From working families with an ITIN to non-US residents with US ties, you can be considered for real US life insurance, no Social Security number or citizenship required. Your status stays private, the death benefit is paid to the people you name regardless of immigration status, and you can name family abroad. Many carriers welcome ITIN holders, DACA recipients, visa holders, green card holders, and foreign nationals. I help you find the one that fits your situation.
An ITIN is enough to be considered for real, permanent life insurance with many of the carriers I work with.
For years people in our community were told a quiet lie, that without a Social Security number or a green card you simply cannot get covered. That is not true. Multiple A-rated carriers consider applicants who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and they consider foreign nationals, visa holders, and green card holders too. Approval is never automatic and the right fit depends on you, but the door is open. There is no shame in asking, and you are not alone. This is what I do all day.
Every carrier is a little different, so think of this as a guide, not a rulebook. Most applicants who use an ITIN are asked for some mix of the following: an ITIN in place of a Social Security number, real ties to the United States such as residence and time in the country, proof of your address, and often a US bank account so premiums can be paid here. Some carriers also want to see a valid visa or passport. You will not need every item for every company, and part of my job is matching you to the carrier whose requirements you already meet. The right fit depends on your situation, and that is exactly what I help with.
This is not a temporary fix. It is permanent coverage that you own. If something happens to you, the benefit is paid in US dollars to the people you choose, so your children can stay in their home, the bills here keep getting paid, and you can still send help to family back in your home country. You worked too hard to leave that to chance. A policy turns your hard work into a promise that keeps going even when you cannot be here to keep it yourself.
This page is not only for families with an ITIN. Foreign nationals who do not live in the United States, for example individuals from the UAE and Dubai, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, can often qualify for US life insurance when they have real ties to the country. Those ties might be US property, a US business, US investments, a US visa, or regular time spent here. For these clients the coverage is frequently large and is used for estate planning, legacy, and protecting US assets.
Carriers look at a few key things. First, a genuine US connection, sometimes called a US nexus, that explains why a non-resident is buying US coverage. Second, a financial justification for the amount you are requesting, so the coverage matches your assets and your goals. And in some cases, completing the application or the medical exam during a US visit. None of this is a hurdle when it is handled the right way, and that is the work I do for you.
So whether you are a working family with an ITIN protecting the people you love, or an international client seeking large US coverage for your legacy, the principle is the same. The key is matching you to the right carrier for your situation. That is what I do all day, and I would be glad to do it for you. Approval is never guaranteed and the right fit always depends on you.
The biggest reason people in our community never call is fear. Fear that asking about life insurance with an ITIN puts a target on their back, or that a company will hand their name to immigration. Let me be clear and honest about how this actually works. Life insurance carriers are private financial companies. Their job is to price a policy and pay a claim. They do not act as immigration enforcement and they do not report applicants to immigration. The identity and health questions on an application exist so the carrier can underwrite your policy fairly, not to check your status.
A life insurance policy is a contract. When the insured person passes away and the policy is in force, the carrier pays the death benefit to the named beneficiaries based on the terms of that contract. The payout is not conditioned on the immigration status of the insured or of the beneficiaries. What matters is that the policy is valid, the premiums were paid, and the application was honest. That is the promise you are buying.
A policy you already own generally stays in force if you move abroad or are removed from the country, as long as the premiums keep getting paid, usually from a US bank account. This is one reason many families set up automatic payments from a US account at the start. Your coverage does not vanish because your address changes. It is something you own. This section is educational only and is not immigration or legal advice. If you have questions about your immigration situation, please speak with a qualified immigration attorney.
Every carrier is a little different, so think of this as a starting list. Most ITIN and foreign national applicants are asked for some mix of the items below. Part of my job is matching you to a carrier whose requirements you already meet, so you do not have to chase paperwork you do not have.
You will not need every item for every company. Before you apply, I tell you exactly what your best carrier asks for so there are no surprises.
Here is the part that surprises people. Immigration status by itself does not make life insurance more expensive. Carriers price a policy mainly on age, health, tobacco use, and the type and amount of coverage you choose. All else equal, an ITIN applicant can be offered the same rate class as a citizen with the same age and health. You are not charged a penalty for being an immigrant. There are no quoted rates on this page and approval is never guaranteed, but the idea that status alone inflates your premium is simply not true.
