Benefits of Life Insurance for Non-U.S. Citizens
Anyone with loved ones relying on them financially would benefit from buying life insurance. This includes non-U.S. citizens.
Life insurance is used to protect those you leave behind when you die. These are a few of the main benefits of life insurance:
- Life insurance death benefits are paid to beneficiaries income tax-free.
- You choose the beneficiaries and how much money they are to receive.
- Life insurance is exempt from probate, meaning your beneficiaries get paid faster.
- Life insurance can provide the liquidity needed to pay estate taxes.
- Term life insurance policies are customizable and can fit into most budgets.
- Permanent life insurance policies offer tax-deferred cash value accumulation.
The Best Type of Life Insurance for a Non-U.S. Citizen
Life insurance policies can be categorized into one of two types: term or permanent. The type of life insurance that’s best for you depends on your budget, family circ*mstances, and needs.
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance is ideal for those who have children, a mortgage, and need budget-friendly coverage.
This option is more affordable than permanent products because it’s temporary coverage. Most term policies include a conversion option, so if you need permanent coverage later on, you can convert it easily.
Term life insurance is ideal for families because it’s so customizable.
Customizable Term Length
When you buy term life insurance, you choose how long you want the coverage to last. Term lengths range from 10-40 years. If your children are young and you have 20-30 years left on your mortgage, getting a 30-year policy ensures your family is financially protected should you die unexpectedly during the term.
Customizable Coverage Amount
Term life insurance is the most affordable way to ensure your loved ones can pay bills and continue their standard of living if your income suddenly disappears due to your death. Whether you need $100,000 or over $1,000,000 of term life insurance, chances are you can find a policy that fits your budget.
Customize with Riders
For about $50 annually, you can add a child rider onto your term life insurance policy which is a no-brainer if you have children. A child rider provides about $10,000 of life insurance coverage on all of your children under age 18.
An accelerated death benefit rider is free on most term life insurance policies. This rider allows you to request a portion of your policy’s death benefit while you’re alive if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Explore the other riders available to customize your coverage.
Permanent Life Insurance
Permanent insurance options are more expensive because the coverage lasts a lifetime, and you have features like cash value accumulation. If budgeting isn’t a big concern, permanent life insurance has many benefits.
Permanent life insurance helps you protect your loved ones no matter when you die. It leaves your family money for funeral and end-of-life expenses, such as medical bills and estate taxes.
If you buy a participating whole life insurance policy, your policy may earn dividends in addition to the guaranteed cash value accumulation. Permanent life insurance can be complex.
Life Insurance for Non-U.S. Citizens FAQs
Life insurance can be a bit confusing since it’s not a routine purchase. Here are some answers to additional questions about buying life insurance that you may have.
Can Foreign Nationals Get Life Insurance?
Yes, foreign nationals can get life insurance in the U.S. with the proper documentation. They are required to have a U.S. bank account and significant interest.
The following individuals are considered foreign nationals:
- Green card holders
- Temporary green card holders
- Non-resident aliens living in the U.S. full-time
- Non-resident aliens living outside of the U.S.
- Dual citizens
- Asylum or refugee status holders
Not all life insurance companies offer coverage for foreign nationals, so be sure to work with an independent broker.
Can Immigrants Get Life Insurance?
Yes, immigrants can get life insurance in the U.S. with the correct documentation. Immigrants live permanently in the U.S. as green card holders or resident aliens. They need a U.S. bank account and significant interest to be approved for life insurance.
Can Undocumented Immigrants Get Life Insurance?
Unfortunately, you cannot get life insurance in the United States if you do not have valid documents such as a visa, Social Security number, or tax ID.
Can Non-Resident Aliens Get Life Insurance?
Yes, in many cases, non-resident aliens can get life insurance in the U.S. All aspects of the insurance buying process must be completed in the U.S., including the application, the medical exam, and the policy delivery. This process could take months, so that’s something to be aware of. In addition, the non-resident must have at least one meaningful tie to the U.S. (a.k.a. “nexus”).
Examples of nexus include:
- U.S. citizenship
- A spouse who is a U.S. citizen or resident
- Ownership of real estate in the U.S.
- Ownership of a business in the U.S. or employment by a U.S. company
- A verifiable U.S. tax liability that needs insurance support
- Own liquid or non-liquid U.S. assets (e.g., insurance policies, property, accounts, U.S.-issued credit card)
The country the non-resident lives in may impact life insurance eligibility. If you live in a country deemed hazardous for travel, the life insurance company may be strict about offering coverage. Finding coverage may be difficult, so work with an independent broker.
Can an Expatriate (Expat) Get Life Insurance?
If you have moved permanently to another country and no longer are a resident in the U.S. or have ties here, you cannot get a new life insurance policy in the U.S.
Can I Get Life Insurance on My Non-U.S. Citizen Spouse?
If you’re a U.S. citizen and want to purchase life insurance on your non-U.S. citizen spouse, the requirements are the same as if your spouse purchased it on him or herself.
At minimum, your spouse will need a Social Security number. Most insurance companies also require a green card or valid visa.
What Happens to My Policy if I Move Abroad?
If you buy your life insurance policy in the U.S. and move to a new country, your policy will still be valid as long as you continue paying the premiums.
If you die abroad, your beneficiaries must send in a death certificate in English. The process may also take a bit longer.
Can My Beneficiary Be a Non-U.S. Citizen?
Yes, the beneficiary of your life insurance policy can be a non-U.S. citizen. To avoid payment delays, be sure to provide the following information regarding your non-citizen beneficiary to the carrier:
- Full legal first and last name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number, if they have one
- Address
- Phone number
Unsure how much life insurance you need? Try our free life insurance needs calculator.
Get Life Insurance as a Non-U.S. Citizen Through Quotacy
As an independent broker, Quotacy has access to product offerings from over 25 of the nation’s top life insurance companies. Our agents know the ins and outs of how each carrier evaluates applicants and will help match you to a company more favorable with non-U.S. citizenship.
Regardless of your citizenship, all applicants must undergo medical and financial underwriting. The life insurance company will review factors like your age, gender, health, family history, and lifestyle to determine if they can approve you and at what cost.
Start the process by getting a term life insurance quote, or contact us if you have questions. Our non-commissioned agents provide transparent and unbiased advice to help you get the best coverage for your needs.
