The UK insurance sector is one of the country’s most lucrative industries, offering a range of career opportunities for skilled professionals. As a thriving market, it continues to demand talent from all corners of the globe. For international professionals, the UK not only offers promising career growth but also a range of visa sponsorship opportunities. In 2025, insurance roles that pay six-figure salaries are still abundant, with many companies willing to sponsor skilled workers under the UK’s Skilled Worker visa program.
In this article, we’ll explore the top insurance careers in the UK that offer six-figure salaries with visa sponsorship. We will also delve into the visa sponsorship process, the requirements for securing these roles, and tips on how to navigate the UK insurance job market successfully.
Why Choose a Career in Insurance in the UK?
Before we dive into the specifics of high-paying insurance careers, it’s important to understand why the insurance industry in the UK is an attractive sector for professionals globally:
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Lucrative Salaries: The UK insurance sector offers some of the most competitive salaries in the financial services industry, especially for experienced professionals. Certain roles, especially in management, underwriting, and actuarial science, pay six figures.
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Career Growth Opportunities: The UK insurance industry is vast, with numerous career paths available, from technical roles in risk assessment and claims management to strategic leadership positions.
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Job Security: The demand for insurance professionals in the UK is relatively stable, with an increasing need for talent to manage complex risks, emerging technologies, and changing regulatory frameworks.
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Global Opportunities: The UK insurance market is a global leader, providing opportunities to work with multinational companies that have a presence worldwide.
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Visa Sponsorship: The UK government provides several visa options for skilled professionals, including the Skilled Worker visa, which allows foreign nationals to work in the UK. Many leading insurance companies sponsor skilled international talent, making it easier for qualified candidates to secure employment.
Top Six-Figure Insurance Careers with Visa Sponsorship in the UK
1. Insurance Underwriter
An insurance underwriter plays a pivotal role in assessing the risks associated with insurance applications and deciding the premiums that should be charged to policyholders. Underwriters evaluate various factors such as health, lifestyle, and risk exposure to determine how much coverage a client requires and at what cost.
Salary Range: £70,000 – £100,000+ per year
Insurance underwriters, especially those in specialized fields like corporate, health, or property insurance, can earn six-figure salaries, particularly at senior levels. Senior underwriters with expertise in complex risk assessments and knowledge of emerging trends such as cyber risk insurance are in high demand.
Visa Sponsorship:
Underwriters with significant experience and expertise are highly sought after in the UK. Leading insurers like Aviva, AXA, and Zurich Insurance often sponsor skilled underwriters under the Skilled Worker visa, especially for senior positions that meet the £41,700 salary threshold.
Key Skills:
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Strong analytical and decision-making abilities
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In-depth knowledge of insurance laws and regulations
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Expertise in underwriting software
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Excellent communication skills for negotiating with clients and brokers
2. Insurance Broker
Insurance brokers act as intermediaries between clients and insurance companies, helping clients choose the best insurance products for their needs. Brokers typically work with both individuals and businesses to find insurance coverage that meets their needs while providing the most competitive rates.
Salary Range: £52,400 – £70,000+ per year (depending on client portfolio)
Experienced brokers, particularly those managing high-net-worth clients or corporate accounts, can easily surpass the £70,000 mark. Those with the ability to bring in large clients or who specialize in high-value insurance policies, such as those covering large commercial enterprises, can earn commissions and bonuses that boost their earnings into six figures.
Visa Sponsorship:
Top insurance brokerages like Marsh, Aon, and Gallagher are known to sponsor foreign insurance brokers, especially those who have experience in complex commercial insurance or those with an established client portfolio.
Key Skills:
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Expertise in insurance product offerings and market trends
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Strong sales and negotiation skills
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Excellent client relationship management
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Ability to work under pressure and meet targets
3. Claims Manager
A claims manager is responsible for overseeing the claims process for an insurance company. This includes ensuring claims are handled efficiently and fairly, reviewing policy coverage, and managing a team of claims adjusters or examiners. In complex cases, they also liaise with legal teams to ensure that claims are processed in accordance with company policy and relevant laws.
Salary Range: £70,000 – £90,000 per year
Claims managers, particularly those working in complex areas like commercial property or liability claims, can earn significant salaries. Experienced professionals who manage large teams or specialize in high-stakes claims may earn six figures.
