Life Insurance Guide for Undocumented Immigrants (2024)

If you are among the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States, you don’t have to worry about taking care of your family after your death. Undocumented persons can qualify for term life, whole life, universal life, and no-exam life insurance policies.

You don’t need a Social Security Number but you will need some form of legal documentation to qualify for life insurance. Most undocumented immigrants use a tax identification number to apply for life insurance policies.

Read our Life Insurance Guide, now to learn what kind of documentation you need to get life insurance and where to find it.

Getting life insurance for undocumented immigrants is easy when you comparison shop online. Enter your ZIP code to start comparing free life insurance quotes from local companies.

Can undocumented immigrants get life insurance?

Yes, most insurance companies offer life insurance for immigrants.

The process for buying term life insurance for non-U.S. citizens is similar to a documented citizen’s experience — determine how much coverage you need and shop around online for quotes to find the most affordable life insurance for undocumented immigrants.

Unfortunately, without documentation, undocumented immigrants may have a harder time qualifying for some life insurance policies due to immigration laws.

Getting Life Insurance without an SSN

In order to qualify for any life insurance coverage, you will need some form of documentation, such as a student visa, green card, or ITIN. Undocumented immigrants without any documentation of any kind will not be able to get life insurance.

You can get life insurance without a social security number but you need an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). An ITIN is issued by the IRS. With it, you can open a bank account, file taxes, and purchase security, such as life insurance.

Do you need to find life insurance without an SSN? Apply for an ITIN with a W-7 form from the IRS.

Many undocumented immigrants and foreign nationals working in the U.S. have an ITIN. Your ITIN is not contingent upon citizenship, and life insurance companies won’t ask you any questions about your immigration status.

However, life insurance companies will use your ITIN to search your medical history and background for criminal activity. It’s still possible to find life insurance guide for inmates, although it’s not easy. 

It can also help to apply for coverage with a copy of your valid driver’s license, a last-seen doctor’s certificate, and/or employment history or bank statements to speed up the underwriting process.

Life Insurance Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants

While it’s not impossible to find life insurance for undocumented immigrants, insurance companies have certain requirements for policyholders, including age, health, and coverage limitations.

For example, if you apply for no-exam coverage, you may be limited to a $100,000 policy or less. However, other insurance companies can provide up to $1 million in life insurance for undocumented immigrants, depending on medical history, lifestyle, and other health factors. Each life insurance company will have different underwriting requirements. You may even be able to find instant life insurance.

How much does life insurance for undocumented immigrants cost?

While immigration status does not affect life insurance rates, insurance companies will do a criminal background and employment history check to determine if you are high-risk, which can increase your premiums. But you may even be able to find life insurance for high-risk individuals. 

Life insurance rates also vary based on age, gender, coverage limits, and medical history. The table below shows standard term life insurance rates by age and term limits:

Average $100,000 Term Life Insurance Policy Rates for a Non-Smoker by Age, Gender, and Term

These are just average rates, and your life insurance rates can vary based on the type of life insurance policy you choose. Fortunately, if you are young and relatively healthy, you can expect to pay lower rates.

Case Studies: Life Insurance Guide for Undocumented Immigrants

Case Study 1: Maria’s Term Life Insurance

Maria is an undocumented immigrant living in the United States. She doesn’t have a Social Security Number (SSN), but she has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Maria wanted to ensure her family’s financial security after her death, so she decided to purchase a term life insurance policy.

She compared quotes from different insurance companies online and found one that offered coverage to individuals without an SSN. With her ITIN and other supporting documents, Maria applied for the policy. The insurance company reviewed her medical records, employment history, and criminal background to determine her premiums.

Case Study 2: Carlos’ Whole Life Insurance

Carlos, an undocumented immigrant, wanted a life insurance policy that would provide lifelong coverage and also have a cash value component. He decided to go for a whole life insurance policy. Even though Carlos didn’t have an SSN, he had an ITIN.

Carlos applied for the policy using his ITIN and provided additional documents such as a copy of his valid driver’s license and employment history. The insurance company conducted a thorough underwriting process, considering his age, medical history, and other health factors. Finally, Carlos was able to secure a whole life insurance policy that suited his needs.

Case Study 3: Sofia’s No-Exam Life Insurance

Sofia, an undocumented immigrant, was looking for a life insurance policy that wouldn’t require a medical exam. She had an ITIN and was eligible for life insurance coverage without an SSN. Sofia decided to apply for a no-exam life insurance policy to simplify the process.

She submitted her application online, providing her ITIN and supporting documents such as a last-seen doctor’s certificate and employment history. The insurance company reviewed her information and offered her a policy with a coverage limit of $100,000. Sofia was satisfied with the coverage and premiums offered and decided to proceed with the policy.

Can undocumented immigrants receive death benefits from life insurance policies?

Life insurance policies are in place to take care of your loved ones after you pass. Federal law protects life insurance beneficiaries, and undocumented immigrants can receive death benefits from life insurance policies regardless of immigration status. 

Unfortunately, government agencies may intervene due to immigration status. If you’re facing issues finding life insurance coverage or collecting death benefits, consult with an immigration lawyer.

Read our guide to find out the best life insurance companies that offer 30-year terms.

Learn your rights before you buy life insurance for undocumented immigrants, and get quotes online from local companies so you know which offers the best rates. Start here with our free comparison tool below.