If you are an undocumented immigrant living here in the United States, you may wonder about the future. You love your family. You may worry if something happened to you, what could happen to them? Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about life insurance. Contrary to what you may think, undocumented immigrants can obtain life insurance here in the United States.

There is a process to follow, but no worries, it is possible. We have helped many undocumented immigrants obtain life insurance and can help you, too.

In this article, we discuss how undocumented immigrants can obtain life insurance.

Be careful of what you read elsewhere. Many other websites suggest that life insurance is available with many carriers. That isn’t true. Only a handful of life insurance companies will insure undocumented immigrants. Do not worry, as we work with just about all of them.

Feel free to click on a link to learn more.

• Life Insurance Requirements For Undocumented Immigrants
• Best Life Insurance Options For Undocumented Immigrants
• Application Process For Undocumented Immigrants
• Premium Costs For Life Insurance
• Life Insurance Underwriting of Undocumented Immigrants
• Can An Undocumented Immigrant Be A Life Insurance Beneficiary?
• Other Options For Undocumented Immigrants
• FAQs About Life Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants
• Now You Know Undocumented Residents Can Obtain Life Insurance

Let’s start off by telling you the requirements for life insurance if you are undocumented.

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The Life Insurance Requirements For Undocumented Immigrants

There is a process you need to follow if you want to obtain life insurance. It is not, by any means, difficult. As we stated earlier, a handful of life insurance companies will provide life insurance for undocumented immigrants. We work with just about all of them.

The following is the general process. Carriers may have specific and different requirements.

• You need to reside in the United States, and you already do. You don’t need to own a home. You just need to live here. (So, renting is just fine.)
• Need an ITIN – Since you don’t have a social security number, you will need an ITIN. What is an ITIN? An ITIN is an individual taxpayer identification number. The IRS issues ITINs. If you don’t have an ITIN, you can apply for an ITIN through form W-7 from the IRS.
• Have a US bank account – you will need a US bank account to draft the premiums.

Additional information the life insurance company likes to have includes:

• a driver’s license if you have one
• your doctor’s information and last seen
• your employment history and how much money you make / net worth
• a current, valid passport from your home country

These are the general requirements. After that, we will determine your needs, the death benefit amount, and the type of life insurance. We review all that and ensure you are covered based on your needs and situation.

Note: lawful permanent residents (i.e., green card holders), DACA recipients, other non-us citizens / visa holders have more life insurance options available.

There are a few types of life insurance available to undocumented immigrants, and we discuss these types next.

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Best Life Insurance Options For Undocumented Immigrants

All types of life insurance are available to you, provided the carrier accepts ITINs. Life insurance coverage options include:

• term life insurance policies
• permanent life insurance policies, including whole life, universal life, and indexed universal life
• simplified issued plans
• non-medical/no exam insurance policies
• burial insurance / final expense plans

We have helped undocumented immigrants with all of these types of life insurance.

Not All Life Insurance Carriers Accept Undocumented Immigrants

As we said earlier, a few life insurance carriers insure undocumented immigrants. Please be careful what you read elsewhere, as other sites suggest that life insurance availability is plentiful. Unfortunately, it is not. For example, many websites say Banner Life (a solid company) accepts undocumented immigrants. They don’t (see the snapshot from their underwriting guide below).

However, as we said, we work with nearly all of the carriers that insure undocumented immigrants.

First, a few of them have limitations. For example, a couple of them allow up to $50,000 or $100,000 of death benefit. That isn’t really much, especially if you have a family to protect. We don’t really focus on those carriers unless we have to.

There’s another insurance plan that is simplified issue term, up to $250,000 of death benefit. It’s probably the easiest life insurance application I’ve ever seen. There are only four health questions. You can apply online through us; it’s very easy. You can also include your spouse and/or children on the application.

Finally, a few more carriers will insure you for well above the $250,000 death benefit. We’ve insured undocumented immigrants for well over $1,000,000. The one difference is that these life insurance companies require underwriting. However, life insurance underwriting is nothing to worry about. The underwriting process can, potentially, be a bit longer since they potentially insure you for a larger death benefit amount. We discuss more in the article.

