A Federal Transition Journey: Ensuring Uninterrupted Life Insurance Benefits Beyond Government Service
Life InsuranceFrederick is a 44-year-old Federal employee who has been in government service for nearly two decades. Given the current landscape, he is considering transitioning out of the Federal workforce into the private sector. Like his Federal colleagues, Frederick is currently insured with Group Term Life Insurance through FEGLI.
Even though FEGLI has served him reliably for years, Frederick starts to wonder whether his current coverage will support him behind government service, especially at a time when his family needs stability the most.
The Challenge: Limited Portability Beyond Federal Service
While FEGLI provides protection during Federal employment, its portability beyond government service is limited.
If Frederick leaves Federal service, his same FEGLI coverage won’t go with him. Continuing his FEGLI life insurance requires converting to a private policy — often at significantly higher cost and with reduced flexibility. This creates the very real possibility of a period of limited or no life insurance coverage during a career shift or while seeking private-sector employment.
This could mean that Frederick and his family would be without critical protection while his financial obligations – paying a mortgage, covering tuition, and retirement planning – remain.
WAEPA’s Fully Portable Coverage, with Benefits that Go Beyond Government Service
Luckily, one of Frederick’s former Federal colleagues is already a WAEPA member and refers him. What captures Frederick’s attention immediately is that WAEPA’s coverage is fully portable, meaning it stays with you even if you change jobs, retire, or leave Federal service altogether.
He doesn’t have to wait until after leaving government service to apply. Frederick can add WAEPA’s Group Term Life Insurance to his existing FEGLI coverage right now. And since it’s always open season at WAEPA, he is eligible to apply for up to $1.5 million in coverage anytime.
Here’s how the numbers break down for Frederick, age 44 with $100,000 annual income:
- WAEPA: $250,000 in coverage for just $14.70/month
- FEGLI Basic: $112,200 in total coverage at $35.36/month
- FEGLI Option B: To increase protection, Frederick could add Option B. At age 44, $212,200 of Option B coverage costs $41.86/month — bringing his total FEGLI coverage to $212,200 at a monthly cost that’s nearly three times WAEPA’s $14.70 for a higher benefit.
The difference is clear. WAEPA gives Frederick significantly more coverage at a fraction of the cost — and unlike FEGLI, that coverage will stay with him through any career transition. For Frederick, and other Federal employees, this decision could be the key to protect their families through any fresh start.
Related Resource: WAEPA vs. FEGLI >
Why Planning Early Matters
Frederick’s experience highlights this: waiting until after you leave Federal service to address life insurance can leave you with fewer options and unnecessary risks. By applying for WAEPA now, while still in government service, he ensures his coverage travels with him — and that his family isn’t left exposed during a gap in employment or career shift.
For over 80 years, WAEPA has stood by Federal employees and their families, providing affordable, portable protection designed for the unique paths of Federal careers.
Frederick’s Outcome
With $250,000 of WAEPA coverage secured, Frederick makes his career change with confidence. He knows his premium is just $14.70/month, far lower than FEGLI costs for similar or lesser coverage, and he has peace of mind knowing his life insurance protection won’t stop when his government service does.
If you’re a current or former Federal employee weighing retirement or a transition, ensure a gap in your resume doesn’t mean a gap in your life insurance protection. Explore WAEPA’s coverage options today.
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