Life insurance for non-US residents

How to get life insurance as an American expatriate or non-citizen living outside the US, and what happens to your coverage if you move abroad.

Last updated October 13, 2025

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Life insurance can play an essential role in protecting and building family finances, but when you live abroad, the process of purchasing or maintaining coverage gets more complicated. Citizens and permanent US residents have an enormous variety of life insurance policy options at competitive rates. However, for non-residents, several added rules, regulations, and practicalities need to be considered. This article can help by addressing how life insurance works for people in a few specific situations, including:

1. You have an existing life insurance policy in the US, then move abroad

If you're planning to move abroad, the first thing to do is to review your existing policy to understand how international relocation may affect your coverage, then notify your insurer about your change in residence. Policy terms and conditions often have clauses about geographic limitations, and failing to notify your insurer could invalidate your coverage. Why? Insurance companies consider some foreign countries to be riskier places to live due to limited healthcare access, disease prevalence, political instability, or other factors. And generally speaking, term life insurance policies are more "portable" partly because they don't have a cash value component that may be treated differently in various jurisdictions. Here are some specific things to consider:

Read your policy terms: Different insurers have different rules about international residency. Some will maintain your coverage; others may only offer reduced benefits or even cancel your policy. On the other hand, some policies — more commonly whole life as opposed to term life policies — have international riders that specifically cater to expatriates and international policyholders. Whatever the specific terms of your coverage, they will be spelled out in your policy contract.
Check for exclusions: Some policies may allow policyholders to move overseas but have country-specific exclusions, especially if you're moving to a country with high health or safety risks, or a region considered to be high-risk by the US government.
Think about currency exchange and premium payment: Be mindful of fluctuating exchange rates, as they can impact your premium payments — especially if you're earning income in a different currency. And when transferring funds from one country to another, make sure to account for processing time to avoid late premium payments.
Look into local regulations: Local regulations in your new country of residence may affect your ability to maintain a U.S. policy. For example, some countries have restrictions on holding financial products, including insurance, from foreign companies. Insurers often refer to an approved countries list to determine if your new country of residence qualifies for continued coverage under your US life policy, so check to see if your destination is included.
Look at the tax implications: There may be tax liabilities related to your coverage, especially if it’s cash value life insurance (i.e., a permanent whole or universal policy).¹ And while death benefits in the US are almost always paid out income tax-free, that may not be true in the country you reside in: your death benefits could be subject to local estate or inheritance taxes. Different countries have their own tax rules regarding life insurance policies, including how cash value, benefits, or transfer of a life policy are taxed. Understanding this will help you better plan for your beneficiaries.

2. You’re an American expatriate who wants new coverage

If you're already living abroad and are interested in taking out a new policy, you'll need to do some research and can expect to find a limited range of options, as not all US-based life insurance companies offer policies to expatriates. Expatriates often face challenges when trying to purchase life insurance from abroad, as eligibility for a new policy may depend on your residency status, visa type, and the specific terms of the life insurance product. However, some companies offer policies with optional "expatriate riders" that are specifically designed for American citizens living abroad and may even provide advantages like currency exchange protection or repatriation benefits. But it's important to note that even an expatriate policy may come with certain travel restrictions. For example, if you need to work or travel to regions that the US government considers high-risk, you may be denied coverage or face higher premiums. A few other things to consider:

Medical exams: Companies often require a medical examination before issuing coverage, which can be problematic if you live in a remote area. Also, not all insurers accept medical records from foreign doctors; if yours accepts foreign medical records, you should expect to have to pay for certified translation.
A complex application process: Be prepared for a lengthy and rigorous underwriting process. This might include a deep dive into your medical history, financial records, and lifestyle choices (such as alcohol and tobacco use, and risky hobbies, like scuba diving). Applying for a new life insurance policy as an expat may also require additional documentation, such as proof of legal presence, visa status, or residency. Some insurers may require you to be physically present in the US at certain points in the application process, for example, at signing or for a medical exam.
US address requirement: Even if you no longer reside in the US, some insurers will require a US mailing address in order to qualify for coverage. The home of a relative or legal representative's office can usually help you fulfill this requirement.

3. Getting coverage as a non-US citizen on a temporary visa

While you may currently live in the US with an E, K, H1B or other visa, as a non-citizen with temporary resident status, your primary residency is officially in another country. You may be able to obtain coverage, but the process will generally require extensive documentation and your choices will vary depending on your visa type, duration, and the guidelines of the life insurance company issuing the policy. Some insurers may also require that a US citizen — such as a relative or employer — sponsor your application. Other things to be aware of include:

Proof of residency and visa status: Insurers will likely require proof of US residency, so it's essential to ensure that your visa is current and valid when applying for life insurance. Green card holders generally have an easier time qualifying for life insurance coverage compared to other visa holders, often facing fewer hurdles and better rates. Insurers may also ask for evidence of income, employment, and other ties, and applicants may need to provide an individual taxpayer identification number if they do not have a Social Security number to verify their legal and immigration status.
Limited coverage: Coverage might be restricted to the duration of your visa, so if you decide to move abroad later on, your policy may be canceled.
High Premiums: Rates are often higher for non-citizens due to higher perceived risk.

