USAA Life Marks 5th Year Covering Wounded Military Members

Traumatic War Injuries Far Outpace Death in Latest Conflict

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The urgency around covering deploying service members for war-related injuries has increased during the U.S. War on Terror, as eight to 10 times more service members have been injured than killed^1,2. Over the last five years, USAA Life Insurance Co., one of the highest-rated life insurers in the U.S. and an expert on insuring its military members, has been covering traumatic injury and future insurability among active duty service members with Military Protection Plus (MPP), a first of its kind term life insurance solution.³USAA Life Insurance Co. does business in New York through USAA Life Insurance Co. of New York.

MPP stands out for its traumatic injury benefit of $25,000 and future insurability rider — all with no medical underwriting required, and at no additional cost to the policy holder. Active duty military service members can purchase MPP to complement Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), which is offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

MPP’s future insurability rider means that even with a severe war-related injury — such as a traumatic brain injury, which could prevent an individual from obtaining private life insurance — MPP policyholders can purchase additional life insurance to replace their SGLI when they separate from the military, helping them ensure the financial security of their loved ones down the road at an affordable price.

“What we’ve learned since we launched MPP is that more American soldiers are now living with war-related disabilities that don’t stop them from having long, productive lives,” said Jim Sandell, assistant vice president of underwriting, USAA Life Insurance Co. “Consequently, deployed service members now have to consider the possibility of surviving combat situations, and how to deal with the financial consequences associated with a war-related injury.”

Sergeant Robert Butler was one of the approximately 120,000 USAA members who deployed in 2010. “I purchased life insurance from USAA Life Insurance Co. to supplement my SGLI before I deployed,” said Sergeant Butler, a member of the Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal. “Last October, I suffered serious physical injuries from an explosion while conducting Improvised Explosive Device operations in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The MPP rider gave me immediate peace of mind for my family and me, and enabled me to focus on getting better.”

Affordability is key to making MPP accessible to the military community. For a 29-year-old male —which is the average age of a deploying USAA member — a $250,000/10-year level term life insurance policy is typically $21 per month at USAA Life Insurance Co.

“A deploying soldier is looking for coverage that is competitively priced, and provides them compelling benefits that protect the future of those dearest to them,” said Sandell.

More information on Military Protection Plus can be accessed at: www.usaa.com.

About USAA

USAA provides insurance and other financial services to 8.4 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military – and their families. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit USAA.com.

¹ There are 4,421 killed in action, and 31,931 wounded. Department of Defense, May 13, 2011, http://www.defense.gov/news/casualty.pdf

² There are 1,564 killed in action, and 11,314 wounded. Department of Defense, May 13, 2011, http://www.defense.gov/news/casualty.pdf

³ Military Protection Plus is level term life insurance. Initial life insurance coverage limited by rank and occupation. Level Term V: Form LLT49045ST 01-05 (may vary by state). In New York, New York Term Series V: form NLT45861NY 01-04. Military Severe Injury Benefit and option to increase coverage to replace SGLI provided by riders. Increases in coverage require payment of additional premium. Rider forms LBR57941ST 05-06 and LBR67140ST 05-07 (may vary by state). In New York, forms NBR60469NY 06-06 and NBR67175NY 06-07. Availability of increased life insurance coverage depends on characterization of military separation. Call for details on specific policy costs, benefits, limitations and availability in your state.

Life insurance provided by USAA Life Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX, and in New York by USAA Life Insurance Company of New York, Highland Falls NY. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

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USAACora Klena, 210-872-2485
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Source: USAA