Overview
The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) provides group term life insurance to eligible federal employees. There is no cash value and loans cannot be taken out against FEGLI insurance.
We have provided some resources below to help you learn more about the FEGLI program and the available life insurance options.
Learn more about the FEGLI Program
FEGLI Coverage
If you're in a position that conveys FEGLI eligibility, you'll be automatically enrolled for basic FEGLI coverage. However, if you want more coverage, like Option A, B, or C, you will need to make a choice and elect the extra coverage.
Review the Overview of FEGLI Coverage to learn more about the options available to you.
FEGLI coverage can be reduced at any time, however, FEGLI does not have an annual Open Season. This means you must experience a qualifying life event (QLE) or get a physical and be approved to increase your life insurance coverage after the initial enrollment period.
If you want to increase your coverage by passing a physical exam, you need to wait at least a year after waiving your FEGLI coverage. You'll need to request a form (SF-2822) from the Benefits Office, and they'll help you fill it out before you go for your medical check-up.
Learn more about FEGLI Coverage
FEGLI Premiums
You can review the cost of FEGLI on OPM’s website.
The cost of Basic insurance is split between you and the Government. You pay two-thirds, and the Government pays one-third. Your age doesn't change how much Basic insurance costs.
Optional life insurance coverage is paid only by you, the employee. The cost depends on your age and is calculated in five-year age bands beginning at age 35. There is no government contribution.
FEGLI at Retirement
If you wish to have life insurance coverage in retirement, you must:
- have been insured for five years of service immediately preceding the date of your retirement;
- be enrolled in FEGLI on the date of retirement; and
- be entitled to retire on an immediate annuity under a retirement system for civilian employees.
FEGLI Claims
If you're currently working at NIH and your spouse or dependent child, who is covered by your life insurance, passes away, reach out to the Benefits Office at AskBenefits@nih.gov right away to start the claim process.
If you've retired from NIH or another federal agency, contact the OPM Retirement Operations Center for annuitants.
Designation of Beneficiary
When you die, the Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) will pay life insurance benefits in a particular order set by law if you do not have a designation on file.
You can complete a designation of beneficiary form for your life insurance benefits. To learn more about designating a beneficiary, navigate to OPM’s designating a beneficiary page.