Life insurance with an ITIN
Posted in Foreign Nationals last updated on August 20, 2025Life insurance with an ITIN is possible, and you don’t need a Social Security Number (SSN) to qualify. For millions of individuals living in the U.S. without an SSN, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can be the key to securing financial protection for their loved ones and planning for a more stable future.
In this guide, we’ll explain how life insurance with an ITIN works, outline the specific requirements set by top carriers, and walk you step-by-step through the application process.
Whether you’re just learning about your options or searching for tailored advice, this article will give you the clarity and confidence you need to get started.
What we will cover
- Can you get life insurance with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- Will every company approve coverage
- What are the qualifications/requirements
- Available options
- Overview of the application process
- FAQs about life insurance with an ITIN (Hint: do not miss this step)
Can you get life insurance with an ITIN?
Yes, you can secure life insurance in the US with an ITIN.
After answering this straightforward question, we wanted to touch on WHY a person with an ITIN may want to look into securing life insurance.
There are many reasons why a foreign national may want to look into securing a US life insurance policy. Reasons could vary from the fact that he or she is raising a family in the US and wants to ensure that his or her loved ones are protected from a requirement to secure a business loan.
A US-issued life insurance policy holds countless advantages. One of the biggest financial assets/planning tools is the favorable tax treatment that a life insurance policy could receive. Therefore, it is often used by global citizens as a way to transfer wealth.
Will every company approve coverage without an SSN?
No, they would not. Therefore, it is imperative to work with a life insurance carrier that is geared towards foreign nationals and would offer you more favorable options.
Let’s put it this way:
Life insurance companies, and all insurance companies for that matter, have their idea of their “ideal client.” They have developed actuarial models and scores to ensure that they offer the best rate for these clients. Unfortunately, if an applicant falls outside of the guidelines, he or she could not only receive a less favorable rating but also be declined altogether.
So, what can you do?
Ensure you are working with a brokerage that can match you with the right company. We would take the time to ask you the right questions and present you with the available options.
What are the requirements to secure coverage with ITIN
It is time to turn our attention to the qualifications and the requirements carriers would have when it comes to underwriting your application. Please note that these requirements will differ depending on whether you reside (live) in the US or not.
If you are living in the US, the companies will consider you to have financial ties to the US and will make applying for coverage easier.
They would review your country of origin
There are restrictions on selling to residents of certain countries. In addition, there are countries prohibiting selling life insurance to their citizens and/or residents. Lastly, your country of residence could pose an increased risk. Companies review the travel and safety guides posted by the government and adjust these lists on a regular basis.
Have financial ties to the US
We’ve covered ties in more debt in other posts. What we want your takeaway to be is that you need to have financial ties to the US:
- Married to a US citizen
- Work for a US company
- Own a property in the US and etc
Companies would not approve of your application unless you have financial reasons to secure a policy. Some carriers often refer to it as a Nexus.
US bank account
We understand this may seem simple. However, companies would require initial and future payments to be paid in US dollars. Some would even require you to have the account established 3+ months prior to applying. Having a US bank account could also be viewed as an additional verification tool.
You need to be in the US for the entire process
There are no exceptions here. You need to be in the US to apply, sign any additional forms, and formally accept the policy (the delivery of the policy).
Available Options
What options for coverage you have are strictly based on your personal situation. There are companies that do not offer any term products to non-US citizens or permanent residents. This could leave with only permanent insurance as coverage.
Again, not every company has these requirements. After discussing your situation, we would be able to advise if you qualify for term and/or permanent insurance and also take the time to point out the differences between both options.
On a side note, we would like you to consider additional benefits a policy may offer.
In some instances, you could qualify for a life policy that offers accelerated benefit riders, also known as living benefits.
Living benefits in life insurance allow you to “use” your life insurance while you are still alive, should you suffer a qualifying medical condition. The money is not considered a loan, and you are in control of how exactly it is spent.
Overview of the application process
As we mentioned, you need to be in the US to start and finalize the process. There is no exception to this rule.
Some companies may allow you to submit a limited power of attorney to a trusted individual to accept the policy on your behalf. However, guidelines on this option are changing, and not every company offers it.
Application
After discussing your options and answering any questions you might have, we will help you to submit your application. This could be completed entirely over the phone and e-signed.
Underwriting
During this step, the company may require a medical exam. Based on your circumstances and the particular situation, an exam may be waived. Keep in mind that companies will review your application and confirm what requirements they may have.
In addition, they may request your medical records. If your records are not located in the US, it may take longer to obtain them. We would advise you if we need you to step in and help us secure your medical history.
Approval
After a company reviews your application, it will issue a decision. After we discuss the approval, we will move forward to policy acceptance and delivery. As we mentioned, you need to be in the US to accept the policy. We understand we are repeating ourselves, but we do so because we want to emphasize the importance of you being in the US.
FAQs: Life Insurance with an ITIN
Here are some of the most common questions we received when it comes to life insurance without an SSN. We have also included links to separate articles providing some additional details.
Is life insurance with an ITIN more expensive?
No. Having an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number does not automatically make your life insurance more expensive. Rates are based on age, health, lifestyle, and the type of policy you choose.
Will my policy cover me if I die abroad?
Yes, most US life insurance policies provide worldwide coverage as long as premiums are paid. However, insurers may review your travel history and planned destinations before approving your application, especially if you frequently travel to high-risk regions
Can my beneficiary live in another country?
Yes, you can name a foreign national as your beneficiary—even if they live outside the U.S.—as long as there is a clear insurable interest.
Can I get life insurance with an EAD (Employment Authorization Document)?
Yes. Many insurers will approve applicants with a valid Employment Authorization Document. Each company has its own guidelines, but having an EAD, a US address, and a bank account generally strengthens your eligibility.
- Is life insurance with an ITIN more expensive
- Will my policy cover if I die abroad
- Beneficiary from another country
- What if I don’t qualify due to health or any other reason
- Life Insurance with EAD
In conclusion
Securing life insurance with an ITIN is possible. The key is to work with the right carrier. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or would like us to take a look at your personal situation. We will take the time to review your case and present you with your options.
Hope you find this helpful!
Thank you!