January 2, 2026
NL Insider Jan 8- Foreign National Underwriting: Key Highlights for Agents
Plus New Contacts for Foreign National Questions
Working with foreign national clients can open meaningful opportunities for you and your clients when the right underwriting framework is understood upfront. National Life Group’s foreign national guidelines are designed to balance flexibility with prudent risk management and knowing the highlights can help you position cases successfully from the start.
Below is a practical overview of what agents should know, along with updated contact information to ensure you have the right support at every step. Use this as a checklist to confirm eligibility and readiness for foreign national cases prior to submission:
National Life Group products are priced for the U.S. population, and foreign national underwriting is based on residency, travel patterns, and long-term ties to the United States.
An individual is considered a foreign national if they spend more than four months outside the U.S. within a consecutive 12-month period, including U.S. citizens living abroad. Green Card holders are treated as U.S. residents for underwriting purposes, provided they meet residency requirements based on time spent in the U.S.
- Ages: 18–75
- Application & underwriting: Must be completed, signed, and dated in the U.S.
- Sales activity: All solicitation and sales must take place in the U.S.
- Policy delivery: Must occur in the U.S. to a valid U.S. address
- Language: All forms must be in English, and the client must fully understand the material
- Banking: Premiums must be paid from a U.S. bank account in the name of the owner or insured
- Permanent life insurance products only
- Minimum face amount of $500,000
- Maximum face amounts:
- Up to $30 million for ages 18–70
- Up to $20 million for ages 71–75
- Eligibility limited to A and B countries
- RapidProtect and RapidProtect NL are not available for foreign nationals
- Coverage is not available for D or E countries
Some B countries may have limited capacity, and larger face amounts may require facultative reinsurance support.
A demonstrated connection, or nexus, to the United States is a must. Acceptable connections may include:
- Owning U.S. real estate or a U.S. business
- Being married to a U.S. citizen residing in the U.S.
- Studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa
- Holding significant documented U.S. assets (minimum $100,000 for 3 months)
- Possession of an EB-5 visa
Cases without a verifiable U.S. nexus are not eligible for consideration
For regulatory and risk management reasons, coverage is not available for:
- Individuals residing in, citizens of, or connected to OFAC-sanctioned countries
- Politically exposed persons (PEPs)
- Certain occupations, including foreign military, law enforcement, security personnel, missionaries, professional athletes, and celebrities
To streamline support and ensure consistent guidance, all foreign national questions and coverage inquiries should now be directed to:
Jason Castle
469-851-9522
JCastle@NationalLife.com
Jay Parrish
802-229-3718
JParrish@NationalLife.com
Jason and Jay are your primary resources for foreign national underwriting questions, case design guidance, and coverage considerations.
Additional links and resources:
Sign up for underwriting training webinars
