and conditions. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

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Life insurance starting at $12 a month^{See note1}

What's the best life insurance policy for me and my family?

How much life insurance do I need?

How much does life insurance cost?

Who can get USAA Life Insurance?

Why should I choose USAA Life Insurance?

Coverage Flexibility

Financial Strength

Dedicated Support

How to get life insurance

Step 1: Choose a policy.

Step 2: Apply for coverage.

Step 3: Purchase your policy.

Life insurance FAQ

Have more questions?

Life insurance advice

Family decisions about life insurance

Pros and cons of common life insurance strategies

Life insurance and the growing challenges retirees face

USAA Life insurance

Life insurance starting at $12 a monthSee note1

What's the best life insurance policy for me and my family?

How much life insurance do I need?

How much does life insurance cost?

Who can get USAA Life Insurance?

Why should I choose USAA Life Insurance?

Coverage Flexibility

Financial Strength

Dedicated Support

How to get life insurance

Step 1: Choose a policy.

Step 2: Apply for coverage.

Step 3: Purchase your policy.

Life insurance FAQ

Have more questions?

Life insurance advice

Family decisions about life insurance

Pros and cons of common life insurance strategies

Life insurance and the growing challenges retirees face

Life insurance starting at $12 a month^{See note1}