What is FEGLI?
The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program was established by the Federal Government in 1954. It is the largest group life insurance program in the world, covering active Federal employees, retirees, and many of their family members.
FEGLI is group term life insurance, meaning it does not build cash values or paid-up insurance values.
Basic Insurance Coverage – FEGLI Benefits
Most Federal employees are eligible for the FEGLI program, which includes Basic Life Insurance coverage and three forms of optional coverage. If eligible, you are automatically covered by Basic Insurance when hired, and coverage continues, with premiums deducted from your paycheck, until you waive the coverage. The amount of coverage Basic Insurance provides is equal to your annual basic pay, rounded up to the nearest $1,000, plus an additional $2,000.
The cost of Basic Insurance coverage is shared by You, the Federal employee, and the Federal Government. You pay 2/3 of the total premium cost and the Government pays 1/3. Your age does not affect the Basic premium cost, but new premium rates are set periodically.
Extra Benefit coverage is automatically included for Federal employees age 35 and younger, at no additional cost. The Extra Benefit doubles the amount of Basic insurance coverage through age 35.
Starting on your 36th birthday Extra Benefit coverage decreases by 10% annually until you reach age 45, when it terminates entirely, leaving only your Basic Insurance amount.
Additional Coverage Options – FEGLI Benefits
Option A – Standard: offers an additional $10,000 of coverage. You pay 100% of the premium, which increases as you age (5-year age groups). Option A can be continued into retirement.1
Option B – Additional: offers additional coverage in an amount equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 times your basic pay, rounded up to the next $1,000. You pay 100% of the premium, which increases as you age (5-year age groups). Option B can be continued into retirement but premiums increase drastically:
| Age | Cost | Coverage | Cost per Pay Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $0.02 / thousand | $250,000 | $5.00 / pay period |
| 35 – 39 | $0.03 / thousand | $250,000 | $7.50 / pay period |
| 40 – 44 | $0.05 / thousand | $250,000 | $12.50 / pay period |
| 45 – 49 | $0.08 / thousand | $250,000 | $20.00 / pay period |
| 50 – 54 | $0.13 / thousand | $250,000 | $32.50 / pay period |
| 55 – 59 | $0.23 / thousand | $250,000 | $57.50 / pay period |
| 60 – 64 | $0.52 / thousand | $250,000 | $130.00 / pay period |
| 65 – 69 | $0.62 / thousand | $250,000 | $155.00 / pay period |
| 70 – 74 | $1.14 / thousand | $250,000 | $285.00 / pay period |
| 75 – 79 | $1.80 / thousand | $250,000 | $450.00 / pay period |
Option C – Family: provides life insurance coverage for your spouse and eligible dependent children. If you elect Option C, all eligible family members are automatically covered. Coverage starts at $5,000 for your spouse and $2,500 for each eligible dependent child. These amounts can be increased by up to 5 multiples (eg, spouse coverage: 1- $5,000; 2- $10,000, up to 3- $25,000). You pay 100% of the premium, which increases as you age (5-year age groups). Option C can be continued into retirement.
