How Legal and General Life Insurance Works When You Join the Army

Overview: What Happens to Your Life Insurance When You Enlist

Joining the Army does not automatically cancel a Legal & General (L&G) life insurance policy, but it does trigger specific rules about coverage, premiums, and beneficiary designations. This article explains the key steps you should take before and after enlistment to keep your protection intact, avoid lapses, and take advantage of any military‑related benefits.

Understanding Legal & General Life Insurance Types

L&G offers several life‑insurance products that differ in flexibility and underwriting. The most common are:

• Term Life – coverage for a set period (e.g., 10, 20, 30 years) with level premiums.
• Whole Life – permanent coverage that builds cash value over time.
• Universal Life – flexible premiums and adjustable death benefits.

Each product has its own rules about changes after you become a servicemember.

Key Military‑Related Protections

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

The Department of Defense provides SGLI, a low‑cost term policy (up to $400,000). Enlisting may make you eligible for SGLI, which can supplement or replace your private policy.

Legal & General's Military Rider

Many insurers, including L&G, offer a "military rider" that waives premium payments while you are on active duty, provided you maintain the policy. Check your contract for exact wording.

Steps to Protect Your L&G Policy Before Enlistment

Managing Premium Payments While on Active Duty

Most L&G policies allow you to pause or reduce premiums during active service, but you must submit proof of enlistment (e.g., DD‑214 or orders). Failure to do so can lead to policy lapse.

Impact on Cash Value and Policy Loans

For whole or universal life policies, the cash‑value component continues to grow even if premiums are waived, as long as the waiver is in effect. However, you cannot take out new policy loans while the waiver is active; existing loans must be repaid to keep the policy in force.

Beneficiary Considerations for Military Families

Service‑related deaths trigger specific survivor benefits. Ensure your L&G policy lists the correct primary and contingent beneficiaries to avoid probate delays.

Comparing Private Life Insurance vs. SGLI

Post‑Service Options

When you complete your enlistment, you can:

• Re‑activate any premium waiver and resume normal payments.
• Convert SGLI to Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) for continued coverage.
• Increase your L&G coverage if your financial needs have changed.

Common FAQs

Will my L&G policy be cancelled if I miss a premium while deployed?

No, as long as you have filed the military waiver and provided proof of service. Without the waiver, missed payments can lead to a lapse.

Can I add a spouse after I'm already on active duty?

Yes, most policies allow beneficiary changes at any time, but you must submit a written request to L&G.

Do I need to keep both SGLI and my private policy?

Not necessarily. Many servicemembers keep both for higher total coverage, especially if they have dependents or want cash‑value growth.