Skip to main content

Learn about insurance with online courses and programs

Insurance is a safeguard against financial risks that come with activities such as owning a home, driving a car, or receiving medical care. It can provide policyholders with peace of mind and financial security. Learn about insurance with courses from edX.

What is insurance?

Insurance is a form of risk management used as a means of financial protection against unexpected events or losses. By mitigating potential financial burdens, individuals and organizations can better position themselves against accidents, damages, or other situations.

Risk pooling is the underlying idea behind insurance. Multiple policyholders pay premiums into a collective fund, and when one of them experiences a loss covered by their policy, the pooled funds are used to pay for the financial loss. By spreading the risk across the larger group, insurers can better manage the financial impact posed by individual losses.

Individuals, businesses, and assets can be insured for a number of reasons. Different plans are designed to address different risks associated with the coverage. For instance, a car insurance policy can cover damages to both vehicles in the event of an accident, but it may also cover medical expenses in the event of a bodily injury. By learning how insurance works, you can make more informed decisions around your own policies and gain knowledge for an insurance-related career.

Insurance | Introduction Image Description

Insurance course curriculum

The complexity of insurance can make it difficult to understand how policies work. You can explore the field of insurance and risk management, and learn how premiums are decided with courses on edX.

While there are many types of insurance, introductory courses may cover the general elements that make up an insurance policy. This can include:

  • The relationship between the policyholder and insurer

  • Premiums and their payment schedules

  • The terms and conditions outlined in an insurance policy

  • Coverages and the claims process

  • Choosing between different deductibles and limits

Insurance education is crucial for individuals who want to pursue a career as an insurance salesperson or an actuary. With edX, you can prepare with courses that explain topics such as healthcare systems and actuary sciences, along with classes that can help you build important decision-making skills.

Start building the knowledge you need to work in the insurance field with edX. From accelerated boot camps to comprehensive programs that allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree, there are many different learning formats available to fit your needs. You can also explore executive education programs specifically designed for busy professionals. Find the right course for you.

Explore insurance jobs

Most positions within an insurance company, risk management company, or the financial planning industry will require a solid understanding of insurance concepts and operations. Some of these roles include:

  • Insurance broker: Provides advice and aids clients in choosing policies that fit their needs.Footnote 1

  • Underwriter: Assesses the amount of risk associated with a specific insurance application, which can aid in calculating premiums or deciding whether to insure at all.Footnote 2

  • Claims adjuster: Determines the validity of a claim to assist in assigning settlement values.Footnote 3

  • Actuary: Uses mathematical and statistical formulas to predict the likelihood of future events and set premiums accordingly.Footnote 4

  • Risk manager: Identifies a business’s potential risks and their likelihood to occur, and develops strategies to mitigate them.Footnote 5

While many of these roles exist within similar industries, employment qualifications for careers that utilize insurance knowledge differ based on the position and employer. Some roles may require a higher level degree while others may only ask for a demonstration of skills that can be acquired through professional experience, for example. Before deciding on which learning path will work best for you, research potential roles you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your professional aspirations.

Last updated