Many Federal Employees rely on FEGLI as the foundation of their life insurance protection. While FEGLI is an important benefit, it may not be enough on its own to fully protect your family’s long-term financial needs.
Americans who rely primarily on group life insurance have an average coverage gap of approximately $200,000, leaving many families underinsured.1
Why Federal Employees Should Consider Life Insurance
Life insurance isn’t just about replacing income; it is about preserving financial stability during life’s most challenging moments.
Income replacement.
Many households depend on two incomes to maintain their standard of living. If one income is lost unexpectedly, life insurance can help replace earnings so surviving family members can continue meeting everyday expenses.
Mortgage and debt protection.
A home is often a family’s largest asset—and largest liability. Life insurance proceeds can help pay off or reduce a mortgage, credit cards, auto loans, or student debt, preventing financial hardship or forced asset sales.Final expenses.
Medical bills, funeral, and burial costs can create a sudden financial burden. Life insurance ensures these expenses do not fall on surviving family members.Education and future planning.
Life insurance can help ensure children’s education and other long-term goals remain achievable, even if a Federal Employee is no longer there to provide financial support.
Americans who rely primarily on group life insurance have an average coverage gap of approximately $200,000, leaving many families underinsured.1
Inflation can erode the buying power of existing policies, and family responsibilities often increase. Many insurance professionals recommend coverage of 5–7 times annual income to adequately protect dependents—an amount FEGLI alone may not fully provide.
Key Life Events That May Trigger a Life Insurance Review
Life insurance needs evolve over time. Financial experts recommend reviewing coverage regularly, especially after major life events, including:
- Marriage or domestic partnership
- Purchasing a home
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Children approaching college age
- Preparing for retirement
- Several years passing without a coverage review
Common Mistakes Federal Employees Make with FEGLI
While FEGLI is a valuable benefit, Federal Employees often make assumptions that can lead to coverage gaps:
- Assuming FEGLI alone is sufficient without calculating actual family needs
- Failing to adjust coverage as responsibilities change
- Overlooking portability when leaving federal service or retiring
- Relying solely on salary-based coverage that may not align with real financial obligations
These mistakes can leave families financially vulnerable during critical life transitions.
Closing the Gap with GEBA Group Term Life Insurance
Many Federal Employees are underinsured with FEGLI alone. GEBA Group Term Life can help close the life insurance gap many Federal Employees face. Unlike FEGLI coverage, GEBA coverage is portable, allowing members to keep their policy even after leaving federal service.
With GEBA Group Term Life Insurance Federal Employees Can Get:
- Up to $600,000 in coverage, regardless of salary
- Coverage for spouses or domestic partners up to $300,000
- Dependent child coverage up to $20,000 (to age 26)
- $50,000 guaranteed issue coverage for eligible members2
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage at no additional cost, equal to 50% of the member’s life insurance amount
- Online application
- Online decision in minutes – no medical questions, no medical exam
- Coverage decisions without lengthy paperwork for many applicants
Take the Next Step
Whether you are early in your career, raising a family, or planning for retirement, now is the time to determine whether FEGLI alone fully protects your loved ones. GEBA Group Term Life Insurance can help supplement your existing coverage, close potential gaps, and provide peace of mind with protection you can keep for the long term.
1 Source: 2025 Insurance Barometer Study, LIMRA & Life Happens. 2 Must be 50 years or younger, a US citizen, and not previously declined for coverage.
3 QuickDecisionSM processing can offer an immediate decision about your application. This approval is conditional on confirmation of your association membership status and coverage limit eligibility. A referral decision may be given if an underwriter needs to review your application and may reach out to confirm the information with you. If you are not approved for insurance through QuickDecisionSM processing, you may still be eligible to apply for coverage using traditional/standard underwriting. May not be available in all states. Not available in Puerto Rico.
For additional information including cost, features, eligibility, renewability, limitations and exclusions visit www.GEBA.com/termlife. Group Term Life Insurance underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 on Policy form GMR under Group Policy No. G-29555-1.
8771065-1.
