First-year GP

Starting your first GP post?

If you're a GP trainee in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can save 70%* on your first year of GP membership with the MDU (40% in Scotland). You'll also get further savings over the next four years.

As an MDU member, you get more than just indemnity. We can offer expert advice on issues not covered by the state-backed indemnity scheme in England and Wales. See below for more on your benefits as an MDU member.

^{*Saving applies to any standard GP subscription for principals, non-principals and locums and is subject to individual work circumstances.}

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Red Whale logo

First-year GP membership includes a free course from Red Whale worth up to £205

First-year GP MDU member can access one free online, on-demand, course from Red Whale.
Choose from topics like GP Update, Women's Health, Men's Health, Mental Health and more. Terms and conditions apply.

With you every step of the way

The MDU is here for you, no matter what challenges you face throughout your career.

Find out how we supported one GP member through a stressful GMC investigation lasting two years.

Your membership benefits

Robust defence of your professional reputation if you face a hearing and need expert support and representation.
Professional medical indemnity for work not covered by the state backed-indemnity scheme which meets GMC requirements, pays your legal costs and compensates patients if you face a claim.
Practical guidance on writing reports, planning effective responses to patient complaints and preparing for attendance at coroner’s court.

Confidential 24-hour medico-legal helpline answered by fellow doctors for practice-related queries on confidentiality, consent, record keeping and more.
Exclusive member rate on accountancy, tax and business advisory services with specialist medical accountancy firm, Armstrong Watson LLP.
Stay up to date with case studies, ethical dilemmas, the MDU journal and our exclusive member-only app for medico-legal guidance on the go.

Find out more about first year GP membership

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How do you calculate a session?

Your subscription is based on the average number of weekly sessions you work across your membership year, and we define a session as a block of anything up to four hours of clinical work.

Here's how to work out the number of hours worked per week:

Do include:
- anything that might give rise to a clinical negligence claim, such as time spent writing up clinical notes, making referrals, issuing prescriptions and so on
- regularly worked extra hours (eg, if the surgery frequently overruns)
Don't include:
- time spent on general admin, employee issues, etc.
- extra hours you might occasionally work (eg, if the surgery occasionally overruns beyond your scheduled hours)
- annual/study leave or time away from the practice.

Once you know the number of hours you work a week, you can work out the number of sessions:

Calculating sessions

If you’re not sure if your subscription is session-based or you have any questions about calculating sessions, contact our membership team on 0800 716 376.

How long will it take to process my application?

Everyone’s application is unique to their work circumstances.

It’s best to start the application process around four weeks before your current indemnity ends. This will allow plenty of time for your current provider to give you a letter of good standing, if needed.

We’ll keep you regularly updated by email once we’ve received your application. If we haven’t got everything we need, we’ll be in touch to clarify things.

To avoid any gaps in your indemnity, it’s important you don’t cancel your current indemnity until your MDU membership is confirmed.

Can I start work immediately after I’ve applied?

No. It’s important you wait to hear back from us about your application first. Please call our membership team on 0800 716 376 if you require your membership to start sooner.

What information do I need to complete my membership application?

Depending on your role, please have details about your work, registration, qualifications and indemnity history to hand.

I need help completing my application form. Who do I contact?

We’re always here to help and answer any questions. Call our membership team on 0800 716 376 or connect with your local MDU liaison manager here.

Why you should choose the MDU

Guide

Our team is led and staffed by doctors with real-life experience of the pressures and challenges faced in practice.

Support

Over the last 5 years we have supported nearly 1,400 members with GMC investigations

Defend

Over the last 10 years, we successfully defended over 80% of medical claims, making no compensation payments.

Medico-legal helpline 0800 716 646