You don’t have to worry about working with us. We will find you the life insurance coverage for your situation.

Why You Should Not Worry

We know the immigration regulations are in flux. You may be worried. Here is why you should not worry about your life insurance application or any death benefit proceeds.

Life insurance carriers still pay a death benefit. We review thousands of insurance contracts with individuals and families. We never had a contract that said proceeds won’t be paid to beneficiaries of undocumented immigrants.

The ITIN isn’t an indication that you are an undocumented immigrant. Many foreign nationals (link) and other non-US residents with legal status require an ITIN. Look at the page we linked from the IRS website. It lists many individuals who need an ITIN. Go to the paragraph “What is an ITIN used for?”. The paragraph states, “They (ITINs) are issued regardless of immigration status because both resident and nonresidents may have a U.S. filing or reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code.”

We don’t ask questions about your document status, and neither do the carriers. Just go back to the above paragraph. Anyone can receive an ITIN.

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Life Insurance Application Process For Undocumented Immigrants

The life insurance application process for undocumented immigrants is generally the same as that for a US citizen or legal resident. So, you don’t need to worry about that.

Here’s an overview of the process:

(1) Have your ITIN and information available: We touched on this earlier. You need at least an ITIN to apply for life insurance. If you don’t, then you can’t apply until you have one.

Having a valid, home-country passport is helpful, too, but it is not required. Not having one may extend the underwriting process (more on that in a minute).

Also, having a driver’s license is a “nice-to-have”, but it is not required as many states do not issue driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.

(2) Select a Life Insurance: As discussed, many options exist. However, you most likely will want term life insurance. Although, whole life and indexed universal life are available.

You’ll want to balance needs and goals versus the premiums you want to spend.

(3) Go Through Underwriting: We will touch on this in more detail. However, depending on your situation, you may have to go through a medical exam while the underwriter reviews your application. Some applications go through an accelerated process.

(4) Pay Your Premium: Nearly all the life insurance carriers that consider undocumented immigrants for coverage require premiums paid via a US-based bank account.

(5) Approval: Once approved, the policy is placed in force. You now have life insurance.

The process is rather easy, but contact us for any specific questions.

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Premium Cost Of Life Insurance For Undocumented Immigrants

Many websites have a quoter allowing you to look at premium rates. Honestly, they won’t do much. You see, as we said before, many of the carriers on that quoter don’t insure undocumented immigrants.

One misunderstanding is that undocumented immigrants feel they will pay a higher premium because of their immigration statuses. That is not true. They will pay the same premiums as US citizens and permanent residents, all things being equal.

However, the good thing about online quoters is you can get an idea of how much life insurance could cost. Feel free to search in our quoting tool. Just input your information and be honest about your health. We’ll get a notice that you searched, so you may see an email or a phone call from us to say thanks and see how we can help. No worries. We don’t share your information. Promise.

Honestly, it’s best to contact us if you really are interested in protecting your loved ones and family.

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Life Insurance Underwriting Of Undocumented Immigrants

Many undocumented immigrants believe they will pay a higher rate because they are not legal residents.

That isn’t necessarily the case.

The carriers that consider and approve undocumented immigrants look at your:

• health history and other health risk factors (like nicotine or marijuana use)
• working status
• lifestyle situations such as credit and motor vehicle history
• insurable need
• how long you have lived in the US

These are similar factors that carriers review for US citizens and legal residents.

Carriers will examine your MIB, driving records, and prescription drug history, among other variables. They may also require a medical exam and/or medical records.

But, John. My death benefit is limited.

True. Several carriers do limit the death benefit for undocumented immigrants.

However, as we said before, we work with carriers that do not limit the death benefit. Additionally, you can select any type of life insurance such as indexed universal life or whole life.

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Can An Undocumented Immigrant Be A Beneficiary?

There is some confusion around this topic. So, let’s give you the details.

