There are no specific entry requirements to become an insurance claims officer, but some employers may prefer you to have completed tertiary training. Medical or paramedical qualifications are helpful for insurance claims officers working in the area of health, disability or life insurance.

A tertiary entrance qualification with skills in English and maths is preferred.

Skills are gained on the job. Insurance claims officers attend in-house training and private courses in their specialist area.

The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) offers courses to diploma level in general and life insurance that focus on developing technical insurance skills for claims staff.

ANZIIF website – courses in professional development

Useful experience includes previous work experience within the insurance industry, such as in underwriting, sales or customer service. Work in the legal, customer service, health, finance or banking industries may also be useful.