A claims assessor job isn’t about ticking boxes or moving paperwork from one system to another. It’s about judgement. It’s about responsibility. And most importantly, it’s about people.
At L&G, our claims assessor jobs sit at the heart of what we do. Every decision has an impact on someone managing illness, on a family facing loss, or on an employer supporting their workforce through long-term absence.
If you’re exploring a career as a claims assessor, here’s what the role really involves, and why L&G offers more than just a job title.
What does a claims assessor do day to day?
At a practical level, a claims assessor evaluates whether a claim meets policy terms and should be paid.
In reality, it’s far more nuanced.
You’ll:
- Triage new claims and determine what evidence is needed
- Review medical, financial or employment information
- Assess liability within your authority level
- Authorise payments where appropriate
- Communicate clearly with advisers, employers and customers
- Ensure decisions meet regulatory and governance standards
The work requires careful analysis and balanced judgement. It also requires empathy. Many of the cases our insurance claims assessors handle involve significant life events, and clarity and fairness matter deeply.
What types of claims assessor jobs are available?
The term claims assessor job covers a broad range of specialisms. L&G’s Claims Assessor vacancies mainly fall into two core business areas:
- Group Protection (employer-based, medically focused claims)
- Retail Protection (critical illness, life, and complex individual protection claims)
Group Protection
Group Protection roles focus on employer-sponsored benefits such as Group Income Protection and Group Life Assurance. Assessors work closely with employers and intermediaries, managing scheme portfolios and ensuring claims are assessed consistently and fairly.
These roles combine technical knowledge with relationship management and commercial awareness. For example, Medical Claims Assessor roles are a specialist area within our Group Protection team.
These insurance claims assessors typically manage more complex, longer-term cases involving:
- Serious or terminal illness
- Long-term absence from work
- Death in service situations
- Return-to-work planning supported by rehabilitation services
It’s mid-level, highly skilled work, balancing clinical understanding, case management and stakeholder communication. Assessors often manage portfolios of employer schemes, with cases involving regular liaison with HR teams and rehabilitation partners to support positive outcomes.
Retail Protection
Retail Protection roles focus on supporting individual customers and their families through significant life events. Our Retail Protection Claims Assessors handle claims across Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection, assessing evidence, making fair decisions and guiding customers through what is often an emotional and uncertain time.
Across all specialisms, the common thread is responsibility: making decisions that are evidence-based, compliant and fair.
What skills make a strong insurance claims assessor?
The best claims assessors combine technical capability with strong interpersonal awareness.
You’ll typically need:
- In-depth knowledge of Group Protection or Income Protection products
- Knowledge of life insurance and critical illness products
- A solid understanding of medical conditions and their workplace impact
- Strong analytical and risk assessment skills
- Confidence in interpreting legislation and regulatory frameworks
- Clear written and verbal communication
Our Medical Claims Assessors, in particular, bring detailed medical assessment experience and a strong grasp of how conditions influence work capacity.
Professional qualifications are encouraged, including the Life & Disability Claims Diploma and the Group Risk GR1 module supported by the Chartered Insurance Institute. Development isn’t optional, it’s part of how we maintain high standards across our claims assessor jobs.
What does progression look like in a claims assessor career at L&G?
Progression within our Claims function is structured and visible.
Many colleagues begin as claims consultants and progress into claims assessor roleswithin a team managing defined portfolios. From there, progression can include:
- Expanding authority limits and technical complexity
- Moving into Claims Relationship Manager roles
- Progressing to Claims Team Manager
- Specialising in Medical Claims
- Moving into Technical & Governance roles focused on oversight and quality
- Contributing to rehabilitation strategy and return-to-work programmes
Importantly, many of our recent vacancies have arisen due to internal progression. These aren’t backfilling external leavers; they reflect colleagues moving into new roles across leadership, transformation and specialist pathways.
For anyone considering long-term insurance claims assessor careers, internal mobility is a strong indicator of opportunity.
Is a claims assessor job right for you?
A claims assessor's job suits professionals who are comfortable with responsibility. You need to be analytical, balanced and confident in making decisions. You also need to care about outcomes.
If you’re looking for a role where your judgement matters, and where progression is visible rather than theoretical, exploring a career as a claims assessor at L&G could be the next step.
