🧭 Why This Guide Matters
Life insurance isn’t just for U.S. citizens—yet many immigrants mistakenly believe they can’t qualify due to residency, visa status, or lack of a Social Security Number (SSN).
The truth is, dozens of top-rated insurers offer life insurance coverage to immigrants—even those on work visas, with green cards, or without an SSN.
In this 2025 guide, you’ll discover:
✅ 7 of the best life insurance companies that welcome immigrants
✅ How to apply (even with limited documentation)
✅ What type of policy is best for your immigration status
✅ Insider tips to get approved faster and cheaper
Let’s dive in.
⚖️ Can Immigrants Get Life Insurance in the U.S.?
Yes—most legal immigrants, green card holders, visa workers (H1B, L1, F1), and even DACA recipients can get life insurance in the United States.
And in some cases, undocumented immigrants can qualify too (with an ITIN or alternative documentation).
📌 What You May Need:
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U.S. address (not always required)
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Valid ID (passport, visa, green card)
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ITIN or SSN (optional with some providers)
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Basic health history
💡 Types of Life Insurance Immigrants Can Get
Policy Type | Best For | Features |
---|---|---|
Term Life | Visa holders, young workers | Cheapest option. Covers 10–30 years |
Whole Life | Green card holders, permanent residents | Lifetime coverage + cash value |
No Medical Exam | All statuses | Fast approval, no checkups |
Guaranteed Issue | Older immigrants or with health issues | Accepts nearly everyone, higher premiums |
🔥 The 7 Best Life Insurance Companies for Immigrants (2025)
1. Ethos Life – Fastest Approval, No Medical Exam
🌟 Best For: Visa holders, DACA recipients, green card holders
💰 Policy Amounts: $20,000 – $2 million
⏱️ Approval Time: Same-day
📄 Medical Exam: Not required
🌐 www.ethoslife.com
Why It’s Great:
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Online application—no agents
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Accepts non-citizens with ITIN or visa
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Affordable premiums for younger applicants
✅ Popular with H1B, F1, and L1 visa holders
2. Ladder Life – Flexible Coverage, High Payouts
🌟 Best For: Young professionals, tech workers
💰 Policy Amounts: $100,000 – $8 million
⏱️ Approval Time: Instant to 24 hours
📄 Medical Exam: Sometimes waived
🌐 www.ladderlife.com
Why It’s Great:
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Fully online—no paperwork
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Allows applicants with ITINs
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Adjust your coverage at any time without fees
3. Haven Life (MassMutual)—Backed by a Top U.S. Insurer
🌟 Best For: Long-term immigrants, green card holders
💰 Policy Amounts: Up to $3 million
📄 Medical Exam: Sometimes required
🌐 www.havenlife.com
Why It’s Great:
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Backed by MassMutual (A++ rated)
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Offers term policies at great rates
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Accepts visa holders with proof of residency duration
🔍 Applicants with more than 2 years in the U.S. are more likely to be approved.
4. Bestow – Entirely Online with Instant Approval
🌟 Best For: Time-sensitive applicants
💰 Policy Amounts: $50,000 – $1.5 million
⏱️ Approval Time: Instantly online
📄 Medical Exam: Not needed
🌐 www.bestow.com
Why It’s Great:
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Accepts ITIN and visa documentation
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Quick and easy interface—no phone calls
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No upsells or aggressive follow-ups
✅ Top pick for undocumented immigrants with ITIN
5. Mutual of Omaha – Great for Seniors and Permanent Residents
🌟 Best For: Immigrants over 50
💰 Policy Amounts: $2,000 – $25,000
📄 Medical Exam: Not needed for final expense plans
🌐 www.mutualofomaha.com
Why It’s Great:
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Offers Guaranteed Issue life insurance
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No health questions
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Available for most U.S. residents, regardless of status
👵 Perfect for parents/grandparents who are green card holders.
6. Transamerica – Ideal for Green Card & ITIN Holders
🌟 Best For: All immigrant types
💰 Policy Amounts: $25,000 – $10 million
📄 Medical Exam: Required for higher coverage
🌐 www.transamerica.com
Why It’s Great:
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Accepts applicants with an ITIN
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Offers term and whole life plans
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Multilingual customer service
7. New York Life – Best Long-Term Investment Policies
🌟 Best For: Wealth-building immigrants
💰 Policy Amounts: Custom
📄 Medical Exam: Required
🌐 www.newyorklife.com
Why It’s Great:
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Offers whole life and investment policies
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Strong legacy planning tools
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Great for high-income immigrants or entrepreneurs
📝 Documents You May Need to Apply
Required (Most Cases) | Optional (But Helpful) |
---|---|
Valid Passport | ITIN or SSN |
U.S. Visa (H1B, F1, etc.) | Proof of address (lease, utility bill) |
Green Card (if applicable) | Medical history (if needed) |
Bank details for premiums | Immigration papers (if asked) |
💡 Most companies now allow applications with just your ITIN or foreign passport.
🧠 Smart Tips to Get Approved Quickly
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Use your ITIN—if you don’t have an SSN, many insurers accept Individual Taxpayer Numbers.
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Choose No-Exam Policies – They’re faster and often cheaper if you’re healthy.
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Apply Online—Platforms like Ethos and Bestow make it easier for immigrants than traditional agents.
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Avoid overinsuring—start with $50k–$250k coverage. You can increase it later.
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Pay Annually If Possible – Some companies give a discount if you pay once per year.
📊 Term Life vs. Whole Life for Immigrants
Feature | Term Life | Whole Life |
---|---|---|
Duration | 10–30 years | Lifetime |
Cost | Very low | Higher |
Cash Value | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Best For | Short stay, temporary visa | Long-term residents |
💡 Term life is best for most immigrant workers. Your whole life is great if you plan to settle in the U.S. permanently.
🛡️ Why You Need Life Insurance (Even as an Immigrant)
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Protect your spouse or kids in case of death
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Cover funeral/burial costs (average $9,000 in the U.S.)
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Build credit and legal presence in the U.S.
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Leave something behind for family back home
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Secure your legacy in your new country
📍 Final Words
Immigrants are the backbone of the U.S.—and you deserve financial protection just like anyone else.
With these 7 companies, you can apply confidently, even if you’re:
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Still on a visa
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Just got your green card
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Don’t have a Social Security Number
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Or simply want peace of mind for your loved ones
💼 Start small, but start now. Life insurance doesn’t get cheaper as you age.
✅ Apply for Coverage Now (2025)
👉 Get Instant Quote from Ethos Life
👉 Check Ladder Life Plans
👉 Try Bestow (No Medical Exam)
👉 Explore Mutual of Omaha
👉 See Haven Life (Backed by MassMutual)