ETS Insurance Intelligence
The 5 insurance decisions you'll make at ETS.
VGLI is the easy button. It's also why a healthy 28-year-old E-5 will pay $43,000 more over 20 years than they need to. Here's the math.
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VGLI vs Private Term
Is VGLI the right call for you?
Tobacco
VGLI Monthly
$32
20yr total: $16,272
Private Term
$19
20yr total: $4,560
20-Year Savings with Private Term
$11,712
Verdict
Get private term.
You're healthy, young, and non-tobacco. Private term life will cost a fraction of VGLI over 20 years. Lock in your health class now while you can still pass underwriting easily. VGLI's guaranteed acceptance is a safety net you don't need.
Auto Insurance
Your military discount disappears.
USAA isn't always cheapest. In CA, other carriers often beat USAA on price. Get 3+ quotes — 30 minutes saves $540/year.
Estimated Annual Savings from Shopping
$540
Carrier Ranking in CA
GEICO (military)Competitive
ProgressiveCompetitive
State FarmCompetitive
Liberty MutualCompetitive
USAAWorth a quote
TRICARE Timeline
The 180-day cliff.
T-60 days
Pre-separation health appointments
Get everything documented. Dental, vision, mental health. Anything service-connected should be in your record before you separate.
ETS Day
SGLI and TRICARE Prime end
Your SGLI coverage converts to 120-day free extension (SGLI). TRICARE Prime converts to TAMP (Transitional Assistance Management Program) automatically.
T+60 days
CHCBP application deadline
If you won't have employer coverage when TAMP expires, apply for CHCBP (Continued Health Care Benefit Program). It's expensive — $1,800/quarter individual — but it bridges the gap.
T+120 days
SGLI → VGLI conversion deadline
You must apply for VGLI within 120 days of separation. No medical exam required. After 120 days, you need a health exam. After 240 days, you're locked out.
T+180 days
TAMP expires — the cliff
Your free TRICARE coverage ends. If you don't have employer health insurance, marketplace coverage, VA healthcare, or CHCBP in place, you are uninsured. One ER visit = financial crisis.
T+240 days
VGLI lockout
Final deadline to convert SGLI to VGLI with a health exam. After this date, you cannot get VGLI. Period.
Disability Income Gap
The gap your employer's LTD won't cover.
Full Income$10,833/mo
Employer LTD Pays$6,000/mo
Your Gap$4,833/mo
Annual Income Gap
$58,000
Your employer's LTD covers 55% of your income — but caps at $6,000/mo. If you're disabled, you lose $4,833 every month. A supplemental individual LTD policy costs $30-80/mo and closes this gap.
ETS Insurance Checklist
Don't miss a deadline.
T-120 days
Request your medical records from MTF
File for copies of all medical and dental records. You need these for VA claims and civilian provider continuity.
T-90 days
File VA disability claim (if applicable)
Start the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) process. Earlier = faster rating.
T-90 days
Get private term life quotes
If healthy and under 40, compare private term rates to VGLI. Lock in your health class while still on active duty.
T-60 days
Set up TRICARE continuation (TAMP/CHCBP)
Understand your 180-day TAMP window. If no employer coverage, apply for CHCBP before day 60 post-separation.
T-60 days
Shop auto insurance
Your military discount disappears. Get 3+ quotes from civilian carriers. USAA may not be cheapest in your state.
T-30 days
Convert SGLI to VGLI or private term
You have 120 days post-separation to convert SGLI to VGLI without medical underwriting. If going private, apply now.
T-30 days
Review employer benefits package
Compare employer health insurance, life, STD/LTD, and dental to your current coverage. Identify gaps.
T-14 days
Set up VA healthcare enrollment
Register at VA.gov/health-care/apply. Priority groups determine copays and access.
ETS Day
Confirm all policies are active
Verify health, life, auto, and disability coverage is in place with no gaps. One day without coverage can mean a pre-existing condition exclusion.
T+180 days
TAMP expires — verify coverage
Your free TRICARE ends. If you haven't secured employer or marketplace coverage, this is the cliff. Don't fall off it.
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Boots and Bearings does not originate loans. Any lender partnerships are clearly disclosed. Calculations are estimates and do not constitute financial advice. Always verify rates and fees with your lender's official Loan Estimate.