Membership - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible to apply for WAEPA's group term life insurance coverage? May I keep my WAEPA group life insurance coverage if I leave government employment? How much insurance coverage may I apply for? How are premiums calculated? May I pay premiums through payroll deductions? How do I apply for insurance coverage? Is a medical examination required? How long will it take to get my insurance? What if I am not satisfied with my WAEPA group life insurance?
Answers regarding WAEPA membership.
Current or retired Civilian U. S. government employees, including non-appropriated fund (NAF) employees and U.S. Postal Service employees are eligible. Spouses, domestic partners, parents, parents-in-law, non-dependent adult children and step-children of current WAEPA members, younger than 65 years of age, may apply for group term life insurance coverage through WAEPA.
Yes. Once insured with WAEPA, there will be no change to your coverage due to a change in your employment status. Your coverage may continue until age 85.
You may apply for up to $750,000 of group life insurance for yourself and up to $250,000 of dependent group life insurance for your spouse. Eligible, dependent children may be insured for up to $25,000 depending on the level of spousal coverage selected. Spousal coverage is limited to 50 percent of the member's coverage.
Premiums for all coverage are based on your age and will increase every five years when you enter a new age group.
Currently employed federal workers are eligible for payroll deduction. A direct deposit sign-up form (form 1199A) will be mailed to you after your insurance coverage is issued. Simply complete the form and submit it to your federal payroll office to begin automatic payroll deductions of your WAEPA premiums. Associate members (spouses and family of WAEPA members) are not eligible for payroll deduction.
By completing an application and answering the health questions.
A medical examination may be required (even for members) depending on your age, the amount of insurance for which you are applying, and your answers to the health questions. If a medical examination is required, it will be performed at no cost to you by a medical examiner appointed by WAEPA.
Please allow up to 12 weeks (even for members) to complete the application process and receive your certificate of insurance.
New members who are not completely satisfied -- for any reason - with their WAEPA group life insurance may request a refund of all premiums paid. Refunds are made with no questions asked, provided your request is submitted in writing within 30 days of the effective date of your insurance coverage.
May I change my insurance coverage?
Yes, WAEPA does not have an Open Season like FEGLI, because with WAEPA you can join or make changes at any time.
What happens when I reach age 85?
All insurance coverage terminates at age 85.
Would my spouse get better insurance by joining WAEPA?
In almost all cases, WAEPA rates are significantly less than FEGLI rates.
Please view our WAEPA vs. FEGLI
Rate Comparison page.
Now that my kids are not dependents, could I still help them benefit from WAEPA's exceptional coverage?
Yes. Your non-dependent adult children are eligible to become Associate Members and then can apply for coverage from $25,000 up to $750,000.
Does WAEPA coverage include death caused by sickness?
WAEPA's basic coverage is payable in all types of death; except suicide or any misrepresentation on your application.
If an insured dies as a result of an accident (until age 65), an additional 20% of the basic coverage is paid to the beneficiary. When a person becomes a member and purchases coverage, they receive a plan booklet and certificate of insurance with details regarding the coverage.
My spouse is a federal, civilian employee. Am I eligible for insurance coverage through WAEPA, even if my spouse is not insured through WAEPA? If so, is there a dollar limit?
You can purchase coverage as an Associate Member, provided your spouse becomes a non-insured member of WAEPA
(Membership Form). She/He does not have to purchase insurance, she/he simply has
to complete a membership form and pay a one-time $2.00 membership fee.
WAEPA offers a maximum amount of $750,000 coverage, regardless if you are applying as a federal employee, retiree or as an Associate Member.
Please view our complete list of rates
for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
May I keep my WAEPA group life insurance coverage if I leave government employment?
Yes. Once insured with WAEPA, there will be no change to your coverage due to a change in your employment status.
Your coverage may continue until age 85.
Once initially accepted by the plan, can WAEPA at any time require a physical examination to either continue to the plan to keep current benefits?
Basically, no. As long as you maintain your premium payments and don't become terminated due to non payment, there would be no need for a new physical exam. The only other exception would be if you submit a completed application for more coverage then you already have with WAEPA.
How do I cancel my WAEPA policy?
We just need a signed and dated request, so that we have your authorization to terminate your coverage. Please include your Certificate number and specify that you wish to cancel your coverage outright. Upon completion you need to mail this to:
WAEPA
Membership Services
7651 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22043
What is the maximum amount of coverage WAEPA offers?
Up to $750,000 for members and associate members.
Are retired military personnel eligible for this insurance?
Strictly speaking, no. However, if you are a retired military personnel who is now a civilian federal employee or retired from civilian, federal service then you may apply with WAEPA.
You may also apply as an Associate Member, if your spouse, parent or child is a WAEPA Member.
Does WAEPA's worldwide coverage include combat zones?
If you are a Federal civilian who happens to be stationed in or commutes to a combat zone, you would be covered. If you are an activated Reservist or National Guardsman, who gained WAEPA membership prior to activation, your basic coverage would also be intact.
There is an additional rider of Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage which is always in addition to, not a part of, the basic coverage you have applied. This extra portion would not be paid, if the claims adjusters determined it was an "Act of War". With or without this extra coverage; AD&D, if you were approved for $500,000 then $500,000 would be paid to your beneficiaries.
Does this insurance cover me if I travel overseas? Accidental Death? Murdered? If so is there literature that states my spouse; and/or designated beneficiary, gets it all or is it automatic?
WAEPA's basic coverage is payable in all types of death; except suicide or if there was a condition or any misrepresentation on your application.