FEGLI vs. Private Life Insurance
The right answer depends on your age, health, coverage needs, retirement plans and underwriting eligibility.
| Feature | FEGLI | Individually Underwritten Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Federal group life insurance program | Individual policy issued by an insurance carrier |
| Underwriting | Enrollment rules depend on FEGLI eligibility/events | Typically health and underwriting based |
| Option B premium pattern | Age-banded; rates can change | Many term policies offer level premiums for a guaranteed period |
| Portability | Subject to FEGLI continuation/conversion rules | Generally individually owned, subject to policy terms |
| Retirement | Special continuation and reduction elections may apply | Continues according to policy terms if premiums are paid |
A private policy is not automatically “better.” The purpose of FEGLIswap is to help you compare—not to encourage an uninformed cancellation of federal benefits.