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What’s children’s whole life insurance?

It’s a type of permanent life insurance. As long as you pay the premiums, USAA Secure Start™ Whole Life Insurance provides protection that lasts your child’s entire life.‍ ‍ See note 1

Policies for ages 15 days to 17 years

You can get a policy for the tiniest newborn, a daring toddler or your thriving teenager. 

Coverage from $25,000 to $100,000

With a broad range of coverage options, you’ll find a policy that fits your needs and budget. 

A policy that gives your child the gift of security

Premiums that don’t change

Have peace of mind knowing you’re locking in a low rate that will last your child’s entire life. As they age, the payments stay the same, even if their health changes. 

Safety net for their future

The policy can build cash value that your child can borrow against if they need it later.‍ ‍ See note 2

Protection they take into adulthood

Once your child is an adult, they can take over the policy and payments. It's simple to transfer it to them.

Or you can make the payments for 20 years, then gift them the policy after it’s paid for. This way, they won’t have to pay any future premium payments.

Making sense of children’s whole life insurance

Make It Make Sense - USAA Secure Start Whole Life Insurance

Video Duration: 1 minute 41 seconds

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Feel like life insurance just doesn't make sense? We got you.

Today on Make It Make Sense, we're explaining USAA Secure Start Whole Life Insurance.

What is USAA Secure Start Whole Life Insurance?

It's a type of permanent life insurance for your child that helps them get a head start with lifelong coverage.

What makes USAA Secure Start special?

Well, it lasts them their whole life, and the rates never change. With USAA Secure Start Life Insurance, you're giving them more than a policy. You're giving them a lifetime of protection.

Covering your child: Elapsed time 34 seconds [0:34]

How old does my child have to be to sign up?

Well, coverage can start when they're 15 days old.

Yes, days, and the earlier you start, the less you pay.

Now, why would my child need coverage if they're young and healthy?

Well, for one, it keeps their options open for later. When they hit a life milestone, they may be able to increase their coverage without a medical exam. That includes getting married, buying a home, or starting their own family.

Would the rate go up if my child got sick?

It's called USAA Secure Start, so it helps them start strong and stay steady, even when life gets a little rocky. Their coverage won't change even if their health does. They are protected for life, no ifs, ands or buts.

Is it for me?

Yes and no. It's for anyone who wants peace of mind to make sure their little ones are protected, so it's for them and for you too.

I'm Brianna with USAA. I hope this helped you make it make sense for USAA's Secure Start Whole Life Insurance. If you still have questions, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-531-LIFE or go to usaa.com/KidsWholeLife for an online quote.

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Getting coverage now means insurability later.

Your child can get more coverage after major life events without a medical exam.‍ ‍ See note 3 This includes things like getting married, buying a home or starting their own family.  

Additional peace of mind when you need it most

If your child is diagnosed with a terminal illness, this coverage pays a portion of the policy’s death benefit while they’re still here.‍ ‍ See note 4

This can help ease the financial burden of medical expenses and related costs, allowing you to focus on giving your child the best possible care.

Why choose life insurance through USAA?

You can trust that we’ll be there for the people who matter most to you. Our Survivor Relations team is here to help your family understand their options and next steps to take after the loss of a loved one.

Getting a policy is simple. 

If you’re a stepparent, call us to apply for coverage at 800-531-LIFE (5433). 

Steps to complete Getting a policy is simple. 

  1. Get your quote

    Enter your child’s date of birth and gender  to get started. You can choose coverage amounts and payment length.

  2. Apply

    Answer a few questions to complete your application. Your child won’t need a medical exam.

  3. Buy coverage

    Once you’re approved and ready to buy, coverage starts the day you make your first payment.

Get a quotefor children’s whole life insurance 

Children’s whole life insurance FAQ

If you already have a policy, nothing happens. It's designed to last your child's lifetime.

But this policy is only available to purchase if your child is under 18. If they’re older than that, check out our other permanent life insurance policies. 

