2026 USAA Life Insurance Review

USAA life insurance works best for buyers 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. It also suits people who prefer phone or agent support during the application and claims process rather than a fully self-service online experience. This approach appeals to shoppers who want guided help with coverage amounts, underwriting requirements and policy selection.

For long-term planners, USAA offers whole and universal life insurance options designed for lifelong coverage and cash value accumulation. Applicants with health concerns should consider simplified or guaranteed issue 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. For alternative options, go over our recommendations for the best life insurance companies.

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 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.

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 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.

A universal life insurance policy is best for those who want lifetime protection with adjustable coverage and flexible payment options alongside cash value growth.

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 availability and features vary by state. Contact USAA for specific availability in your location.

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.-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.

Any named beneficiary can file a USAA life insurance claim. If the policy lists multiple beneficiaries, each submits a separate claim for their share.

Start the claims process by contacting USAA by phone, through a representative or by mail. USAA doesn't offer fully self-service online filing for life insurance claims, so direct contact remains required. Agent-assisted filing helps beneficiaries who want guidance, while mail works for estate or third-party claims.

Required documents include a certified death certificate, the policy number and completed claim forms. USAA may also request proof of identity or legal authority for trusts, estates or minor beneficiaries. After review, USAA issues payment based on policy terms, often as a lump sum.

Our USAA life insurance review shows that the company fits buyers who prefer phone- or agent-assisted service over a fully self-service online experience. It works well for military members and veterans who want access to service-related benefits and riders, as well as buyers evaluating permanent life insurance options for long-term coverage planning. Its simplified and guaranteed issue policies may appeal to applicants who prioritize approval certainty over pricing flexibility.

USAA isn't for shoppers who want instant online purchasing, broad rider customization or consistently low-priced term life options across age and health profiles. Compare USAA with other life insurance companies to make sure you're getting the best deal for your needs.

We designed our review to explain how the company operates and to help families evaluate whether its policies align with their coverage needs. Our evaluation centered on three factors: financial stability, product offerings and customer satisfaction. Financial stability matters because life insurance depends on an insurer’s long-term ability to pay claims. Product offerings matter because policy structure affects how coverage decisions are made. Customer satisfaction matters because service quality shapes interactions throughout the life of a policy.

This USAA life insurance review evaluates how USAA’s life insurance structure and positioning affect decision-making so readers can determine whether the company aligns with their coverage priorities.