Disability Insurance for Foreign Nationals Living in the US

Disability insurance for non-US citizens is available but not universal. Eligibility, benefit options, and carrier willingness vary significantly based on your immigration status. We'll be upfront with you about what's possible for your specific situation — no false promises.

Green card holders are generally treated the same as US citizens by most carriers. All five major carriers will typically issue individual disability policies with full benefits and no residency-related exclusions. This is the most straightforward situation.

H-1B holders earning high incomes — particularly physicians, engineers, and IT professionals — can often qualify for individual DI. Some carriers will issue policies, though benefit periods may be tied to visa status, and a residency clause may apply. The key factors are income, occupation class, and whether you have a pending green card application. We can identify which carriers are most favorable.

Options exist but are more limited. TN (NAFTA/USMCA) visa holders from Canada and Mexico may qualify with select carriers. L-1 and O-1 holders are evaluated individually — income, occupation, and the likelihood of long-term US residency all factor in. Benefit periods may be shorter, and some carriers will require additional documentation. Worth exploring — don't assume it's impossible.

Individual long-term disability insurance is generally not available for student visa holders. The income requirements and long-term US residency expectation required by carriers are typically not met. If you're graduating and transitioning to an H-1B, that's the time to revisit coverage — ideally before your employment starts.

Residency Clauses

Some policies include a clause that suspends or terminates benefits if you leave the US for an extended period. We identify which carriers impose these restrictions and which don't — and structure coverage accordingly.

Benefit Period Options

Carriers may limit benefit periods for temporary visa holders — for example, to age 65 coverage tied to maintained US residency. We'll show you all available options so you can make an informed decision.

Apply Early

If you're on a work visa with a pending green card application, applying now while you're healthy locks in your insurability. Waiting until your immigration status changes could mean higher premiums or health-related exclusions later.

Foreign-trained physician on work visa, completing residency or employed at a hospital system

Senior engineer at a tech company earning $200K+, waiting on green card priority date

Permanent resident who recently opened a private dental practice

Canadian or Mexican professional in medicine, engineering, or law on a USMCA visa

Extraordinary ability visa holder — surgeon, researcher, or specialist with exceptional credentials

Any professional with an approved I-140 and a pending adjustment of status