No. But you can add them to your own term policy.‍ ‍ See note 5,‍ ‍ See note 6 Once added, you can convert coverage to their own lifetime policy before they turn 26.‍ ‍ See note 7

Everyone. While we’re focused on serving the military community, all life insurance, health insurance and retirement products offered by USAA Life Insurance Company, USAA Life Insurance Company of New York and USAA Life General Agency are available to the public.

Other life insurance resources

Life insurance 101: Basics you should know

Article: 5 minutes

Read article: Life insurance 101: Basics you should know

Life insurance for children: 4 lesser-known benefits

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Read article: Life insurance for children: 4 lesser-known benefits

Modified endowment contracts: Rules and tax implications

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Read article: Modified endowment contracts: Rules and tax implications

Have questions about life insurance for your kids?

Call us to speak with a licensed agent or schedule a call for a time that’s best for you.

You can also get help understanding more about children’s life insurance. 

Call 800-531-LIFE (5433)

For TTY devices, dial 711

Hours of operation for USAA Life Insurance Company

Monday to Friday
7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT
Saturday and Sunday
Closed
All major holidays
Closed

Note: Days and times may vary

Schedule a call

Build a strong foundation with children’s whole life insurance.

Get a quotefor children’s whole life insurance 

Related footnotes:

  1. USAA Secure Start™ Whole Life Insurance coverage lasts to age 121, provided you continue to pay sufficient premiums.

  2. Policy loans reduce the death benefit and cash value and can cause the policy to lapse. If a policy with an outstanding loan lapses or is surrendered, the loan may be considered taxable income. Loans from a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC) are generally taxable and may be subject to a 10% penalty if you are under age 59½, unless an exception applies. Consult a financial or tax advisor before taking a policy loan.

  3. The Life Event Option (LEO) rider is available at no additional cost with USAA Secure Whole Life, form number ICC25517453 03-25 (may vary by state) and USAA Secure Start Whole Life, form number ICC25518183 04-25 (may vary by state). It allows you to request additional whole life insurance up to six times after specified events. Additional insurance limited to the amount of base policy coverage, with total coverage after increases limited to $1 million. Increases provided by additional whole life policies and require payment of additional premiums. Rider expires at age 45. The rider is subject to issue age limitations and other terms, limitations, and conditions. Rider form: ICC22502635 06-22 (may vary by state) not available in New York.

  4. The Accelerated Death Benefit for Terminal Illness rider is available at no additional cost with your insurance policy. If you have an illness or have a physical condition that is reasonably expected to take your life within 12 months, you can request an early, partial payout of your policy's death benefit. (In Illinois, Massachusetts, Kansas, and Washington, the time period is 24 months.) The rider is subject to issue age limitations and other terms, limitations and conditions. Availability and benefits vary by state. Form: ICC24504411 03-24 (may vary by state). Not available in New York.

  5. Maximum coverage for Term Life Insurance for Children is $25,000 for each child for a single monthly premium of $7.99.

  6. Protection for children is not available in all states. Term life insurance for children provided by a rider attached to the parent's life insurance policy. Maximum coverage for Term Life Insurance for Children is $25,000 for each child for a single monthly premium of $7.99. Term Life Insurance for Children Rider — Form ICC24516973 06-25 (may vary by state).

  7. The opportunity to convert after the first year anniversary is subject to certain requirements and subject to an expiration date. Converting will increase your premium. Please review your policy.

Related footnotes:

  1. USAA Secure Start™ Whole Life rates vary by age, gender, and payment duration selected. Underwriting review and approval is required. Form ICC25518183 04-25 (may vary by state). Not available in NY or WA.

  2. Learn about USAA's use of Artificial Intelligence at usaa.com/ai.

    Life insurance and annuities provided by USAA Life Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX and in New York by USAA Life Insurance Company of New York, Highland Falls, NY. All insurance products are subject to state availability, issue limitations and contractual terms and conditions. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

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