US life insurance for non- permanent residents in 2026
Life insurance can be a valuable asset for families who have financial dependents. US citizens, permanent residents (green card holders) and other US citizens have the advantage of having multiple insurance providers compete for their business. If you are a non permanent resident of the US, it can be more difficult to get a policy and your options may be limited. This guide will help you understand your options. It will tell you about:
- How to get coverage as a non-permanent resident?
- Non-residents who have US ties can get coverage
- What are the main types of insurance offered in the US?
- How to apply for an insurance policy
Coverage of those with a non-permanent visa
You will be able to obtain coverage based on your visa. Few companies offer coverage to student visa holders. Even so, visa holders of the following types can get insurance if they are willing to shop around and meet some additional hurdles.
- E– Employer-sponsored Immigrant Visa
- H1B– Temporary work visa for a person in a specialty occupation
- K Nonimmigrant Visa for the Fiance/e of an American Citizen
- L– Temporary work visa for intracompany transfers
- O– Temporary work visa for people with exceptional ability or achievements
- TN & TD Visas for Canadian & Mexican NAFTA Workers
You should ensure your visa is valid and up-to-date before purchasing life insurance. Carriers may also require other documentation to properly assess your risk profile. If you can show all of these things, your chances of being covered will increase.
- An American bank accountThis can be a requirement for obtaining a policy, as it shows that you are able to pay your premiums without needing to make complicated international transfers.
- Adequate assets or income Life insurance companies want to know that you are able to pay for your premiums.
- A US AddressA US residential address is usually required for life insurance correspondence as well as legal requirements.
- Social Security/Tax IDInsurers and other financial service companies often ask for a Social Security Number or Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) to be used in administrative and tax purposes.
You will have different coverage options depending on the type of visa, the duration and the guidelines set by the insurance company. However, it is easier to obtain temporary term life coverage than permanent whole-life or universal coverage with cash value. (See below). Before applying for coverage, you should use a term insurance calculator to determine your needs. You may also want to consider working with a broker or agent who understands the challenges that non-permanent resident face.
Foreign nationals who are not US residents but have US ties
Foreign nationals with high net worth who don’t reside in the US but have strong business, family, and financial ties to the US, may also be eligible for life insurance. These policies tend to be quite specialized and are designed to assist internationals who have personal and business interests across different countries. The availability of coverage may be restricted by the country in which you reside, and the underwriting process, if it is available, can be quite involved.
These policies are still a valuable tool for those who want to protect their family assets and capital in the US. These policies are a great way to diversify your financial portfolio and transfer wealth to future generations.
Guardian is among a few providers who offer this type of coverage via our Global Citizens program. In some cases, permanent cash value policies with a maximum limit of $30 million are available for those who meet certain criteria.
- Significant connection to the US For example, ownership of real estate, business, equities or other tangible or non-tangible assets or direct family members that are US citizens.
- The maximum coverage is based on assets located in the US.
- The application has to be filled out and signed in US
- Additional terms and conditions apply. During the application process, additional items, records, and documents will be needed.
Three main types of life Insurance available in the US
Term Life Insurance
Some companies only offer non-permanent resident coverage, which is a cost-effective way to get life insurance. A term insurance policy is valid for a specific period of time, which can be 10, 15, 20 or 30 years. However, some policies are only valid if you remain a US citizen. The death benefit will be paid to your beneficiaries tax-free if you die while the policy remains in effect. Beneficiaries do not have to be US citizens, but they may face taxes if they are international.
The coverage ends at the end of the term and you must apply for a replacement policy. The insurance company will charge you significantly higher premiums if you meet the requirements due to your age and increased health risk. The cash value of term insurance is not as high as that of universal or permanent life insurance.
Whole Life Insurance
It also has a cash value component, which can help build and protect family assets. You can borrow against it or access it in other ways while you are alive. Cash value can also be used to build assets for the family and is accessible while you’re alive. The downside? While whole life insurance provides lifelong protection and asset building benefits, it is more expensive than term.
Universal Life Insurance
The universal policy offers permanent coverage, and builds cash value. It also has more flexibility than whole life policies (and less guarantees). These policies allow you to adjust your premiums and the death benefit within a range. They may also give you the option to choose how to build up cash value. For example, you can earn a fixed rate , or you could invest in the stock market. This flexibility means the policies must be managed and that care is taken to make sure the account value does not fall below a specific level.
How to apply for US life insurance if you are a non-permanent occupant
You should do some research before purchasing any financial product to determine how much insurance you will need. Also, what type of policy is best for you? Focus on companies or programs that offer policies for foreigners, such as Guardian’s Global Citizens program. Here are some tips to remember when applying for a policy.
Gather the relevant documents
Depending on your situation, you may want to prepare the following documents before applying for insurance:
- Documents such as passports and visas
- Proof of residency or legal status, including a valid visa and, if applicable, a state-issued identification card such as your driver’s licence.
- If you’re not a US tax payer, use the W-8 form instead.
- Proof of US ties
- Proof of assets or income
What to expect from a medical examination
Medical underwriting is required for most life insurance policies to assess your health and insurance risks. You may be required to undergo a medical examination in some cases; however, other times you might only need to answer a few health-related questions. It’s possible that you will be asked to submit medical records. The insurance company may require a certified English translation if your documents are accepted from your country of origin.
Give yourself time to complete the underwriting process once you have submitted your application
In the United States, the insurance company might require that you sign the policy application form and meet other requirements such as a physical examination. The underwriting process starts once you submit your application. The underwriting process includes a review of your age, health and other risk factors. Insurance companies have to deal with a lot more unknowns than they would if the application was from a US resident, so it tends to take longer. Premiums are also higher for non-permanent resident due to the perceived risk.
Payment of premiums when coverage begins
If the underwriting is successful, you will receive your policy. Make sure you read all of the conditions and terms that are included in your policy, particularly those relating to payment. Many insurers, including Guardian, require premiums to be paid in US Dollars from a US Bank Account. To ensure timely and complete payment, you should account for the transfer time and currency exchange fees if overseas payments are accepted.
Find the best life insurance for you
A Guardian Financial Professional will help you understand the options you have if you are a temporary resident of the US. Ask about the Global Citizens Program if you are a non-resident but have ties to the US.
FAQ
Foreign nationals are eligible for life insurance as US citizens if they have permanent resident status, or a greencard. Non-permanent visa holders and non-permanent residents will find it harder to obtain coverage. However, depending on the amount of life insurance that you require, some providers may offer certain products.
Depending on your immigration or residency status, the process may be more complicated or costly. Students with student visas will have a difficult time getting a policy. However, those with temporary resident visas such as H1B, L, or E work visas may be able to find specialized policies that fit their needs.
Some high-net worth, nonresident, non US citizens may qualify for life insurance through a US carrier, if they have significant financial ties to the US and/or if their family is based in the US. Guardian Global Citizens is one of the many specialized programs that cater to these clients’ unique needs.
These groups have limited options, but they may still be able to obtain some protection. Some carriers offer coverage, but with certain requirements. These may include proof of residence in the US, proof of income or employment and an individual taxpayer identification (ITIN) number. Ask your friends and colleagues if they can recommend an insurance agent who specializes in helping foreigners purchase insurance. Contact them to discuss your options and to find the best solution.
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