Technical Underwriter : Accident & Health

Santam Insurance; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

An established insurance company in Johannesburg is seeking a highly skilled Technical Underwriter for Accident and Health. The role involves evaluating risks, making underwriting decisions, and developing strong broker relationships. Candidates must have a Higher Certificate in Short Term Insurance and a minimum of 3 years experience in the relevant field, along with excellent analytical and communication skills. This is a full-time on-site position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of underwriting experience in accident and health insurance.
• FAIS compliant – RE 5.
• Deep understanding of insurance principles and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and analyze applications for accident and health insurance coverage.
• Make sound underwriting decisions according to company guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Develop relationships with brokers and clients.

Skills

Analytical skills

Decision-making

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Higher Certificate in Short Term Insurance

Tools

Underwriting tools

Policy administration systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

TECHNICAL UNDERWRITER : ACCIDENT & HEALTH Santam Specialist has an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled and experienced Technical Underwriter : Accident and Health (A&H) to join our underwriting team.

What will you do?

In this role, you will be responsible for evaluating, selecting, and managing risks related to accident and health insurance products, including group and individual plans. You will work closely with brokers, clients, actuaries, and internal teams to ensure profitable growth and adherence to underwriting guidelines.

What will make you successful in the role?

• Evaluate and analyze applications for accident and health insurance coverage (e.g., group travel, personal accident, critical illness, medical stop-loss, short-term disability, etc.).
• Make sound underwriting decisions in accordance with company guidelines, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, clients, and other distribution partners.
• Assist in pricing and structuring complex risks in coordination with actuarial and product development teams.
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and recommend changes to improve profitability.
• Mentor and support junior underwriters, providing training and second‑level underwriting review as needed.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, and claims departments to ensure contract clarity and operational alignment.
• Participate in the development and improvement of underwriting policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Assist underwriters with analytical and strategic input in the interpretation of underwriting information.
• Ensure adherence to underwriting governance and underwriting authorities, while also defining underwriting excellence in their area.
• Ensure accuracy of referral documentation and treaty compliance of risks when presented by Underwriters.
• Provide a special focus on large / important clients and/or accounts within your relevant business area.
• Provide guidance on technically complex quotes and renewals and ensure quality control in respect of Company underwriting standards.
• Have a strong understanding of reinsurance and facultative placements.
• Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and broker presentations.

Qualifications and experience

• Higher Certificate in Short Term Insurance, or a related insurance qualification.
• Minimum 3 years of underwriting experience in accident and health insurance, with a focus on group or specialty products.
• FAIS compliant – RE 5.
• Class of Business – Commercial.
• Strong analytical, decision‑making, and negotiation skills.
• Deep understanding of insurance principles, risk evaluation, rating methodologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience using underwriting and policy administration systems, computer literacy and financial acumen.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a portfolio of complex cases.
• Ability to cope under pressure.
• Experience with reinsurance structures.
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
• Strong understanding of group risk and A&H insurance product lines.
• Solid knowledge of the South African insurance regulatory environment (FAIS, FSCA, POPIA, TCF).
• Excellent analytical and decision‑making skills.
• Experience working with underwriting tools, policy administration systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Attend to all administration relating to the duties identified above and all other administration relevant day‑to‑day functions including typing of correspondence.