USAA sells several policy options for term life, whole life and universal life insurance. Its term life insurance gives the most coverage at the lowest cost compared to other types, but it doesn’t accumulate cash value. USAA’s whole life and universal life insurance policies provide lifetime coverage, and your policy may earn tax-deferred cash value that you can access through loans or partial withdrawals.
2026 USAA Life Insurance Review
USAA earned a MoneyGeek Score of 4.7 out of 5. The company affordable, with broad coverage options, including military-specific riders.
Read our USAA life insurance review to learn about available policy options, pros and cons.
Select age group
Updated: March 31, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
At a Glance: USAA Life Insurance Review
USAA
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
5/5Affordability
3.9/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Points
Ages Supported (Term)
18-70Ages Supported (Whole)
18-85Ages Supported (Universal)
3 months-90 years
Compare Life Insurance Rates
Ensure you’re getting the best rate for your life insurance. Compare quotes from top providers to find the most affordable life insurance coverage for your needs.
USAA Life Insurance Policies
Term Life Insurance Options
Term life insurance provides the highest death benefit amount for the lowest initial premium compared to permanent life insurance types. If you choose a term policy, you’ll pay a fixed monthly premium for a specified period, typically 10 to 30 years.
Eagle Express Term Life Insurance
Eagle Express is USAA's simplified issue term policy, offering coverage from $100,000 up to $10 million for applicants ages 18 to 70 across 10-, 20- and 30-year terms at a fixed premium. If qualified, you can get same-day approval without completing a medical exam. A health questionnaire is still required, and an exam may be requested in some cases. The policy also includes a conversion option, allowing policyholders to move to a permanent policy without a new medical exam.
Term life insurance is best suited for those who are still young, have no health issues and have considerable financial responsibilities, like children and mortgages.
Whole Life Insurance Options
Whole life insurance is a form of permanent life insurance that provides lifetime coverage at a fixed premium, even if your health changes as you age. As an added benefit, your policy may earn tax-deferred cash value that you can borrow from to pay your premium, spend on health care or fund your retirement.
USAA offers two types of whole life insurance policies. These are simplified whole life and guaranteed issue whole life insurance.
Simplified Whole Life Insurance
This policy type provides coverage that lasts until age 121 and is available to people aged 15 days to 85 years. Payments are fixed but are usually more expensive, and you’ll have to answer a health survey.
Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance
Underwritten by Mutual of Omaha, this is the ideal option for policy buyers aged 45 to 85 (50 to 75 in New York) who prefer the convenience of not having to complete a health questionnaire or undergo a medical exam. Coverage lasts until age 120 at amounts ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 (or $5,000 in Washington). Since it doesn’t require underwriting, your application won’t be turned down.
Whole life insurance is a great option if you’re looking for lifetime coverage without worrying that your premium will change as you age. This is best for people with financial dependents who want to take advantage of the policy’s accumulated cash value or are planning for end-of-life expenses.
Universal Life Insurance Options
Universal life insurance is your best bet if you want lifetime financial protection, to accumulate cash value on your policy and the flexibility of the timing and amount of your premium. You can choose to make payments during your peak earning years or spread out your payments over the life of your policy to make them more manageable.
USAA has teamed up with John Hancock to provide universal life insurance.
Universal Life Insurance
This is perfectly suited for people who want the freedom to adjust their coverage and premium. The coverage amount is at least $50,000, and financial protection may be extended beyond your 121st birthday.
Indexed Universal Life Insurance
USAA offers indexed universal life insurance for buyers who want lifetime coverage with cash value growth tied to a market index. Cash value growth follows index performance with a capped rate, while a 0% annual floor helps limit downside risk during market declines.
A universal life insurance policy is best for those who want lifetime protection with adjustable coverage and flexible payment options alongside cash value growth.
USAA’s Life Insurance Riders
You can customize your USAA life insurance policy with optional riders, some of which are included at no additional cost depending on the policy.
