Knowing how to handle claims is critical for brokers who transact with international clients and work beyond UK borders. Taking the Insurance Claims Handling (non-UK) (WCE) course can help them in this endeavour.
This article will provide practical guidance to help insurance professionals obtain this unit. The WCE can provide invaluable knowledge to navigate claims procedures beyond domestic borders and deliver effective support to their clients.
This is a unit or course module offered by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for insurance practitioners working outside the UK. It covers all that’s required to manage claims in a professional manner, including:
The WCE unit counts as credits toward the CII’s Certificate in Insurance or other advanced CII qualifications. It does not grant a standalone professional designation or title.
The primary purpose of this module is to provide candidates with a comprehensive understanding of insurance claims handling procedures outside the UK. The certification is valuable for anyone seeking to build a successful insurance career beyond the UK’s borders or in a support role.
The CII sets syllabus for the Insurance Claims Handling (Non-UK) (WCE) curriculum. This is regularly updated to reflect current industry practices. Here’s a preview of what this unit covers:
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For the Insurance Claims Handling (non-UK) (WCE) unit, the CII provides these official study materials. You must be enrolled to access these materials.
Provided by the CII, this is a comprehensive digital textbook covering the full WCE syllabus. It includes explanations, examples, and some insurance claims handling (non-UK) (WCE) questions to practice on.
This is also provided by the CII as an optional supplementary study resource you can choose when purchasing the unit.
RevisionMate is the CII’s online learning portal and provides access to digital study text, including the relevant practice questions and exam guides. This is updated to reflect any regulatory changes.
These are downloadable PDF documents outlining the current syllabus and providing sample exam questions and Insurance Claims Handling Non-UK WCE answers for guidance.
How to get: Available for free download from the CII WCE unit page
The enrolment fees and digital study materials typically cost £165 for CII members and £198 for non-members. If candidates want a printed copy of the digital materials:
they must pay extra for the printed text and pay for postage and packaging
the exact cost for the printed study text is displayed only during the enrolment process and varies by region due to shipping costs
This unit is designed for insurance professionals who manage or support claims processes outside the UK. Here are the types of professionals who may need to take this qualification:
The unit is helpful for these professionals, as they are directly responsible for notifying an insurance claim to an insurer and assessing its validity. It’s also the claims handlers and adjusters’ responsibility to ensure that:
These professionals must also provide a clear explanation supporting their decisions to both the insurer and the insured.
Brokers who advise clients on international insurance products benefit from the WCE as they must understand the requirement for a claim. They must also master the procedures for informing the insurer of a claim in different jurisdictions.
Brokers typically guide the insured through the claims process, ensuring all necessary steps are followed and that claims are properly supported.
Insurance underwriters may consider taking this unit to better understand how claims are managed and what the insured needs to provide in terms of documentation and evidence. This knowledge helps them assess risk more accurately and set appropriate policy terms, including what constitutes a valid claim.
This unit can be valuable to staff who interact with policyholders. The WCE helps them better explain to insureds what is needed to make a valid claim and how to provide an explanation to support a claim.
Those overseeing claims teams must ensure that all claims are handled according to best practices.
This includes verifying that the insured has met all claims requirements. They may also be responsible for training staff on proper procedures for making an insurance claim and supporting claims with the necessary evidence.
Professionals working in regions where insurance markets are developing or where international standards are being adopted can benefit from the WCE unit’s focus on global best practices. Understanding the claims requirements and the importance of clear communication with policyholders is essential in these environments.
While these insurance professionals can largely benefit from the WCE, there are other insurance certifications that can enhance their capabilities, if they align with their career goals.
Obtaining the WCE unit follows a straightforward process:
The WCE unit is typically required for insurance professionals who work outside the UK. This is only available to non-UK residents, as a legal requirement set by the CII.
You must first register with the CII and create your account if you don’t have one.
Go to the Insurance Claims Handling Non-UK WCE page and choose your study materials. You can opt for digital-only or digital and printed study materials options. The printed materials will be mailed to your address.
Complete the online enrolment process by providing your country of residence, then paying the required fees. When you enrol, you'll receive the latest study materials from RevisionMate and have access for an entire year from purchase.
The instructions for accessing the digital study materials will be sent to your registered email. You will also receive an exam voucher valid for 18 months.
Review all the study materials and prepare thoroughly for the exams. The WCE exams consist of a multiple-choice test with a two-hour time limit.
Use your exam voucher to schedule your assessment. The exam will mainly assess what you’ve learned about claims handling. The exam covers essential knowledge like the steps required to notify the insurer promptly, validate claims, and provide customer service throughout the process.
After completing the multiple-choice exam, you will be notified of your results. You will need a passing score of at least 70%. If you pass, you earn credits toward CII qualifications.
Your successful completion of the WCE unit can be used toward the CII Certificate in Insurance or other relevant professional development.
Obtaining the Insurance Claims Handling (non-UK) (WCE) unit is worth it for certain types of insurance professionals. This is beneficial for those who work with claims outside the UK or plan to build a career in international insurance markets.
This unit provides practical, up-to-date knowledge of global claims processes, legal requirements, and best practices. The WCE can make insurance professionals more effective in handling claims and servicing clients in diverse jurisdictions.
It also counts as credits toward the CII Certificate in Insurance, enhancing your qualifications and career prospects in the industry. For those focused on non-UK claims roles, the WCE is a valuable and relevant investment. Note that the insurance here and abroad has become more competitive, with more professionals taking on additional credentials to boost their careers.
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