Programme Overview
In 5 online sessions over 5 weeks (with a time commitment of approximately 4 hours per week), new entrants and career changers will deepen their understanding of how the international insurance industry works and the challenges it faces today.
In compact and virtual sessions, you will gain a basic understanding of the structures of national and international insurance markets and the specifics of market services in life and non-life insurance. The processes of product development, distribution and claims management will be explained. As a result, you will have a better understanding of the technical and financial aspects of insurance management.
Programme Details
Programme type
Format
Language
Duration
Location
Price
Target group
Next date
| Start date: | 10.08.2026 | |
| Application deadline: | 03.08.2026 | |
| places available | ||
| Start date: | 11.01.2027 | |
| Application deadline: | 04.01.2027 | |
| places available | ||
| Start date: | 16.08.2027 | |
| Application deadline: | 09.08.2027 | |
| places available | ||
Objective
This short seminar gives you an overview of the structures of national and international insurance markets and the special features of insurance-specific market services and business processes. You will acquire the fundamentals of insurance and finance and discuss the significance and impact of current industry topics.
Target Group
This online course is aimed at professionals or managers with limited industry knowledge and career changers who want to gain an overview of the structures of national and international insurance markets and the characteristics of insurance-specific market services and business processes.
Online Learning Methodology
Online Learning Methodology
This course is 100% online. The learning methodology is designed for distance learning and consists of three parts:
Course Structure
Over a period of five weeks, you will attend a 3.5 hour virtual lecture. You should allow a further 0.5 hours per week for preparation and wrap-up. In order to receive a certificate of participation, you must attend at least 50% of the virtual lectures.
Expect the following topics and dates:
Insurance Markets
Prof. Dr. Martin Eling
Monday, 12 January 2026 | 1.30 – 5.00 pm (CET)
Insurance Products
Prof. Dr. Martin Eling
Monday, 19 January 2026 | 1.30 – 5.00 pm (CET)
Insurance Value Chain & Trends
Prof. Dr. Martin Eling
Thursday, 22 January 2026 | 1.30 – 5.00 pm (CET)
Insurance Processes
Prof. Dr. Martin Eling
Monday, 2 February 2026 | 1.30 – 5.00 pm (CET)
Insurance Techniques
Prof. Dr. Martin Eling
Monday, 9 February 2026 | 1.30 – 5.00 pm (CET)
HSG Insurance Certificate
Certificate of Completion
Monday, 16 February 2026
Benefits
Academic Lead
In order to ensure didactic quality and continuity, this online course is led by Prof. Dr. Martin Eling as Academic Lead. In addition, he invites speakers from practice and academia, depending on the topic of the module.
Full Professor of Insurance Economics
Martin Eling is doing empirical research in the intersection of insurance management, mathematics, and economics. After his doctoral degree in 2005 he joined the IVW as a postdoctoral researcher. In 2008 he was visiting professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Then in 2009 he was appointed Professor of Insurance at the University of Ulm. Since November 2011 he is Director of the IVW and holds the Chair for Insurance Management at the University of St.Gallen. The Chair was established with support of the Swiss insurance industry.
Testimonials
«We are very happy with this dynamic course and a number of our employees have spoken highly of their experience in class and especially with Prof. Martin Eling’s clear and lively teaching style.»
«The insurance online program of the University of St.Gallen is a great opportunity for us to send our newcomers and talents to this education to professionalize their knowledge in our transforming industry. The feedbacks so far are excellent – it’s a great program.»
«The course was very well-structured, starting with clear definitions, legal references, and historical context before moving into different areas of the insurance business. Coming from a banking background with experience in life insurance, I was looking for a full view of the industry, and this comprehensive overview course delivered. The mix of Swiss and international perspectives, along with insights into business volumes and new areas, was very valuable. Professor Martin did a great job selecting the right level of information to give a broad yet practical overview. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to expand their understanding of the insurance industry.»
Are you interested?
Want to secure your spot in this program? Please use our online application form.
Note: The basic seminar is also offered in German. If you are interested, you can find more information here.
Group Enrollments:
If you are an HR director, please contact us for small team discounts (3 or more participants).
Study place quota for Future.Value partners
Around 40 insurance companies belong to the institute's own Future.Value partner network, for which a contingent of free places is available within the contractual framework. If your company is a member of the IVW-HSG Future.Value partner network and you would like to take advantage of a free place, please make a note of this when you register. Here you will find a list of our partner companies.
Would you like more information?
Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Andreina Zink Seminar Management
IVW-HSG as your preferred partner for executive education
The Institute of Insurance Economics (IVW-HSG) is one of the leading university institutes for risk management and insurance economics in Europe. Renowned for its innovative teaching, research and executive education, it is a reliable partner of the University of St. Gallen and promotes the dialogue between science and practice. With its broad range of open programmes and in-house seminars, it is the leading provider of management development for the insurance industry in German-speaking Europe. Benefit from an Executive Degree from Europe's top business school and advance your career!