As we indicated earlier, yes, an undocumented immigrant can be a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

There is no stopping that. Moreover, the life insurance carrier pays the beneficiary the death benefit, even if the beneficiary is living in another country.

However, there is a potential issue.

Certainly, US immigration departments could step in and intervene. That’s not the carrier’s fault. You will want to consult an immigration attorney in this case.

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Other Life Insurance Options For Undocumented Immigrants

Other life insurance options exist for undocumented immigrants. We discuss these next.

A PreNeed Burial Plan

We work with a pre-need burial plan available to undocumented immigrants. These types of plans are not life insurance.

Here’s how they work.

You pay a monthly cost, like $70 per month. There is a waiting period on the plan, which means any claims during this waiting period are denied. The waiting period depends on age. For example, a 30-day waiting period exists for people under the age of 65.

These plans will pay for your funeral costs, services, etc. They don’t, generally, pay for your plot.

The plan we use will send your body back to your home country if you prefer that. Air transportation is included in the cost.

You just pay that monthly premium, and when you pass away, your loved ones will contact the pre-need carrier. They will then take care of everything.

Additionally, the pre-need plan does not require underwriting or a social security number.

Burial Insurance

Burial insurance is simply a life insurance policy with a small death benefit, like $25,000 or $30,000. Nearly all burial insurance policies are whole life policies.

The life insurance industry likes to call them “burial insurance” because these small, whole life policies are typically used to fund funerals and burials.

Unlike the pre-need burial plans we just mentioned, burial insurance policies do require underwriting. However, the underwriting is not as stringent as the larger policies we discussed earlier in the article.

Usually, applicants answer a health questionnaire. Some carriers require a phone interview. 

OK, John. What is the advantage of these plans, then?

Good question. Burial insurance provides more flexibility compared to pre-need burial plans. Additionally, burial insurance will help pay for costs pre-need plans don’t pay for (like your plot and tombstone). Moreover, because it is life insurance, you can leave any remaining money to your loved ones.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants

Let’s answer some popular questions about life insurance for undocumented immigrants.

1. Can undocumented immigrants buy life insurance in the U.S.?

Yes, undocumented immigrants can often purchase life insurance. Many insurance companies don’t look at your citizenship status or require a green card, but they may ask for alternative documentation, such as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

2. Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for life insurance?

No, an SSN is not always required. Many insurance companies accept an ITIN as a substitute for an SSN. As I mentioned earlier, the IRS issues the ITIN. You can go to their website to learn more.

3. Is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) sufficient to qualify for life insurance?

Yes, an ITIN is often sufficient for life insurance companies that accept undocumented immigrants. These companies may use the ITIN to verify your identity and track premium payments.

4. Are there specific life insurance companies that offer policies for undocumented immigrants?

Yes, only a handful of life insurance companies accept undocumented immigrants. Be careful what you read elsewhere on the internet, as many websites suggest that life insurance options are plentiful for undocumented immigrants. They are not.

Thankfully, we at My Family Life Insurance work with many companies that accept undocumented immigrants. Moreover, these companies offer affordable premiums.

One last thing: we do offer life insurance for residents of New York.

5. What types of life insurance are available for undocumented immigrants?

Depending on the provider, undocumented immigrants can typically access term life insurance, whole life insurance, or other permanent life insurance policies. Term life is the most common type, usually more affordable and simpler to obtain.

6. Can I get a term life insurance policy if I’m undocumented?

Yes, a few companies offer term life insurance to undocumented immigrants. You can get 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, or 30-year term policies. Remember, with term life insurance, your family receives the death benefit IF you pass away within the specified term period.

7. How does whole life insurance differ from term life for undocumented individuals?

Whole life insurance offers lifelong coverage and builds cash value over time, but it is more expensive than term life insurance (because the life insurance company guarantees the death benefit and pays it whenever you pass away).

Term and whole life are available to undocumented immigrants, depending on the insurer.

