Insurance & professional coverage

When a life insurance policy was used before service to secure a debt, the person or company holding that interest generally needs a court order before taking action against the policy during service and for one year after. Some exceptions apply.

Before service, the member used a policy on the member's life to secure a debt.

No advance request is needed for the court-order rule.

Understand the protection → gather policy documents → get help if action is threatened

An approved individual policy can remain in force when premiums are not paid during service and for two years after. The government guarantees covered premiums, but unpaid amounts can become a policy loan or a debt owed to the United States. This is not free insurance.

The individual policy was active at least 180 days before service, is still active when the member applies, and meets the program's limits.

Apply in writing to the insurer and send a copy to VA.

Check eligibility → use VA Form 29-380

Qualifying private health coverage that ended during service can be restored without certain exclusions or waiting periods. Limits and exceptions apply.

The member had private health coverage the day before qualifying service, the coverage ended during service, and the member is not instead covered by a separate federal reemployment health-benefit rule.

Request restoration within 120 days after leaving service.

Check eligibility → prepare the reinstatement request

A qualifying professional may pause professional liability or malpractice coverage and premiums during certain active duty, then restart the coverage. Refunds, premium limits, and some related court cases also are covered.

The member is called to qualifying active duty, works in a covered health, legal, or other designated profession, and has a qualifying policy.

Ask the insurer in writing to pause coverage. To restart it, ask within 30 days after leaving service and pay the premium on time.

Check eligibility → prepare the requests