Best Insurance Companies for Undocumented Immigrants

Research shows that there are more than 10 million undocumented immigrants in the US. Fortunately, not being fully documented does not hinder you from pursuing your dreams nor disqualify you from essential protection like insurance. 

If you are an undocumented immigrant in the U.S., you could be wondering if you qualify for insurance? If yes, the next question is, which are the best insurance companies for undocumented immigrants?

This article answers the insurance dilemma and suggests some of the best insurance companies approach.

Can Undocumented Immigrants Get Insurance?

The answer is an emphatic yes! Insurance is an essential part of modern life. Everyone deserves a safety net to protect against losses just in case the worst happens. 

There are different kinds of coverage available for undocumented immigrants. The most basic forms of coverage are policies to protect themselves, their loved ones, and valued assets. 

As an immigrant yet to be fully documented, you can access: 

• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Car insurance

Insurance Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants

Fortunately, you do not require a social security number (SSN) to access insurance services. All you need is an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the Interior Revenue Services (IRS). You will probably notice this number on your pay advice slip from your employer, and it was a requirement for opening a bank account. Below are requirements for specific insurance coverage

Life Insurance Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants

Whether it is term-life or full-life insurance, many carriers are willing to offer coverage regardless of your immigration status. The best life insurance for undocumented immigrants is flexible. They have excellent riders like critical illness, seamless processes, and affordable rates. However, you should meet the following requirements:

• Reside in the US – have a valid address. 
• Have an ITIN
• Operate a US bank account to facilitate premium payments. 
• Valid identification documents (could be from your home country)
• A medical report (this is optional depending on the carrier and product)

Although many carriers have waiting periods, some insurance companies have no waiting periods for life coverage, even for undocumented immigrants.

The following carriers offer excellent life coverage policies for undocumented immigrants:

• Banner Life
• Principal
• Protective
• Guardian Life
• MassMutual
• Haven Life
• New York Life
• John Hancock
• Mutual of Omaha 
• Nationwide
• State Farm
• Allstate
• Prudential
• Primerica

Health Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants 

Health insurance is more complex than life coverage because undocumented immigrants are limited in coverage options. 

Only citizens and fully documented immigrants can qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans. Undocumented immigrants can only access unsubsidized medical insurance options from private companies. 

You should:

• Be a resident in the US – have a valid address. 
• Have an ITIN
• Operate a US bank account to facilitate premium payments. 
• Valid identification documents (could be from your home country)
• A medical report (this is optional depending on the carrier and product)

Due to the cost, these options are often unaffordable and many undocumented immigrants forgo 

health care. But there are affordable options:

Community Health Centers

They offer basic health care services irrespective of immigration status. They are Federally funded and charge for services based on income level. Log in to the  Health Resources and Services Administration website to find a community health center near you. 

Healthcare Coverage Through a Spouse Employer Plan

Married undocumented immigrants can sometimes get medical coverage through their spouse employer plan.

Limited Medicaid

Although Medicaid is restricted only to citizens and fully documented immigrants, a few states allow some exceptions, especially for minors. They include California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Washington DC. 

California recently amended this exception and extended it to young adults irrespective of immigration status. 

Also, Check – What is a Business Plan and Why is it Important?

Car Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants

Except for Virginia and New Hampshire, car insurance is mandatory in all other states. If you live in any other state, you would be breaking the law if you drive without car insurance. Car insurance is essential. Besides, auto insurance is critical because you could crash and require compensation.

If you are an undocumented immigrant, you can get car insurance. You should have the following ready:

• A valid driver’s license: only 15 states and Washington DC allow undocumented immigrants to own driver’s licenses. The rest have citizenship requirements. 
• A valid residential address.
• An ITIN.
• A US bank account to facilitate premium payments. 
• Valid identification documents (could be from your home country).

The following carriers offer excellent auto coverage to undocumented immigrants: 

• Progressive
• Infinity Insurance (part of Kemper Direct)
• Alliance United
• Bristol West (part of Farmers Group)
• Allstate
• SafeAuto

Insurance is Vital – Regardless of Immigration Status

Insurance coverage is essential for anyone who lives and works in the US regardless of their immigration status. Fortunately, insurance companies do not require a social security number to provide services. You only need a tax identification number (ITIN).

Purchasing life insurance for documented immigrants may not differ significantly from the citizens’ process. However, medical covers have significant cost hurdles. And in many states, you cannot get auto coverage because the states have citizenship requirements for driver’s licenses. 

Reach out to an insurance agent familiar with applications from undocumented immigrants.