4. You are a non-resident, non-citizen with significant US ties

Some high-net worth foreign nationals with significant business, financial, and family ties may also qualify for coverage from a US-based life insurance company. These policies are typically quite specialized and designed to help internationals with personal and business interests in different countries manage their complex affairs. Some considerations to keep in mind include:

Insurability interview: Be prepared for an extensive interview to determine insurability, including questions about your ties to the US. You may also be required to complete the application process on US soil.
Limited policy choices: There are fewer policy options available, and premiums are typically higher due to perceived risk and underwriting complexity. A limited number of insurance companies offer coverage to non-resident clients, and it’s important to work with an insurer that understands international needs and can offer coverage specifically tailored to your situation.
Proof of US and global assets: Requirements vary, but expect to be required to verify significant global assets — and a substantial portion of those assets in the US. Having a US bank account may also be required as part of the application process.

Despite such limitations, these policies can be an invaluable tool for internationals looking to the US as protection for family capital and assets. In addition to diversifying their financial portfolio, such policies can help solve the problem of transferring wealth to the next generation: While US residents enjoy a federal estate tax exemption of $13,990,000 (for tax year 2025), the exemption for non-residents is limited to just $60,000. Non-resident life insurance can help bridge this disparity because death benefit payments are exempt from federal estate taxes. If the policyholder has business interests in the US, in some cases, a business partner can also be named as a beneficiary, providing additional flexibility in wealth transfer planning.

5. You are a beneficiary of a policyholder that lives – and passes away — abroad

If a policyholder dies while living abroad, the process for claiming life insurance death benefits is conceptually the same as in the US: once proof of death is provided to the insurance company, each beneficiary is paid their share of the death benefit. However, there tend to be added complications that policyholders and beneficiaries should be aware of – especially for a beneficiary who also lives abroad:

Documentation: Most US states require life insurers to regularly review the Social Security Administration (SSA) Death Master File to see if any of their policyholders have passed away. However, global life insurance works differently, and the SSA doesn't always have recent data on Americans who pass away abroad. So, additional paperwork tends to be required to certify death internationally. Specialized documents such as international death certificates, consulate reports, and notarized/certified translations of foreign documents will likely be required. This tends to slow down the payout process, requiring extra effort to claim benefits.
Currency conversion: With very few exceptions, the death benefit in a US life insurance policy is paid in US Dollars. This shouldn't be an issue for beneficiaries in the US, but it can be for those who live abroad: any currency conversion and international transfer fees will detract from the death benefit received.
Legal and tax implications: While death benefits are almost always paid out free of income taxes in the US, there may be foreign tax obligations for beneficiaries who live abroad. Also, international law as it pertains to estate and inheritance can be quite complex and difficult to navigate, so when purchasing life insuranceto protect the finances of beneficiaries who live abroad, consider seeking appropriate legal representation to ensure their needs are met.

Guardian may be able to help
If you’re a foreign national with permanent US residency, a Guardian Financial Professional can help you decide how much life insurance you need and explore the range of coverage options available to you. Or, if you’re a non-resident with ties to the US, ask about the Global Citizens Program.
Find a Guardian financial professional

Frequently asked questions about life insurance for non-US residents

Most US-based life insurance policies offer worldwide coverage, meaning that they pay out regardless of where the policyholder dies. However, there are exceptions, and some policies may have exceptions for those who move abroad, especially to a high-risk region. Also, some features — such as cash value in a universal or whole-life policy — may be difficult to access from abroad due to local financial regulations.2,3 Always review a policy's terms and conditions, paying particular attention to geographical limitations or exclusions.

Yes, your place of residence can significantly affect the terms of a life insurance policy, the rates you pay, and even if you qualify for coverage. Generally speaking, US residents may have more life insurance options, and certain types of policies, such as whole life insurance, have cash value benefits that may be difficult to access in certain countries. Also, some US-based insurers may exclude coverage for those who move to a country considered high-risk, but even expat life insurance in countries with many Americans can come with a number of limitations. If you plan to purchase life insurance (or have an existing policy) and are looking to move abroad or travel frequently, notify your insurer and consider any additional riders or policies that might be relevant for international living.

This article is for informational purposes only. Guardian may not offer all products discussed. Please consult with a financial professional to understand what life insurance products are available for sale.

1 Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. The information provided is based on our general understanding of the subject matter discussed and is for informational purposes only.

2 Some whole life polices do not have cash values in the first two years of the policy and don’t pay a dividend until the policy’s third year. Talk to your financial representative and refer to your individual whole life policy illustration for more information.

3 Policy benefits are reduced by any outstanding loan or loan interest and/or withdrawals. Dividends, if any, are affected by policy loans and loan interest. Withdrawals above the cost basis may result in taxable ordinary income. If the policy lapses, or is surrendered, any outstanding loans considered gain in the policy may be subject to ordinary income taxes. If the policy is a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC), loans are treated like withdrawals, but as gain first, subject to ordinary income taxes. If the policy owner is under 59 ½, any taxable withdrawal may also be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty.

Life insurance for non-US residents

Get help from a team that understands the challenges faced by foreign nationals.

1. You have an existing life insurance policy in the US, then move abroad

2. You’re an American expatriate who wants new coverage

3. Getting coverage as a non-US citizen on a temporary visa

4. You are a non-resident, non-citizen with significant US ties

The Global Citizens Program

5. You are a beneficiary of a policyholder that lives – and passes away — abroad

Guardian may be able to help

Frequently asked questions about life insurance for non-US residents

Does life insurance cover death outside the US?

Does it matter where you live for life insurance?

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1. You have an existing life insurance policy in the US, then move abroad

2. You’re an American expatriate who wants new coverage

3. Getting coverage as a non-US citizen on a temporary visa

4. You are a non-resident, non-citizen with significant US ties

5. You are a beneficiary of a policyholder that lives – and passes away — abroad

Frequently asked questions about life insurance for non-US residents