Another myth is that ITIN families can only buy a small burial policy. In reality, meaningful face amounts can be available for the right profile with the right documentation. The amount a carrier will offer depends on your age, your income, your health, and a financial justification that ties the coverage to your real needs and assets. A working parent protecting a mortgage and several children is a very different conversation from a final expense plan, and both are possible.
Carriers handle ITIN and foreign national applicants differently. Some set a maximum face amount for these applicants, and some do not cap them at all and treat them like any other applicant once the ties and finances check out. This is exactly why working with an independent agent matters. Instead of accepting the first company's limit, I can shop the carriers whose rules fit the coverage you actually want. For general consumer background on how life insurance works, the NAIC consumer guide to life insurance is a neutral place to start. If you have a health history to work around, see my page on life insurance with health conditions.
Life insurance with an ITIN is not a single take-it-or-leave-it product. Depending on the carrier and your situation, several types of coverage may be on the table. Here is a plain-language look at each one.
Coverage for a set number of years, often ten, twenty, or thirty. It usually offers the most protection for the lowest cost, which makes it popular for parents covering a mortgage or income during the years a family needs it most.
Permanent coverage that you own for life, with a level premium and cash value that builds over time. Many families like that it does not expire and that it can become a tool for legacy as well as protection.
Permanent coverage with flexible premiums and cash value growth linked to a market index, with protection features built in. It can appeal to families and to higher-income clients who want protection plus a long-term accumulation strategy.
Coverage where you answer health questions instead of taking a full medical exam. It can be a faster path, and it suits people who prefer to skip the exam. Availability and the maximum amount depend on the carrier and your profile.
Smaller whole life coverage designed to handle funeral and end-of-life costs so your family is not left with the bill. It is often a good fit for older applicants or anyone who wants a simple, affordable plan.
ITIN coverage serves a wide range of people. If you see yourself in one of the groups below, there is very likely a carrier that will consider you. Citizenship is not required for any of them.
Many DACA recipients have an ITIN or a work authorization Social Security number, a US address, income, and a US bank account. Those are exactly the ties carriers look for. The right carrier depends on your documentation and your situation, which is what we sort out on the call.
H-1B workers, F-1 students, and other visa holders are considered by certain carriers when there are real ties to the United States, such as residence, time in the country, income, and a US bank account. The best fit depends on your visa type, how long you have been here, and your plans.
Lawful permanent residents generally have strong, straightforward access to US life insurance. If you hold a green card, you typically have the most carrier options of any group on this page, and the conversation is usually simple.
If you live abroad in the UAE and Dubai, Europe, Asia, or Latin America and have US property, a US business, US investments, or a US visa, you can often qualify for US coverage, frequently in large amounts for estate planning and legacy. The detailed look at how this works is in the Foreign Nationals and Non-Residents section above.
One of the most common questions I hear is whether the people you love back home can actually receive the money. The answer is yes. You can name family who live in another country as the beneficiaries of your policy. The death benefit is paid in US dollars to the people you name, wherever they are.
An international payout follows the same contract as any other claim, but it can take a little longer than a domestic one. The carrier may need extra documents, such as identification for an overseas beneficiary or a certified and sometimes translated death record. It helps to keep beneficiary information current and to make sure your family knows the policy exists and who to contact.
Because the benefit is paid in US dollars, your family abroad should think ahead about how they will receive and convert the funds. Currency exchange rates and international transfer methods can affect the final amount in their local currency. Naming a trusted contact and discussing this in advance makes the process smoother during a hard time. We set up the beneficiary details clearly at application so your wishes are followed.
I am Joseph McDermott, an independent life insurance agent. Because I am independent, I am not tied to one company's rules or one company's limits. I represent the A-rated carriers that consider ITIN applicants, DACA recipients, visa holders, green card holders, and foreign nationals fairly, and I match you to the one whose requirements you already meet. When one carrier caps your coverage or wants paperwork you do not have, I can take you to another.
I am licensed in 27 states, my National Producer Number is 22121673, and my business is brokered through Family First Life. That structure gives me access to a broad shelf of strong carriers and keeps me accountable to do right by you. My promise is simple. I will tell you the truth about what is possible, I will shop the market on your behalf, and I will never pressure you. You can learn more about me here or book a 15-minute review whenever you are ready.
