There are four steps required to become a claims analyst: post-secondary education, related work experience, apply for a job in an insurance company, and complete the job interview process. A claims analyst works in an insurance company, reviewing claims data for a specific type of coverage. The vast majority of the day is spent working with data analyst software, reviewing the overall trends and providing reports to management. A claims analyst does not typically have any interaction with clients, as this is done by the claims processor.
People who are detail-oriented, enjoy working with numbers, and like exploring multiple scenarios find the greatest satisfaction as a claims analyst. Most communication is in writing, with very little discussion or need for presentation skills in this role. The different options and scenarios can become repetitive, but there are also opportunities to explore new patterns and trends through the use of advanced analysis techniques.
The first requirement to become a claims analyst is to obtain a college diploma or university degree. There is no specific program for a claims analyst, but training in accounting, business, math, and statistics are all very helpful in this career. While a college diploma may be acceptable to become a claims analyst, advancement opportunities in the insurance industry often require a university degree. Many universities now offer bridging programs that grant credits for college diplomas, reducing the number of courses required to obtain a degree.
Related work experience includes accounting, insurance claims processing, or financial analyst. All of these jobs involve working with numbers and computers. When applying for your first job, look for an internship or junior analyst position. Although the salary may be less, it is very important to gain experience in this industry.
Take the time to double check the grammar and spelling on your resume and cover letter when applying for a job as a claims analyst. Research the company and the job posting. Tailor your cover letter to address their specific needs and requirements. Many insurance companies require a credit check and may ask for your insurance profile as part of their review process.
During the job interview process, it is very common for insurance companies to have a standard questionnaire to be completed, followed by a computerized aptitude test. The insurance industry is based on using data analysis to mitigate risks and it is very common to require multiple interviews before making a decision. Some insurance companies have dedicated training programs to help you become a claims analyst for their firm.