8. What documents do I need to apply for life insurance as an undocumented immigrant?

Typically, eligibility requirements include:

• An ITIN or SSN (if available)
• A government-issued ID (e.g., passport, consular ID, or driver’s license)
• Proof of residency or address (proof that you live in the US)

Note: some companies have time requirements. In other words, they have specific requirements that you must have lived in the US continuously, say for 5 years, before applying.

9. Do I need to prove my residency status to get life insurance?

The life insurance companies that accept undocumented immigrants do not require you to prove your legal residency status.You just need an ITIN and preferably a driver’s license or a copy of your passport (from your home country).

10. Can I apply for life insurance without a medical exam?

Yes, many insurers offer “no medical exam” policies, such as simplified issue or guaranteed issue life insurance. These policies may have higher premiums and lower coverage limits.

However, if you are healthy and have no serious medical issues or lifestyle issues, many carriers will waive the medical exam.

11. Will my immigration status affect the application process or premium rates?

No, immigration status does not directly impact premium rates or the application process. However, insurers may have limitations due to your residency status. These limitations include (possibly):

• death benefit limitations
• time living in the US

Some life insurance companies may limit the death benefit to undocumented immigrants to, for example, $500,000. Other companies may have a time requirement before you can apply, for example, continuously living in the US for 3 years before applying. Different companies have different rules.

12. Who can I name as my beneficiary?

You can generally name anyone as your beneficiary, including family members in the U.S. or abroad.

13. Can my beneficiary be someone living outside the U.S.?

Yes, many insurance companies allow beneficiaries who live outside the U.S. However, due to international regulations, the payout process may take longer.

14. Will my immigration status affect the payout of the death benefit?

No, the death benefit payout is typically not affected by your immigration status. Your beneficiary will receive the benefit as long as the policy is active and premiums have been paid. However, I recommend consulting with an immigration attorney if you have specific questions.

15. Can the death benefit be paid to my family in another country?

Yes, most insurance companies can send the death benefit to beneficiaries in another country. Currency exchange rates and international transfer fees may apply.

16. How much does life insurance cost for undocumented immigrants?

The cost depends on factors such as age, health, coverage amount, and type of policy. Immigration status itself does not impact the price.

17. Can I pay premiums without a U.S. bank account?

Generally, no. You need a US bank account.

18. Are there flexible payment options available for undocumented immigrants?

Yes, many insurers offer monthly, quarterly, or annual payment plans. Discuss these options with your insurance agent.

19. Will my information be shared with immigration authorities?

No, life insurance companies generally do not share information with immigration authorities. They are focused on verifying your identity and processing your application.

20. Does purchasing life insurance affect my immigration status or future applications for legal residency?

No, buying life insurance does not affect your immigration status. However, it can demonstrate financial responsibility, which may be helpful in certain situations.

21. What happens to my life insurance policy if I am deported?

If you are deported, you can typically continue your policy as long as you keep paying the premiums out of a US bank account. Some insurers may have specific rules, so it’s important to confirm this with the carrier or your insurance agent.

22. Are there state-specific rules for undocumented immigrants buying life insurance?

Rules vary slightly by state. Some states have more flexible regulations for undocumented immigrants. It’s important to work with an agent familiar with your state’s policies. (Hint: us at My Family Life Insurance 🙂 )

23. Can I buy life insurance for my undocumented children or spouse?

Yes, you can often purchase life insurance for family members, regardless of their immigration status.

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Now You Know Undocumented Immigrants Can Obtain Life Insurance

We hope you now realize that obtaining life insurance for undocumented immigrants is a relatively simple process. Most of the carriers we work with have an online application process. This online portal makes the application process much easier.  Regardless of which carrier we recommend, we work with you every step of the way.

If you need life insurance but lack the proper documentation, contact us or use the form below. We can help you select the right carrier for your situation. All we will ask is whether you have a social security number. If you don’t, we know our starting point. We will then work with carriers that allow other ways to apply for life insurance.

Again, feel free to contact us with any questions you have. Or, fill out the form below. We will be in touch. We only work in the best interests of you and your family.