Underwriter

Business Unit: Vitality Life

Function: Underwriting

Date: 2 Dec 2025

About Discovery

Discovery's core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast-paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self-driven people to be their best. As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating to not only achieve financial success, but to ignite positive and meaningful change within our society.

About the VitalityLife Underwriting Team

A dynamic team with a wealth of knowledge which we eagerly share. We strive to be the best in the market, living the Discovery values. Our motto is best terms first – right decision…first time…on time…every time.

Key Purpose

To underwrite all cases for VitalityLife, our UK based Life Insurance company, within authority limits and all benefits taking into account medical, financial, territorial and vocational risks of new and existing business. To support dedicated Key Distribution partners and advisors through various communication channels. To underwrite more complex cases which could include medical reports, aviation questionnaires,etc. etc.

Areas of responsibility may include but not limited to

• To underwrite all cases within authority limits and all benefits taking into account medical, financial, territorial and vocational risks of new and existing business.
• To support dedicated Key Distribution partners and advisors through telephone and email.
• To underwrite more complex cases which could include medical reports, aviation questionnaires etc.
• To analyse applications and to call for requirements and to underwrite cases within the Senior Underwriter's limits.
• To underwrite complex cases and to analyse medical reports etc. in order to ensure that the risk is correctly underwritten
• To support and build relationships with key distribution partners and to ensure that all cases are correctly underwritten and that the key distribution partner gets superior customer service.
• To deal with escalations and to ensure that cases are underwritten in terms of the underwriting rules and policies
• To ensure that the thought process used in order to underwrite a particular case is synopsised so that other underwriters can understand the thought process.
• To ensure that the correct risk rating is applied to business that is accepted and that uninsurable risks are declined
• Apply necessary guidelines to ensure correct risk rating is applied to new and existing business
• To liaise with all internal and external clients regarding risk applied or policies that are deferred / declined
• To attending to enquires which would include written, telephonic, emailed or face-to face

Personal Attributes and Skills

• Faster than average pace
• Above attention to detail, precise correctness towards work, ensuring tasks are met on time
• Strong sense of discipline and duty
• Major focus on detailed work
• Deciding and initiating action
• Applying Expertise and Technology
• Analysing
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Adhering to Principles and Values
• Persuading and Influencing
• Coping with Pressure and Setbacks
• Specialised work with efficiency, confidence and competence

Skills:

• MS Office (intermediate)
• Analysis of Information (advanced)
• Verbal and written communication (advanced)
• MS Office (intermediate)
• Analysis of Information (advanced)
• Verbal and written communication (advanced)

Education and Experience

• Matric is essential (Maths, Biology/Life Sciences and English)
• Medical Diploma/ experience is an advantage.
• Insurance Diploma experience is an advantage
• A minimum of 5 years working experience in an underwriting environment in the life insurance industry is essential.
• Underwriting experience in United Kingdom may be advantageous.

Employment Equity

The Company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

The Company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.