A quick, private call in English or Spanish about your family, your situation, and your budget. No pressure, no judgment.
I compare the A-rated carriers that consider ITIN applicants and foreign nationals, and I match you to the one whose requirements fit your situation.
We file together and I tell you exactly what to bring. You will know what to expect before you ever sign.
Yes. Many carriers consider applicants who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security number. Approval is never guaranteed and the right fit depends on your situation, your ties to the United States, and your health, which is exactly what I help you sort out as an independent agent.
No. A Social Security number is not required by every carrier. Several companies accept an ITIN along with other identification. I work with the carriers that consider ITIN applicants, so a missing Social Security number does not close the door.
Life insurance carriers are private financial companies. They underwrite your application, they do not report applicants to immigration enforcement, and applying for a policy is a private financial decision. Carriers ask for identity and health information to price the policy, not to check your status. This is educational only and not immigration or legal advice. For questions about your immigration situation, speak with a qualified immigration attorney.
Yes. You can name family who live in another country as your beneficiaries. The death benefit is paid in US dollars to the people you name. An international payout can take longer than a domestic one because the carrier may need extra documents, and your family should consider currency exchange and how funds transfer across borders. We set the beneficiary details up clearly at application so your wishes are followed.
In general, a life insurance death benefit is paid to your beneficiaries based on the policy contract, not on where you happen to be or your immigration status, as long as the policy is in force and premiums are paid. Some carriers have limits on certain high-risk countries or activities disclosed at application, so honest answers up front matter. I review these details with you before you apply.
A policy you already own generally stays valid if you leave the country, as long as the premiums keep getting paid, usually from a US bank account. Your coverage is a contract you own. Many people set up automatic payment from a US account so the policy stays in force no matter where life takes them. This is educational only and not immigration or legal advice.
No. Immigration status by itself does not raise your price. Carriers price life insurance mainly on age, health, tobacco use, and the type and amount of coverage. All else equal, an ITIN applicant can receive the same rate class as a citizen with the same profile. There are no quoted rates here and approval is never guaranteed, but you are not charged a penalty for your status.
Coverage is not limited to tiny policies. Meaningful face amounts can be available for the right profile with the right documentation. The amount a carrier offers depends on your age, income, health, and a financial justification for the coverage you request. Some carriers set caps for ITIN or foreign national applicants and some do not, which is why matching you to the right carrier matters.
Depending on the carrier and your situation, options can include term life, whole life, indexed universal life, no-exam or simplified issue coverage, and final expense. The best type depends on your goals, your budget, and your timeline, which we talk through before you apply.
Yes, in many cases. Some carriers offer no-exam or simplified issue coverage where you answer health questions instead of taking a medical exam. These policies can be a good fit when you want a faster path or prefer to skip the exam. Availability and the maximum amount depend on the carrier and your profile.
In many cases yes. DACA recipients often have an ITIN or a work authorization Social Security number, a US address, and a US bank account, which are the kinds of ties carriers look for. Citizenship is not required. The right carrier depends on your documentation and your situation.
Often yes. Visa holders, including H-1B workers and F-1 students, are considered by certain carriers when there are real ties to the United States, such as residence, time in the country, income, and a US bank account. The best fit depends on your visa type, how long you have been here, and your plans, which we sort out together.
It varies by carrier, but applicants commonly provide an ITIN, a valid foreign passport or consular ID, proof of a US address, proof of income, and a US bank account for payments. A US driver license is optional and helpful but usually not required. I tell you exactly what your best carrier asks for before you apply. You can read about ITINs on the official IRS ITIN page.
Often yes. Clients living abroad, including in the UAE and Dubai, across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, can frequently qualify for US life insurance when they have real US ties and a financial justification for the coverage. Many use it for estate planning, legacy, and protecting US assets. There are no guarantees, and the right path depends on the carrier and your specific situation. I match you to the carrier most likely to consider you.
I am licensed in 27 states and help ITIN holders and foreign nationals find a carrier that fits. Find your state below.
A short, no-pressure conversation in English or Spanish, built around your situation. Learn more about life insurance for families, or read helpful guides and answers.