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Health Insurance Underwriter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Health insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Schedule: * Monday to Friday Experience: * Non-QM: 2 years (Required) * Underwriting: 2 years (Required) Work Location: In person Additional ...

Underwriter

Santa Ana, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $80K/yr

Health insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Schedule: * Monday to Friday Experience: * Non-QM: 2 years (Required) * Underwriting: 2 years (Required) Work Location: In person Qualifications ...

Executive Underwriter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$122K - $177K/yr

We are currently looking for a Executive Underwriter to join our San Francisco team. This role ... health insurance, reinsurance, and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is ...

Executive Underwriter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$122K - $177K/yr

We are currently looking for a Executive Underwriter to join our San Francisco team. This role ... health insurance, reinsurance, and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is ...

Senior Underwriter, Insurance

Napa, CA · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

... health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, FSA, HAS and 401(k) accounts, paid-time-off ... Underwriting Required Experience: 10-15 years of relevant experience Required Travel: Up to 25 ...

Executive Underwriter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$122K - $177K/yr

... health insurance, reinsurance, and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is ... financial strength, underwriting excellence, superior claims handling expertise and local ...

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Showing results 1-20

Health Insurance Underwriter information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$77.8K

$137.7K

How much do health insurance underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for health insurance underwriter in California is $77,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,200.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a health insurance underwriter do?

A Health Insurance Underwriter is responsible for evaluating the risks associated with insuring individuals or groups and determining the terms and premiums for health insurance coverage. They review applications, assess medical histories, and use statistical data to decide whether to approve or deny coverage. Their goal is to ensure that the insurance company maintains a balanced risk portfolio while offering fair and competitive rates to policyholders. Health insurance underwriters play a crucial role in protecting the financial stability of insurance companies and providing appropriate coverage to customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a health insurance underwriter?

To thrive as a Health Insurance Underwriter, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of insurance principles, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field. Proficiency with underwriting software, risk assessment tools, and knowledge of industry regulations is essential, and certifications such as the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) can be advantageous. Effective communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills help underwriters explain decisions and work collaboratively with clients and colleagues. These competencies are vital for accurately assessing risk, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining the financial health of the insurance provider.

What are some typical challenges health insurance underwriters face when assessing applications, and how can they overcome them?

Health Insurance Underwriters often encounter challenges such as evaluating incomplete or complex medical histories, staying current with changing regulations, and balancing risk assessment with competitive pricing. To overcome these challenges, underwriters rely on strong analytical skills, continuous training, and close collaboration with medical professionals and actuaries. Leveraging advanced software tools and maintaining clear communication with agents and applicants also helps ensure accurate and fair decision-making.

What is the difference between Health Insurance Underwriter vs Health Insurance Claims Adjuster?

AspectHealth Insurance UnderwriterHealth Insurance Claims Adjuster
Primary RoleAssess risk and determine policy eligibility and premiumsEvaluate insurance claims to determine coverage and payout
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CPCU or ARM are commonHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications like AIC or CPCU are beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, working with underwriting software and risk dataOffice or remote, reviewing claims and interacting with policyholders
Industry UsageCommonly employed by insurance companies during policy issuanceEmployed by insurance companies or third-party administrators during claims processing

While both roles are integral to the insurance industry, health insurance underwriters focus on evaluating risks before issuing policies, whereas health insurance claims adjusters handle claims after coverage is in place. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path within health insurance.

How do you become a health insurance underwriter?

To become a health insurance underwriter, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Gaining experience in insurance or risk assessment, along with developing skills in data analysis and understanding insurance policies, is important. Professional certifications such as the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) can enhance job prospects.

What job categories do people searching Health Insurance Underwriter jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Health Insurance Underwriter jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Health Insurance Underwriter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,846 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

AVP, Middle Market Solutions, Property

3M HEALTHCARE

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$148K - $201K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Company Overview With a company culture rooted in collaboration, expertise and innovation, we aim to promote progress and inspire our clients, employees, investors and communities to achieve their greatest potential. Our work is the catalyst that helps others achieve their goals. In short, We Enable PossibilitySM. Position Summary We are seeking a seasoned insurance professional to lead underwriting strategy and execution for a designated Line of Business (LoB). This role involves underwriting new and renewal accounts to meet financial targets, managing complex referrals, and collaborating with cross‐functional teams including Market Management, Claims, and other product lines. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in regional insurance markets, strong broker relationships, and a proven track record of underwriting profitable business. Responsibilities and Accountabilities Participate in the development and execution of regional Underwriting strategy for LoB(s) and work closely with Market Management, Claims, and other product lines to achieve key marketing strategies, including cross‐selling Underwrite new and renewal accounts to meet top and bottom line targets Negotiate price and terms and conditions with producers Proactively manage capacity Underwrite and evaluate Natural Catastrophe Accumulation, ensuring an understanding of catastrophe modeling and interpretation of scenarios (for relevant LOBs) Ensure accurate policy documentation is issued to producers or that producers have issued documentation (where producer responsibility) Ensure contract certainty is achieved on all accounts at time of inception and utilization of global pricing tools Ensure placement and binding of FAC Reinsurance prior to policy inception Underwrite in line with LOB governance framework – e.g., Underwriting Authorities, global MSU, Underwriting Guidelines, Rules, and Principles Proactively support completion of policy administration and credit control processes Contribute to development and execution of regional Underwriting strategy for LoB regionally Training, developing, and coaching of less experienced staff (including Underwriters) Proactively support acquisition of new business and retention of existing business (including client and producer negotiations where necessary) Manage complex referrals from underwriters and spokes and re‐underwrite complex business as appropriate Develop and maintain strong relationships with key brokers, clients and other relevant stakeholders (e.g., risk managers) Required Skills and Abilities 4–12 years experience in a proven track record in underwriting profitable business in LoB; good understanding of LoB products and portfolio 4–12 years experience demonstrating established relationships with brokers at peer group level and established within market 4–12 years experience in understanding of regional/local LoB insurance markets and competitor landscape College degree preferably in Economics, Finance, Insurance Management, or Business Administration Completion of professional insurance qualification (e.g., CII) Compensation and Benefits For individuals assigned or hired to work in the location(s) indicated below, the base salary range is provided: for San Francisco, CA: $148,614 – $201,066/year. The range is as of the time of posting. Position is incentive eligible. Arch is committed to helping employees succeed through our comprehensive benefits package that includes multiple medical plans plus dental, vision and prescription drug coverage; a competitive 401(k) with generous matching; PTO beginning at 20 days per year; up to 12 paid company holidays per year plus 2 paid days of Volunteer Time Off; basic Life and AD&D Insurance as well as short and long‐term disability; paid parental leave of up to 10 weeks; student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement; backup child and elder care; and more. #J-18808-Ljbffr