We help fill the gaps left by NHS indemnity

Whether you’re a specialty trainee, SAS doctor or on your FY3, you can count on our support as your defence organisation if your clinical competence or patient care is questioned.

As we're run and staffed by doctors, we know the impact a complaint, claim or GMC investigation can have on your career, personal life and health. We’re here to champion your interests and offer peer-to-peer support.

We can also fill the gaps left by NHS indemnity and provide resources to support your development and help you practise more safely.

Get a quote or apply

Why you should choose the MDU

  • Support and representation for professional challenges not covered by NHS indemnity, including disciplinary proceedings, GMC investigations, coroners’ inquests/FAIs and criminal investigations relating to your clinical practice.

  • Indemnity for work that falls outside your NHS contractual duties, including private practice work, fee-paying services and good Samaritan acts.

  • Expert advice from our 24-hour medico-legal helpline.

  • Press office support in the event of unwanted media attention.

  • Risk management advice and resources to support your professional development, such as webinars, courses and e-learning.

  • Help dealing with and responding to patient complaints.

  • A local MDU liaison manager, who can answer your membership questions, provide free group seminars on medico-legal hot topics, and offer support for local events.

Two steps to becoming a member

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Get a quote

Request a quote first to find out how much your subscription will be. Within a few working days, we’ll email you an application pack, including your quote.

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Complete your application

Once you’re happy to proceed, you'll need to complete an application form.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need the join the MDU if I already have NHS indemnity?

NHS indemnity only goes so far, and the benefits of MDU membership extend well beyond just providing professional indemnity for claims.

Unlike NHS indemnity, we can also offer legal support at GMC, trust, or disciplinary hearings, access to our 24-hour medico-legal helpline, advice on dealing with media enquiries from our dedicated press office, and expert medico-legal risk management advice.

We’re also here to help you learn and develop as your career progresses, and members can take advantage of our wide range of seminars, specialist training and online CPD courses.

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.

MDU webinars

Expand your medico-legal knowledge with webinars led by MDU doctors.

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Find your local liaison manager

Liaison managers UK-wide

On hand to support you throughout your career and answer your membership questions.

Find your local liaison manager

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We’re focused on protecting your career and reputation

gable

Defend

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

GMC investigation

Cases

77% of MDU cases closed in 2022 had no adverse findings by the GMC.

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Support

98.3% of calls to the MDU medico-legal helpline are connected straight to a medico-legal adviser during normal working hours

Our impact

Our doctors-for-doctors ethos inspires us to go the extra mile for our members, and our track record speaks for itself.

As well as maintaining high standards for individual members, the MDU has a wider remit to campaign across a range of issues that affect the profession, whether this is engaging with regulators, or trying to shape legislation that will impact our members’ working lives.

Find out more