Protection you and your family can count on
You understand what it means to put on the uniform every day to serve this great nation and what it means to have others depend on you. You provide protection and peace of mind to our country and you can do the same at home. The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) life insurance member benefits are underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company and offer features suited for the military family.
Coverage features
24-hour coverage
No war or terrorism exclusions. You are covered on and off duty with no hazardous, line of duty or occupational restrictions.
Emergency death benefit
Once you have coverage for two years, up to $15,000 of the total death benefit is released as an Emergency Death Benefit (EDB).*
Keep the coverage
After you retire or separate, you can continue your coverage for you and your family as long as contributions are paid.
Ease of payment
Simple payment available through military allotment.
Spouse and child coverage
Easily purchase coverage using the same enrollment form.
Family survivor college scholarship
As a unique member benefit, AFBA is proud to offer families of eligible fallen members the Charles C. Blanton AFBA Family Survivor College Scholarship. Surviving spouse and children are eligible for $10,000 per year, up to a total maximum benefit for the entire family of $40,000 toward an undergraduate degree, license or certification.
Not available in New York. In Virginia, only available to First Responders.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to enroll for coverage?
U.S. citizens who are uniformed military personnel that are active duty, retirees, or veterans in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, NOAA, Public Health and Reserve forces, including the National Guard, and their families are eligible to enroll for coverage. Individuals ages 18-59 may enroll.
What are available coverage amounts?
Coverage from $50,000 to $400,000.
Do I need a medical exam?
No medical exam up to age 50 for $250,000 of coverage and up to age 60 for $100,000. Just complete the enrollment form and answer a few health questions. Coverage is not guaranteed to issue and is dependent upon the answers to the health questions.
Can I keep the coverage after I retire or separate?
There are no occupation restrictions, so regardless of what you do after separation or any health issues that develop in the future, you’re covered. As long as contributions are paid, coverage continues to age 70. After your 70th birthday, coverage terminates on anniversary date.
Can I enroll if I smoke?
Yes. Tobacco and non-tobacco rates are available. A tobacco user is one who has used tobacco/nicotine products in the past 12 months. Marijuana use will be considered and, if approved, the rate charged will be the tobacco rate.
What are the ages for child coverage?
Child coverage is available to age 21 (23 if full time student) .
What are the available methods of payment?
- Checkmatic/credit card
- Military allotment
- Direct bill
Already a member?
Visit the Support Center to file a claim, make a payment or change to your account, answer questions about your coverage, and more.
Support CenterRelated content
* EDB is released within one business day once all requirements are met. It can be done over the phone without the need to provide a death certificate as long as third-party proof of death can be verified (subject to contestability).
Survivor benefits provided by AFBA are underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska company) with an administrative office at 909 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Survivor benefits not available in all states and U.S. Territories. Group Policy: LT050197 (Rev)
For New York state residents, the Better Alternative group term life insurance provided through AFBA is underwritten by New York Life insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 on Policy Form GMR/G-29390-0. New York Life Insurance Company (NAIC#66915) is domiciled in New York and licensed/authorized to transact business in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.
Images courtesy of Department of Defense Visual Information Distribution System, U.S. Department of Defense and National Guard Fickr accounts. The apperance of U.S. Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
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