The coverage gap
no one briefed you on.
SGLI caps out. Deployment changes your risk profile. And when you separate, your group coverage evaporates in 180 days. Shield underwrites what standard carriers won't touch.
The maximum a service member can elect — regardless of rank, obligations, or deployment risk.
Percentage whose SGLI election falls short of actual mortgage + dependent obligations.
Seven fields. Real-time gap calculation. Personalized report to your .mil or personal email.
SGLI vs. VGLI vs. Shield Supplemental
Side-by-side analysis of what each policy actually covers — and where the gaps appear when your obligations exceed the standard ceiling.
| Coverage Feature | SGLI Servicemembers' Group | VGLI Veterans' Group | Shield Supplemental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Gap | ◐ | ◐ | ✓ |
| Key Gap | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
✓ | ◐ | ✓ | |
| Key Gap | ✕ | ◐ | ✓ |
◐ | ✕ | ✓ | |
◐ | ✕ | ✓ | |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Key Gap | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
◐ | ◐ | ✓ | |
| Key Gap | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
Deployment Risk Tiers & Premium Impact
Where you are in the deployment cycle determines your actual exposure. Most carriers price you at T0 regardless. Shield prices you at reality — and locks your rate before orders cut.
| Tier | Duty Status | Risk | SGLI Premium | VGLI Premium | Shield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27/mo (no change) | N/A (active duty) | Base rate | |||
| Elevated | $27/mo (no change) | N/A (active duty) | ~1.2× multiplier | ||
| High | $27/mo (government-subsidized) | N/A (active duty) | Rate freeze on combat orders | ||
| Critical | $27/mo (government-subsidized) | N/A — most carriers decline | 18-series, 75th Ranger, MARSOC eligible | ||
| Cliff Risk | Coverage ends at 120 days | $240+/mo at age 35 — premium spike | Bridging product for ETS window | ||
| Gap Status | Only during active orders | Not applicable | No orders required |
SGLI terminates at 120 days post-ETS. VGLI premiums at age 35 average $240+/month for $400K coverage — a 789% premium increase from your SGLI rate. Shield's bridging product locks your enrollment-rate before your DD-214 is cut. Apply while still in uniform.
Real gaps. Real service members.
Not testimonials written by a marketing team. These are the actual scenarios Shield was built to solve.
"I thought $400K was solid until Shield ran the numbers. Mortgage at $310K, two kids, wife not working during PCS. My actual gap was $280K. Took eight minutes to figure that out."
"During our PCS from Bragg to Schofield, I did the research at 1 a.m. because my husband was in the field. Shield was the only platform that actually explained what happens to SGLI during a PCS gap. Everyone else just quoted me."
"Separating after 22 years. My financial advisor didn't know what VGLI was. Shield showed me the premium cliff — $27/month becomes $340/month at my age — and had a locked-rate policy ready before my terminal leave started."