Rider | Description |
|---|---|
Term Life Event Option Rider | At an additional premium, this rider gives you a one-time chance to buy additional term life insurance of up to either the face amount of your base policy or $100,000 (whichever is less) if you experience a qualified Life Event like getting married, having a baby or buying a home. The rider only lasts 10 years or when the insured reaches 45 years of age (whichever comes first). |
Term Life Insurance for Children Rider | This allows you to insure your children on your policy. You have the option to convert their coverage to their own lifetime policy, but make sure to do this before they turn 26. |
Military Severe Injury Benefit Rider | You’ll receive $25,000 to cover expenses related to injuries while on military duty, such as dismemberment, loss of limb function/paralysis, blindness and severe burns. This isn’t available in New York. |
Military Future Insurability Rider | As an add-on to your policy, this rider gives you the option to increase your coverage upon separation from the military. |
Life Event Option (LEO) Rider | With this rider, you can request additional whole life insurance for a maximum of six times after a major life event like marriage or the birth of a child. Total coverage is capped at $1 million, and the rider expires once you hit 45. |
Accelerated Death Benefit Rider | Allows the insured to receive part of the death benefit early if diagnosed with a qualifying terminal illness. Availability and terms vary by state, and early payments reduce the remaining death benefit. |
Waiver of Premium/Waiver of Monthly Deduction | Covers premium payments if the insured becomes disabled due to a covered illness or injury, subject to age limits and policy terms. |
Rider availability and features vary by state. Contact USAA for specific availability in your location.
How Much Is USAA Life Insurance?
Your premium depends on a few key things. Age is the most significant driver. Premiums rise the older you are at application because older people are riskier to insure. Health status, tobacco use, the coverage amount you select, and the policy term length all influence your final rate.
The tables below show average USAA rates for different permanent coverage types.
USAA Whole Life Insurance Cost
Data filtered by:
40
Female
No
| $100,000 | $115 | $1,379 |
| $250,000 | $269 | $3,224 |
| $500,000 | $521 | $6,255 |
| $750,000 | $769 | $9,234 |
| $1,000,000 | $1,014 | $12,172 |
| $2,000,000 | $2,024 | $24,293 |
| $3,000,000 | $3,033 | $36,395 |
| $5,000,000 | $5,052 | $60,618 |
| $10,000,000 | $10,094 | $121,128 |
USAA Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance Cost
Data filtered by:
45
Female
No
| $2,000 | $6 | $77 |
| $3,000 | $9 | $110 |
| $4,000 | $12 | $142 |
| $5,000 | $14 | $173 |
| $10,000 | $28 | $335 |
| $15,000 | $41 | $496 |
| $20,000 | $55 | $658 |
| $25,000 | $68 | $819 |
USAA Universal Life Insurance Cost
Data filtered by:
40
Female
No
| $100,000 | $68 | $821 |
| $250,000 | $160 | $1,919 |
| $500,000 | $310 | $3,722 |
| $750,000 | $458 | $5,494 |
| $1,000,000 | $604 | $7,243 |
| $2,000,000 | $1,205 | $14,455 |
| $3,000,000 | $1,805 | $21,657 |
| $5,000,000 | $3,006 | $36,070 |
| $10,000,000 | $6,006 | $72,076 |
Life insurance rates and availability vary by state, age, health and other factors. Rates shown are estimates based on our survey methodology and may not reflect your actual premium.
How to Buy Life Insurance From USAA
Buying life insurance from USAA follows a guided process with phone or agent support rather than a fully self-service checkout.
First, figure out how much coverage you need and whether term or permanent life insurance fits your goals. You can begin online or speak directly with a USAA representative to discuss coverage amounts, policy length and eligibility. Call 800-245-6403 to reach life insurance support. For TTY devices, dial 711. Representatives are available Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. Saturday and Sunday service remains closed, and hours may vary.
Then you'll fill out the application. USAA collects personal details and health history through a questionnaire. Many policies require a medical exam, depending on age, coverage amount and health profile. Underwriters review this information to determine approval and pricing.
If approved, USAA sends a proposed policy outlining premiums, coverage and terms. Your coverage starts once USAA accepts your application and processes your first payment.
USAA Life Insurance Claims Process
USAA life insurance claims are filed by phone, through a representative or by mail because there's no fully self-service online option. Agent-assisted filing suits beneficiaries who want guidance; mail is standard for estate or third-party claims.
