Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) is a valuable insurance program provided to eligible federal employees in the United States. Administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), FEGLI offers life insurance coverage, giving federal employees and their families financial protection in the event of an employee’s death.

Key Features of Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI):

1. Multiple Coverage Options: FEGLI offers various coverage options that employees can choose from to suit their individual needs. These options include Basic, Optional, and Additional coverage. Basic coverage provides a death benefit equal to the employee’s annual salary rounded up to the nearest thousand, plus $2,000. Optional coverage allows employees to elect additional insurance coverage in multiples of their salary. Additional coverage permits employees to increase their coverage by up to five times their salary, but it requires a medical underwriting process.
2. No Medical Underwriting for Basic Coverage: One of the significant advantages of FEGLI is that the Basic coverage does not require a medical examination or underwriting. All eligible employees automatically receive Basic coverage, providing them with a baseline level of life insurance protection.
3. Cost-Shared Premiums: FEGLI premiums are cost-shared between the employee and the federal government. The government pays a portion of the premium, making the coverage more affordable for employees. The premium amounts vary based on the level of coverage selected and the employee’s age.
4. Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage: FEGLI includes an AD&D benefit, which pays an additional benefit if the employee’s death is due to an accident or if they suffer a qualifying dismemberment, such as loss of limbs or eyesight. AD&D coverage is automatically included with Basic coverage and can be elected for Optional and Additional coverage as well.
5. Living Benefits: FEGLI also provides living benefits, known as the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program Living Benefit (FEGLI-LB). This benefit allows employees with a life-threatening or terminal illness to receive a portion of their life insurance coverage in advance, providing financial assistance during difficult times.
6. Portability and Conversion Options: In certain circumstances, employees leaving federal service or retiring can retain their FEGLI coverage through the Portability and Conversion options. Portability allows employees to continue their coverage by paying premiums directly to the insurance carrier, while Conversion permits employees to convert their coverage to an individual policy without a medical examination.
7. Open Season and Qualifying Life Events: FEGLI participants have the opportunity to adjust their coverage during Open Season, which typically occurs every few years. Additionally, qualifying life events, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, may allow employees to make changes to their coverage outside of Open Season.

Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) is a crucial insurance program designed to provide federal employees and their families with financial security in the event of an employee’s death. With multiple coverage options, cost-shared premiums, AD&D benefits, and living benefits, FEGLI offers comprehensive protection to eligible federal employees. Understanding the various features and options of FEGLI can help employees make informed decisions about their life insurance coverage and ensure their loved ones are financially protected.