Living and working in the United States on an H-1B visa brings opportunity, but it also creates unique financial planning challenges—especially when it comes to life insurance. Many H-1B professionals assume life insurance is unavailable, overly expensive, or tied directly to their employer. In reality, life insurance for H-1B visa holders is not only available, but often easier to secure than many people expect when structured correctly.

At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we help H-1B visa holders secure individual life insurance that is independent of their employer, portable if job status changes, and designed to protect family members both in the U.S. and abroad. This page explains how life insurance works for H-1B holders, what underwriters look for, common misconceptions, and how to secure coverage that fits your immigration and financial situation.

Can H-1B Visa Holders Buy Life Insurance in the U.S.?

Yes. H-1B visa holders are eligible to purchase U.S. life insurance as long as they meet standard underwriting requirements. Immigration status alone is not a reason for denial. Life insurance companies primarily focus on residency, income, length of stay in the U.S., health, and ties to the country.

Many H-1B professionals are surprised to learn that permanent residency is not required. While having a green card can sometimes simplify underwriting, it is not mandatory. Insurers are more concerned with whether the applicant is legally residing and working in the U.S. at the time of application.

This is very different from employer-provided group coverage, which is tied to employment. Individual life insurance stays with you even if you change jobs, employers, or eventually adjust immigration status.

Why Employer-Provided Life Insurance Is Often Not Enough

Most H-1B professionals receive some level of employer-provided group life insurance. While helpful, this coverage has limitations that often leave families under-protected.

Group life insurance amounts are usually modest—often one to two times salary—and may not be sufficient to cover long-term obligations such as family support, education funding, mortgage payoff, or international financial responsibilities.

More importantly, group coverage typically ends when employment ends. If you change employers, experience a layoff, or move between visa sponsors, coverage may terminate at exactly the time your family needs protection most.

That’s why many H-1B professionals supplement group coverage with an individual policy. To better understand this distinction, see our guide on group vs individual life insurance.

What Life Insurance Companies Look for with H-1B Applicants

Life insurance underwriting for H-1B visa holders is largely the same as for U.S. citizens, with a few additional considerations. Carriers generally evaluate:

U.S. Residency. Applicants typically need to be physically residing in the U.S. at the time of application and delivery of the policy.

Employment & Income. Stable employment under an H-1B visa, with verifiable income, is a strong positive factor. High-skill occupations such as technology, engineering, medicine, and finance are commonly insured.

Visa Validity. While insurers understand that H-1B visas are time-limited, renewability and employer sponsorship history are taken into account.

Health & Lifestyle. Medical history, age, build, and lifestyle factors are evaluated the same way they are for U.S. citizens.

Intent to Remain in the U.S. Applicants who demonstrate ties to the U.S.—such as long-term employment, family presence, or immigration plans—often receive more favorable underwriting.

Types of Life Insurance Available to H-1B Holders

H-1B visa holders typically qualify for the same policy types as U.S. citizens, depending on age, health, and financial profile.

Term Life Insurance is the most common choice. It provides coverage for a specific period—often 10, 20, or 30 years—and is well-suited for income replacement, family support, and temporary financial obligations.

Permanent Life Insurance (such as whole life or universal life) may be appropriate for individuals seeking lifelong coverage, wealth transfer planning, or long-term financial stability.

Choosing between these options depends on goals, not visa status. If you’re unsure which structure fits best, our overview on how life insurance underwriting works can provide helpful context.

Coverage Amounts and Beneficiaries

H-1B professionals often have global financial responsibilities. Life insurance can be structured to support beneficiaries in the U.S. or abroad.

Beneficiaries do not need to be U.S. citizens or residents. Policies can name spouses, children, parents, or trusts located outside the United States.

Coverage amounts are typically based on income, financial obligations, and future goals. Many H-1B holders choose higher coverage amounts to account for remittance support or international education planning.

What Happens If You Change Employers or Visa Status?

One of the biggest advantages of individual life insurance is portability. Once issued, the policy belongs to you—not your employer.

If you change employers, move to a different H-1B sponsor, or transition to a green card, your policy remains in force as long as premiums are paid.

Even if you eventually leave the U.S., many policies can remain active, though ongoing eligibility depends on carrier guidelines. Planning ahead with the right insurer is critical.

Common Misconceptions About Life Insurance for H-1B Holders

Many applicants delay coverage because of incorrect assumptions. Common myths include believing a green card is required, thinking premiums are significantly higher, or assuming beneficiaries must live in the U.S.

In practice, well-qualified H-1B professionals often receive standard or even preferred rates, especially when applying at younger ages with good health.

Another misconception is that policies are canceled if visa status changes. Properly structured individual policies do not automatically terminate due to employment changes.

Medical Exams and Underwriting Process

Most traditional life insurance policies require medical underwriting, which may include a health questionnaire, paramed exam, bloodwork, and medical records.

Some applicants may qualify for simplified underwriting depending on age and coverage amount, but fully underwritten policies typically offer the best pricing.

Understanding what to expect can make the process smoother. Our explanation of the life insurance exam outlines the steps in detail.

How Diversified Insurance Brokers Helps H-1B Visa Holders

We specialize in placing life insurance for professionals with non-permanent residency status. Our process focuses on selecting carriers with favorable guidelines for visa holders and presenting applications clearly to underwriting teams.

We help clients avoid unnecessary declines, overpricing, or policy structures that may create issues later if immigration status changes.

Our role is to ensure coverage is portable, fairly priced, and aligned with your long-term financial and family goals.