Required documents are a certified death certificate, policy number and completed claim forms. Trusts, estates and minor beneficiary claims may also require proof of identity or legal authority. USAA issues payment based on policy terms, most often as a lump sum.
USAA Life Insurance vs. Other Insurers
USAA ranks among the best whole life insurance and best universal life insurance options in MoneyGeek's analysis, with a policy lineup that extends to indexed universal life and military-specific riders no other carrier offers. If your priority is lifetime coverage, USAA is difficult to beat.
If you focused strictly on temporary protection, the picture shifts. People who want the lowest available premium for a straightforward term policy may find better pricing elsewhere. MoneyGeek's best term life insurance companies page ranks the top options by cost and coverage.
Comparing policies across multiple providers is one of the most effective ways to find the best life insurance for your needs.
Is USAA Right for You?
Our USAA life insurance review shows that the company works best for people who prioritize coverage stability, structured policy options and agent-assisted service. While many USAA products serve military-affiliated members, its life insurance policies remain available to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
USAA fits military members and veterans who want access to policies and riders designed around active-duty service, deployment-related risks and long-term coverage continuity. These benefits distinguish USAA from insurers that don’t tailor life insurance features to military needs.
For long-term planners, USAA offers the best whole life insurance and best universal life insurance in our analysis. Applicants with health concerns should consider simplified issue or guaranteed acceptance life policies, which focus on approval certainty with lower coverage limits.
USAA isn't for people who want instant online purchasing, broad rider customization or policy discounts tied to bundling auto or homeowners insurance.
Life insurance needs vary by individual circumstances. Rates and availability depend on age, health and state regulations. This review is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional financial advice.
USAA Life Insurance Policy: FAQ
Can you borrow from your USAA life insurance policy?
Yes, USAA’s whole life and universal life insurance plans may earn tax-deferred cash value. This amount grows over time, and you can borrow either through loans or partial withdrawals.
Plan availability varies by state, so feel free to contact an agent directly to learn which will allow you to borrow money from the policy.
Do life insurance policies from USAA pay dividends?
USAA’s whole life and universal life insurance policies can build tax-deferred cash value, but there’s no specific information on the dividend rate.
Can you get life insurance from USAA if you have cancer?
There are USAA policies that cater to individuals who either have a medical condition or don’t want to undergo a health check, such as its Essential Term Life Insurance and Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance plans. These policies have smaller coverage amounts and tend to be more expensive.
Do life insurance policies from USAA cover death by drug overdose?
Most life insurance policies cover accidental deaths, which typically include drug overdose. Speak directly with an agent to find out more about this matter.
Do life insurance policies from USAA cover death by suicide?
Some insurance policies include a clause that excludes coverage for death by suicide. Others have a suicide clause that allows payment of the death benefit if the policyholder dies two or more years after the policy is purchased. Check with your broker or an agent to learn about the suicide clause in its plan offerings.
MoneyGeek evaluated USAA life insurance using a baseline profile of a 40-year-old male nonsmoker in average health applying for a $500,000 whole life insurance policy. The MoneyGeek Score is based on Affordability (50%), Customer Experience (30%) and Coverage Options (20%). Affordability is based on average quotes collected for this analysis. Customer experience data looks into available customer reviews, financial strength ratings, and NAIC complaint index figures to assess service quality and claims reliability.
Related Pages: Other Company Reviews
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- USAA. "About USAA." Accessed March 29, 2026.
- USAA. "Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance." Accessed March 29, 2026.
- USAA. "Eagle Express Term Life Insurance." Accessed March 29, 2026.
- USAA. "Life Insurance." Accessed March 29, 2026.
- USAA. "Life Insurance and Annuity BeneficiaryClaims." Accessed March 29, 2026.
- USAA. "Permanent Life Insurance." Accessed March 29, 2026.
- USAA. "Understanding Life Insurance Riders, Benefits and Options." Accessed March 29, 2026.
- USAA. "Universal Life Insurance." Accessed March 29, 2026.
- USAA. "Whole Life Insurance." Accessed March 29, 2026.