GPs & primary care professionals

Benefits of membership

More doctors in the UK put their trust in the MDU than the other defence organisations put together because we offer the most comprehensive indemnity package. Take a look at our top10 reasons to belong.

Professional indemnity insurance policy

We provide members with a professional indemnity insurance policy* to cover clinical negligence claims. This is a contractual agreement that will always provide assistance within the terms of the policy. Some other organisations only provide indemnity on a discretionary basis, meaning you have no guarantee of assistance.

Discretionary benefits

In addition to the insurance policy, members have access to traditional discretionary benefits where necessary, for example for claims arising after you have left the MDU but relate to an incident whilst you were still a member. We are the only medical defence organisation to provide this unique combination of insurance and discretion.

24-hour advisory helpline

We have the largest team of medico-legal experts in the UK, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Support and representation

We can help respond to complaints, provide support and representation at PCT or GMC hearings or assist in coroner's enquiries including writing a report or attending coroner's court.

Expert claims handling

When dealing with a claim we will not settle for the sake of financial expediency. We will also not ask you to sign a form handing over decision-making.

Good Samaritan acts

We provide you with free professional indemnity for Good Samaritan acts anywhere in the world, including the USA and Canada.

Free practice seminars

Our team of GP liaison managers can provide free training in your practice on a range of subjects including risk management, telephone skills and dealing with difficult patients.

24-hour press office

Our 24-hour press office can help you deal with the media. Our assistance can range from advising you on what to say to issuing statements and speaking to the media on your behalf.

Medico-legal publications

Members have access to a range of free advisory publications covering key subjects such as confidentiality and complaints as well as our regular journal and comprehensive website.

Member discounts

We have negotiated a range of generous discounts including access to free CPD modules, 33% saving on online revision courses for the MRCGP and DRCOG and 20% discount on GP interview skills training. Members also get reduced enrolment fees on MDU courses such as the MDU Medical Ethics and Law workshop.

Download our Member Guide (211kb) which provides a summary of the benefits of membership.

* Subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.