Claims Examiners Career Specializations
Claims examiners might also specialize in group insurance plans or hospital or even
dental plans. They will be most often employed by life or health insurance companies
in that case. Others might specialize in property damage or insurance claims.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The majority of claims examiners are employed by life or health insurance companies.
In life insurance companies claim examiner might review the cause of death and also
in examine new applications for life insurance. Within health insurance companies
claims examiners examine costs of health care and determine whether those costs
are reasonable.
Work Environment
The majority of claims examiners work standard office hours and a five day work
week. Except in cases where a major disaster has occurred and in that case they
may be required to assist the claims adjusters on the site.
Employment Outlook and Opportunities
For the most part, claims examiners will be found within the insurance industry
employed by life or health insurance firms.
The US Department of Labor projects a 9% job growth from 2006 to 2016. In relationship
to other careers this is about average job growth. The widespread use of customer
service representatives in call centers to accept the initial claim reduces the
number of examiners and adjusters required. Despite streamlining techniques for
the claims process this portion of the industry is expected to experience job growth
because there are facets to examining claims that simply cannot be automated.
How much does a Claims Examiner make - Claims Examiner Salaries and Wages
Earnings for Claims Examiners with 1 to 4 years experience are reported to
be in the range of $34,930-$50,000.
Earnings for Claims Examiners with 5 to 9 years experience are reported at
$38,101-$57,000 annually.
Earnings for Claims Examiners with 10 to 19 years experience are reported
to be in the range of $41,136 - $61,232 per year.
How to Become a Claims Examiner
Education for Claims Examiners
Educational requirements vary according to the company employing the claims examiner,
and the state regulations governing claims examiners. These regulations change from
state to state. However, most companies prefer to employ claims examiners with degrees.
Due to the increasingly competitive environment companies and generally select the
person with the best educational credentials.
Claims Examiners is a title in some companies that signify a senior position. Because
federal and state laws and court decisions change how claims should be handled and
who can be covered by insurance policies continuing education is extremely important
to the claims examiner. However beginning claims examiners can expect to work upon
small projects with close supervision. Licensure requirements vary from state to
state and some require specialized coursework and others require very little.
Other Qualifications
The claims examiner should be comfortable with Internet research, computer applications,
dealing with the public and have an eye to detail. Though the hours for the claims
examiner are generally regular office hours and examiner might bear in mind that
during emergency situations travel and long hours may be required.
Career Advancement
Advancement opportunities are available for claims examiners to show competence
in their work, as well as the go on to earn professional certifications. Most often
a number of continuing education credits are required to keep certifications current.
Use the handy links on this site to get detailed information about educational opportunities
and coursework for a Claims Examiner career.
claims Examiners Resources
National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters
American Association of Independent Claims
Professionals