Can Canadians get US life insurance?

Asked by: Clair Graham  |  Last update: November 25, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (4 votes)

Canadian residents can purchase life insurance in the US, considering they meet the eligibility requirements. You might purchase a US life insurance policy for budget reasons or to access a wider range of insurance products.

Can a non-US citizen get life insurance in the US?

Non-U.S. citizens can apply for life insurance in the U.S. if they have a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Eligibility typically depends on things such as your residency status, purpose of stay and how much time you spend outside the country.

Can a Canadian get insurance in the US?

Canadians planning to move to the U.S. who don't have access to an employer plan can purchase private individual coverage through the health insurance marketplace.

Are US life insurance proceeds taxable in Canada?

Life insurance payouts are generally not taxable in Canada. Death benefits made directly to named beneficiaries are tax-free, and beneficiaries don't need to report the money as additional income.

How to get life insurance in USA?

Term life insurance is available on line or through the US mail . If you are part of a group or organization, you most likely have access to term insurance just by filing an application. Your application will be evaluated by an underwriter to see if they will accept you and to set the final premium, though.

How to use Life Insurance as an Investment in Canada

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Can foreigners get US insurance?

If you're a lawfully present immigrant, you can get Marketplace coverage. You may qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums and extra savings on out-of-pocket costs based on your income. A measure of income issued every year by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Can a Canadian get American life insurance?

Canadians can purchase life insurance in the US depending on their status. You may qualify if you have a green card or are a specific type of visa holder.

What is inheritance tax in Canada?

When a loved one passes, the last thing on most people's minds is taxes, but they do play an important role in settling the estate. In Canada, there is no inheritance tax. You don't have to pay taxes on money you inherit, and you don't have to report it as income.

Do you pay tax on life insurance payout in the USA?

Answer: Generally, life insurance proceeds you receive as a beneficiary due to the death of the insured person, aren't includable in gross income and you don't have to report them. However, any interest you receive is taxable and you should report it as interest received.

Does Canada Life cover in the US?

We provide products and services in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Germany, and in Ireland through Irish Life.

Can I collect both US and Canadian social security?

*The full retirement age for survivors is age 66 for people born in 1945-1956 and will gradually increase to age 67 for people born in 1962 or later. If you have Social Security credits in both the United States and Canada, you may be eligible for benefits from one or both countries.

Who qualifies for USA insurance?

Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses. Cannot be incarcerated in prison or jail.

What is the best life insurance company for non US citizens?

Visa and green card holders can still buy life insurance in the U.S. Your policy options will depend on your residency status and type of visa. Lincoln Financial, Prudential, and Transamerica are our top picks for non-U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.

Can you get insurance if you're not a U.S. citizen?

Qualified non-citizens include lawful permanent residents, like green card holders, asylees and refugees. Other qualified non-citizens are listed above. If you're a lawfully present individual, you can get private health insurance on the Marketplace. You might be able to get help paying for insurance too.

Can a non U.S. citizen be my beneficiary?

However, a U.S. citizen spouse can establish a special trust known as a “Qualified Domestic Trust” (described more fully below) naming the non-citizen spouse as beneficiary, that will allow the U.S. citizen spouse to take advantage of his/her unlimited marital deduction.

Can I sell my house to my son for $1 dollar in Canada?

Selling your house to your son for $1 is possible in Canada, but it comes with significant tax and legal implications. It's advisable to consult with a real estate lawyer and a tax professional to fully understand the consequences and ensure the transfer is executed correctly.

Is life insurance taxable in Canada?

Life insurance is usually not taxable in Canada. The life insurance death benefit is generally tax-free in Canada. This is because most inheritances in Canada aren't taxable. There is no death tax or estate inheritance tax that beneficiaries need to pay out.

Can I gift a house to my son without paying taxes in Canada?

Tax Implications

If the property is a principal residence, it might be exempt from capital gains tax. Keep in mind that there is no gift tax in Canada. However, other tax implications like capital gains tax still stand. Also, inheritance as a form of transfer might have implications for estate taxes.

Can I get US life insurance if I live abroad?

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.

Can a Canadian retire to USA permanently?

Canadians must continue working or leave. A solution for retirees is either to continue working part-time, self-employ, or to have applied for permanent residence (green cards) well before employment ends. An excellent route to U.S. living rights is permanent residency. Permanent is better than temporary.

Can you get life insurance without being a US citizen?

Can a non-U.S. citizen buy life insurance? You may qualify for a life insurance policy, but only if you have a green card or carrier-approved visa. Not all life insurance carriers provide the same opportunities for life insurance coverage for non-permanent residents, making it important to shop around.

What does Dave Ramsey recommend for life insurance?

Core Ramsey Teaching: You only need life insurance while you have people depending on your income. Buy a 10–20-year term policy worth 10–12 times your annual income. Since life insurance is only for the short-term, you should only buy term life insurance. (Hence the name.)

How much a month is a $500,000 life insurance policy?

A $500,000 whole life insurance policy costs an average of $451 per month for a 30-year-old non-smoker in good health. If you get whole life insurance, the premiums you'll pay may vary based on factors like your age, health, gender, and the type of policy you get.

Can I borrow from my life insurance?

You can only borrow against a whole life insurance policy or a universal life insurance policy. Policy loans reduce the death benefit if not paid off. Life insurance companies add interest to the loan balance, which if unpaid can cause the policy to lapse. Only permanent life insurance builds cash value.