Part of our guide: Disability Income Insurance: Solutions, Tools and Guides →
Disability carriers update their guidelines regularly, and some changes open the door to clients who were previously hard to place. One carrier’s updates expanded eligibility for foreign nationals, high-net-worth clients, and technology professionals.
Key takeaways
- Acceptable visas expanded beyond H-1B, L-1, and J-1 to include O-1 and TN holders at one carrier.
- Clients with net worth up to $10 million could be considered in the traditional market, with $6–10 million reviewed individually.
- IT professionals such as programmers, analysts, developers, and database administrators became eligible for top occupation classes.
High-net-worth clients up to $10 million may be placed in the traditional DI market before turning to surplus lines.
Why guideline changes matter
Every guideline update can mean better pricing or new eligibility for clients who were declined or sent to the specialty market. We work with multiple carriers for both white- and blue-collar clients, so we track these changes for you. Guidelines change often; confirm current rules with us before quoting.
The changes
- Select occupation discounts: expanded upgrades and discounts for more education, scientific, and physician classes, making qualification by job duties easier.
- Foreign nationals: acceptable visas expanded from H-1B, L-1, and J-1 to include O-1 (extraordinary ability in science, education, or business) and TN (Canadian and Mexican professionals).
- High net worth: individuals with net worth up to $10 million considered, with $6–10 million reviewed individually based on asset mix. This allows traditional carriers to provide first-dollar coverage before using the surplus market.
- IT professionals: top occupation classes for computer programmers, systems analysts, software developers, and database administrators.
How to use this
Revisit clients who were previously declined or placed in a lower class, especially tech workers, visa holders, and affluent professionals. For very high earners, see closing the income protection gap for high earners.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreign nationals get disability insurance in the U.S.?
Often, yes, depending on visa type, time in the U.S., and carrier. Common acceptable visas include H-1B, L-1, and at some carriers O-1 and TN.
Can wealthy clients get individual disability insurance?
Yes, though high net worth can limit coverage. Some carriers consider net worth up to $10 million in the traditional market.
What occupation class are software developers for disability insurance?
Many carriers now place IT professionals in their top occupation classes.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
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