Life insurance is one of the most important financial products for families — and one that many immigrants assume they can't get without an SSN. The reality is different. An SSN is not a legal requirement to purchase life insurance in the United States, and a growing number of insurers actively accept ITIN holders.
Bottom line up front
You can get life insurance with an ITIN. Some of the country's largest insurers — including Transamerica and Mutual of Omaha — accept non-citizen applicants with ITIN. You'll need your ITIN, a government photo ID, proof of U.S. residence, and to pass underwriting. Coverage amounts and premiums depend on your age, health, and the insurer's policies.
Why Life Insurance Matters for ITIN Holders
For many immigrant families, one income earner supports not just a household in the U.S. but also family members abroad. If something happens to that person, there's no Social Security survivor benefit, no employer life insurance through a formal W-2 job in many cases, and potentially no safety net at all. A life insurance policy can be the difference between a family staying in their home and financial collapse.
Life insurance proceeds are generally paid directly to beneficiaries — they are not subject to immigration status review. Your beneficiaries can be anyone you designate, including family members abroad in some policies.
Types of Life Insurance Available
Term Life Insurance
Covers you for a specific period — typically 10, 20, or 30 years. Pays out only if you die during the term. Lower premiums for higher coverage amounts.
✓ Best value — most coverage per dollar ✓ Available to ITIN holders at several insurers ✗ Requires full medical underwriting ✗ No cash value if you outlive the termWhole Life Insurance
Permanent coverage that lasts your entire life as long as premiums are paid. Builds cash value over time that you can borrow against.
✓ Permanent — never expires ✓ Builds tax-deferred cash value ✗ Higher premiums than term ✗ More complex underwritingGuaranteed Issue / Final Expense
Small policies ($5,000–$25,000) that require no medical exam or health questions. Designed to cover funeral costs and small debts.
✓ No medical exam required ✓ Easiest to qualify for ✗ Low coverage amounts ✗ Higher cost per dollar of coverageAccidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
Pays only if death or injury results from an accident — not illness. Often offered as an add-on or as a standalone low-cost policy.
✓ Very affordable premiums ✓ Minimal underwriting ✗ Only covers accidents, not illness ✗ Limited situations trigger payoutInsurers That Accept ITIN
The following companies have been documented accepting ITIN on life insurance applications. Policies and underwriting requirements change — always confirm with the insurer or an independent agent before applying:
- Transamerica — one of the most frequently cited insurers accepting ITIN for term and whole life
- Mutual of Omaha — accepts non-citizen applicants including ITIN holders for several product lines
- State Farm — has issued policies to ITIN holders in some states; local agent discretion varies
- Foresters Financial — known for accepting non-U.S. citizens and ITIN holders
- AIG / American General — certain products available to non-citizen residents
Verify before applying
Insurer policies for ITIN acceptance vary by state, product type, and underwriting guidelines — and they change. The most reliable path is working with an independent insurance agent who specializes in non-citizen and immigrant applicants. They can shop multiple carriers at once and know which ones currently accept ITIN in your state. Applying through agents who don't know this space can waste time and result in unnecessary hard applications on your record.
What You Need to Apply
Typical requirements for an ITIN holder applying for life insurance:
- ITIN — your IRS-issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Government-issued photo ID — passport (most reliable), foreign consular ID, or state driver's license
- Proof of U.S. residence — utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your U.S. address
- U.S. bank account — for premium payment; most insurers require a U.S. account for auto-pay
- Medical information — for term and whole life underwriting, expect health questions and possibly a medical exam
- Beneficiary information — name, relationship, and date of birth of the person(s) you want to receive the benefit
Name your beneficiaries carefully
Life insurance proceeds pass directly to your named beneficiaries — they don't go through probate. Make sure your beneficiary designations are up to date. You can name people who live outside the U.S. as beneficiaries on many policies, though some insurers have restrictions. Ask your agent specifically about naming beneficiaries abroad.
How Much Coverage to Consider
A common starting point is 10–12 times your annual income. This replaces your income for roughly a decade while your family adjusts and children grow up. For a breadwinner earning $40,000 a year, that means a $400,000–$480,000 policy.
Also factor in:
- Mortgage or rent balance remaining
- Outstanding debts (car loan, personal loan)
- Children's education costs
- Any financial support you send to family abroad
- Final expenses (funeral, medical bills — typically $15,000–$30,000)
Term life insurance at age 30–40 with good health often costs $20–$40 per month for $500,000 in coverage. The earlier you buy, the lower the premium locked in.