Can you buy life insurance in the U.S. if you’re not a citizen?
Yes—but there are some important rules, limitations, and paperwork you need to know.
Whether you’re a green card holder, a temporary visa resident, or even undocumented—this guide will help you understand:
- Who qualifies
- What documentation you need
- What types of policies are available
- And how to protect your family no matter your status
🛂 Can Non-Citizens Get Life Insurance in the U.S.?
✅ Yes, many immigrants and non-citizens are eligible for U.S.-based life insurance.
But the application process depends on your immigration status, residency, and documentation.
🔍 You Can Usually Qualify If You Are:
- A U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder)
- A Visa holder with a long-term stay (e.g. H-1B, L-1, O-1, F-1)
- A DACA recipient
- In the process of legal adjustment of status
- Holding a valid Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Living and working in the U.S. for at least 2 years
💡 Each insurance company sets its own guidelines—but these are common approval categories.
🧾 What Documents Will You Need?
Most life insurance companies require:
- Proof of legal status (Green Card, visa, or work permit)
- Valid U.S. address
- ITIN or SSN
- Bank account or method for premium payment
- Medical history and possibly an in-person exam
- (Optional but helpful) U.S. driver’s license
💡 If you don’t have a Social Security Number, many companies will still accept your ITIN for application and underwriting.
🔄 What If You’re Undocumented?
You may still have options—but they are more limited.
Some no-medical-exam policies, like:
- Guaranteed issue life insurance
- Simplified issue policies
- Final expense or burial insurance
…do not always require SSNs and may accept alternative forms of ID like:
- ITIN
- Consular ID
- Passport and proof of U.S. residence
💡 Premiums may be higher, and coverage amounts are usually lower ($10,000–$50,000 range).
🧰 Best Life Insurance Options for Immigrants
| Policy Type | Who It’s Best For |
|---|---|
| Term Life | Green card holders, visa holders with long-term stays |
| Whole Life | Permanent residents building family wealth |
| No-Exam Policies | Undocumented or hard-to-insure individuals |
| Final Expense | Elder immigrants needing affordable end-of-life coverage |
🌍 Real Example: Protecting a Family While on a Visa
Luis, an H-1B visa holder living in Florida with his wife and child, applied for a 20-year $500,000 term policy.
He used:
- His passport
- ITIN
- Visa documentation
- Proof of U.S. address and employment
He was approved within 3 weeks and now has peace of mind knowing his family is covered—even while working toward permanent residency.
❌ Common Myths (Don’t Fall for These)
“You have to be a U.S. citizen to get life insurance.”
→ False. Many residents with legal or semi-legal status can qualify.
“You need a Social Security Number.”
→ False. An ITIN is often accepted.
“Undocumented immigrants can’t get insured.”
→ Not entirely true. Some burial and guaranteed-issue policies are still available.
🧠 Why It Matters
If you’re:
- Supporting a family
- Sending money back home
- Working to build a future in the U.S.
- Worried about leaving loved ones with debt or no support
…then life insurance gives you the protection and dignity you deserve, regardless of your citizenship status.
📌 How to Apply (Checklist)
✅ Determine your status (Green Card, visa, ITIN)
✅ Gather documents (ID, address, immigration paperwork)
✅ Shop for companies that accept your situation
✅ Get quotes for term or final expense
✅ Submit the application and complete any medical steps
💡 Some companies offer Spanish-language applications and agents to make the process easier. If you’d like a reference to a Spanish speaking Licensed Broker, Contact Us.
🔐 Pro Tip: Consider Naming a U.S.-Based Trust or Legal Guardian
If your beneficiaries live abroad, naming a trust or guardian in the U.S. may help:
- Speed up the payout
- Avoid legal complications
- Ensure funds are distributed properly
Especially helpful if:
- Your children are minors
- You send remittances to another country
- You’re concerned about cross-border delays
✅ Final Thoughts: Your Status Shouldn’t Block Your Protection
Whether you’ve lived here 20 years or 2 months, your life has value—and your family deserves to be protected.
Life insurance for immigrants and non-citizens:
- Is legal
- Is possible
- And may be more affordable than you think
Start with what you have—your visa, your ITIN, your goals—and we’ll help you build the rest.
Contact Us to Get Connected With a Licensed Professional
👉 Read Next:
What Is a Life Insurance Trust (and Should You Have One?)
Want more control over where your life insurance money goes—and who gets it? A life insurance trust could protect your family from delays, taxes, and probate. Here’s what it does, and how to set one up the smart way.