Visa Sponsorship:
Top insurance providers like RSA Insurance, Hiscox, and Cigna Global sponsor claims managers, especially for roles requiring significant expertise and leadership experience. These roles generally meet the salary requirements for visa sponsorship.
Key Skills:
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Leadership and team management
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Expertise in the claims process and policy interpretation
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Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
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Ability to manage budgets and oversee operations efficiently
4. Actuary
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess and manage risk for insurance companies. They help insurers calculate premiums, set reserves, and ensure the company remains financially stable while providing competitive products. Actuaries are in high demand in the UK insurance industry due to their ability to assess financial risks and help companies navigate uncertainties.
Salary Range: £60,000 – £100,000+ per year
Experienced actuaries, particularly those with specialized knowledge in areas like pension schemes, health insurance, or reinsurance, are highly valued in the UK. Actuaries working at senior levels or in consultancy roles can earn salaries well into the six-figure range.
Visa Sponsorship:
Actuaries are highly sought after by major UK insurance firms like Lloyd’s of London, Aviva, and Prudential, who frequently sponsor skilled international talent.
Key Skills:
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Advanced mathematical and statistical analysis
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Proficiency in actuarial software (e.g., Prophet, AXIS)
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Strong problem-solving and financial modeling skills
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Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and insurance laws
5. Risk Manager
Risk managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could potentially harm an organization. In the insurance industry, risk managers are critical in helping insurers understand and address the risks involved in underwriting and claims management, particularly in high-risk sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
Salary Range: £80,000 – £120,000+ per year
Experienced risk managers with a deep understanding of the insurance industry and specialized risk management strategies can command six-figure salaries, particularly when working with large multinational insurers or reinsurers.
Visa Sponsorship:
Leading global insurance companies such as Swiss Re, Lloyd’s of London, and AIG are known to sponsor skilled risk managers. These roles often require specialized knowledge in risk assessment for complex commercial insurance.
Key Skills:
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Strong understanding of risk management methodologies
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Expertise in compliance, insurance law, and financial analysis
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Leadership and decision-making skills
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Ability to design and implement risk mitigation strategies
Visa Sponsorship Requirements for the UK Insurance Sector
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, foreign professionals must meet the following criteria:
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Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license.
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Salary Requirement: The job offer must meet the minimum salary threshold of £41,700 per year. This requirement ensures that skilled workers are paid fairly and that the employer offers competitive compensation.
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English Language Proficiency: You must prove your proficiency in English. This can be done through academic qualifications, a recognized English language test, or previous experience in an English-speaking role.
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Specific Role Qualifications: The job you are applying for must be at RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher) in a relevant occupation.
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Certificate of Sponsorship: Your employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship, which details the job and salary, allowing you to apply for the visa.
How to Apply for Six-Figure Insurance Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the UK
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Find Job Listings: You can search for insurance roles that offer visa sponsorship through major job portals such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. These platforms allow you to filter for roles with visa sponsorship.
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Target Insurance Companies with Sponsorship History: Many large insurance companies actively sponsor foreign talent, including Aviva, AXA, Hiscox, Lloyd’s of London, and Prudential. Look for job listings on their websites and be proactive in reaching out to their HR departments.
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Tailor Your CV and Application: Ensure your CV highlights relevant skills and qualifications. For high-paying roles, emphasize your experience, certifications, and any specialized skills (e.g., actuarial qualifications or underwriting expertise).
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Prepare for Interviews: Insurance companies often require candidates to complete multiple stages of interviews, including competency-based and technical assessments. Brush up on industry-specific knowledge and be prepared to discuss your experience in risk management, claims, underwriting, or actuarial analysis.
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Work with an Immigration Specialist: If you’re unsure about the visa process, consulting with an immigration lawyer or specialist can streamline your application and ensure all documentation is in order.
Conclusion
The UK insurance industry offers numerous high-paying career opportunities for skilled professionals from around the world. With the right qualifications, experience, and visa sponsorship, foreign professionals can secure roles that offer six-figure salaries in areas like underwriting, actuarial science, claims management, and risk management.
By focusing on high-demand insurance roles, leveraging specialized certifications, and targeting companies that sponsor visas, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a lucrative job in the UK insurance market. Start researching opportunities today, and begin your journey to a rewarding career in the UK’s thriving insurance sector.