Can I Get Life Insurance Without a Social Security Number?

If you or someone you know loses a loved one, life insurance coverage can offer some peace of mind throughout the river of grief. But a simple life insurance plan is not always accessible to everyone – there can be some hurdles, including not having a Social Security Number (SSN). 

In this article, we will share what documentation is typically required to obtain life insurance, discuss whether or not it’s possible to get life insurance without an SSN, explore other options you may be able to pursue if you don’t have a Social Security Number, and consider some other circumstances that may disqualify you from getting life insurance.

Documentation Required For Life Insurance

While certain documentation, like identification and proof of income, is commonly required across most types of insurance, other documents can vary based on the specific type of coverage and the insurance provider’s policies. Each type of insurance serves different needs, which impacts the specific information and documentation they require.

The documentation required to get life insurance typically includes the following:

• Identification
• Proof of  income
• Medical information
• Social Security Number
• Beneficiary information
• Financial documents (for larger policies)
• Other documentation, e.g. proof of residency, specific medical tests

If you’re applying for a specific type of life insurance, such as a business-owned policy, there might be additional documents required for verification.

Can You Have Life Insurance Without A Social Security Number?

The short answer is yes, but it isn’t all that simple. 

Many carriers require a Social Security Number for a number of important reasons. An insurance company doesn’t have a legal requirement to insure everyone who applies, so it is within their right to deny coverage to someone without a Social Security Number. 

1. Identity verification
2. Financial history and credit check
3. Medical history and underwriting
4. Tax reporting
5. Anti-money laundering and fraud prevention
6. Beneficiary identification
   

How Can I Get Life Insurance Without An SSN?

If you don’t have a Social Security Number, obtaining life insurance can still be possible, but the process may require alternative forms of identification and additional steps. Each insurance company may have a different list of alternate documentation they accept, so it’s best to check with the insurer for specific requirements.

Here are some frequently accepted options if you don’t have an SSN:

• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  Many life insurance companies accept an ITIN instead of an SSN. The ITIN is issued by the IRS to individuals who need a tax ID number but are not eligible for an SSN, such as non-U.S. citizens or resident aliens.

• Passport or Other Government ID
  Some insurers may accept other forms of government-issued identification, like a passport or national ID, depending on the company’s policies and your residency status.
  
• Residency Documentation
  You may need to provide proof of legal residency, such as a green card (for U.S. permanent residents), visa, or other documentation showing that you are legally allowed to reside in the country.

• International Life Insurance Policies
  If you’re not eligible for a policy from a U.S.-based insurer, you may be able to apply for life insurance through international companies that don’t require an SSN or ITIN.

• Work with an Insurance Agent
  An experienced insurance agent can help guide you through the process and find a provider that is willing to work with individuals who do not have an SSN but meet other identification and residency requirements.

Getting An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

The alternative to a Social Security Number that may be easiest to obtain is an Individual Tax Identification Number. An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for those who are not eligible to obtain a SSN but still need to report taxes or fulfill other tax-related obligations in the United States.

You can obtain an ITIN through the IRS Form W-7. Once obtained, you must file a federal tax return or be included on a tax return to maintain your ITIN’s validity.

What Disqualifies You From Getting Life Insurance?

As we’ve covered in a previous blog article, there are other factors that may disqualify you from getting life insurance that don’t have anything to do with Social Security. This includes certain medical conditions, occupations and hobbies that are considered high-risk, and social and criminal history.

Other Insurance Policies That May Require An SSN

An SSN may be requested for other types of policies besides life – health insurance being the top type. Like life insurance, though, an ITIN may be accepted when no Social Security Number accompanies a health insurance application. 

You are not typically required to submit an SSN with applications for auto, homeowners, renters, disability, business, or long-term care insurance. 

Have other questions about insurance? Connect with the Independent Insurance Associates team – we’re here to help with your life insurance, or other insurance needs. Contact us today!

While obtaining an ITIN allows you more access than not having one, it doesn’t always ensure that you’ll be accepted for a policy. But it is a step in the right direction if you are applying without a Social Security Number.