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Wills for Doctors and Medical Professionals in the UK

· 22 min

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Dr. Emma Patel, a 38-year-old A&E consultant at Bristol Royal Infirmary, completed death certificates for three patients in a single shift. She knew the questions she'd ask their families: "Did they have a will? Have you contacted their solicitor?" Yet when Emma arrived home to her husband and two young daughters that night, she realized she'd been putting off writing her own will for three years.

Like 47% of UK adults, Emma assumed her NHS pension death-in-service benefits would "take care of everything." She didn't realize that while her pension lump sum (worth £240,000 based on her salary) had a nomination form, it wouldn't distribute her £320,000 property, her savings, or appoint guardians for her children. When a colleague died unexpectedly at age 42, leaving his family struggling with intestacy rules, Emma finally created her will.

This guide explains the unique will requirements for medical professionals, from NHS pension death benefits to GP partnership agreements, and helps you protect your family in just 15 minutes.

Table of Contents

Why Doctors Need a Will—Even with NHS Death Benefits

The most common misconception among medical professionals is that NHS pension death-in-service benefits eliminate the need for a will. This couldn't be further from the truth.

Your NHS pension death benefits only cover the pension lump sum—typically 2 to 4 times your salary depending on which scheme you're in (1995, 2008, or 2015). Everything else you own passes through your will, not your pension nomination.

Dr. Sarah, a 35-year-old registrar, died suddenly with £280,000 in her NHS pension, which she'd nominated to her husband via her DB2 form. However, she had £400,000 in property and savings with no will. Her husband received the pension lump sum within weeks, but spent 18 months navigating intestacy rules for her other assets, paying £12,000 in legal fees and facing family disputes over her personal belongings.

Research shows that 47% of UK adults don't have a will, and doctors are no exception despite their professional awareness of mortality. Without a will, intestacy rules determine who inherits your estate—and unmarried partners receive nothing, regardless of how long you've been together.

Your will and your Death Benefit Nomination Form (DB2) work together. One doesn't replace the other. You need both to ensure complete protection for your family.

NHS Pension Death Benefits: What Your Will Doesn't Control

Understanding your NHS pension death benefits is crucial for estate planning. The three NHS pension schemes offer different levels of coverage, and knowing which scheme you're in determines what your family will receive.

Death-in-Service Lump Sums by Scheme

If you die while actively contributing to the NHS pension scheme, your beneficiaries receive a lump sum calculated as follows:

Scheme Death Lump Sum Adult Pension Children's Pension
1995 Section 4x pay 50% of member's pension 25% (one child) / 50% (two+)
2008 Section 2.25x pay 37.5% of member's pension 12.5% (one) / 25% (two+)
2015 Scheme 2.025x average pay 33.75% of member's pension Variable by circumstances

Dr. James, a 45-year-old consultant in the 1995 Section earning £85,000, would leave a death-in-service lump sum of £340,000 (4x salary). He completed a DB2 form nominating his wife, who would also receive an ongoing adult dependant's pension of 50% of what his pension would have been. However, his will separately distributes his £450,000 home, £120,000 in savings, and—crucially—appoints guardians for his three children.

Who's Covered?

Coverage varies by employment status:

  • Permanent NHS doctors: Fully covered while contributing to the scheme
  • Locum GPs and bank staff: Only covered if you die while actively working and contributing
  • Doctors on authorized leave: Covered if contributions maintained, up to two years
  • Maternity leave: Coverage continues even during nil pay periods

The Death Benefit Nomination Form (DB2)

For members with service after April 1, 2008, you must complete a DB2 form to nominate who receives your pension lump sum. Without it:

  • Married members: Lump sum automatically goes to spouse/civil partner
  • Unmarried members: Lump sum goes to your estate and is distributed by intestacy rules
  • Unmarried partners: Receive nothing unless specifically nominated on DB2

Critical: Death benefits must be claimed within two years to avoid a 45% tax charge. Your executor needs to know about your DB2 form and where it's stored.

Medical Indemnity Insurance and Your Estate

Your medical indemnity insurance isn't an asset you can leave in your will—it's an insurance policy, not property. However, it plays an important role in your estate planning.

When Dr. Anita, a 52-year-old GP with private patients, died suddenly, her executor discovered three patients had submitted complaints about her care. Because she'd listed her MDU indemnity details in her will's "Important Information" section, her executor could quickly contact MDU, who handled the claims and protected her estate from potential damages.

What Your Executors Need to Know

Your executors should have access to:

  • Your indemnity provider (MDU, MDDUS, or other)
  • Your membership number and policy details
  • Information about any ongoing claims or complaints
  • Details of your "run-off cover" (coverage for claims made after your death)

Different providers offer different death benefit provisions. Some policies include coverage for posthumous claims, while others may require additional run-off cover. Check your specific policy to understand what protection continues after your death.

If you have private practice income, ensure your executors can access outstanding invoices and patient records. These are business assets that pass through your will and may represent significant value.

GP Partnership Agreements and Business Succession

GP partners face unique complexity because partnership agreements often override will provisions for your practice share. For comprehensive guidance on business succession planning in your will, including partnership agreements and cross-option arrangements, see our detailed guide for business owners.

Dr. Michael was a 25% partner in a 4-GP practice worth £800,000 total. His partnership agreement included a buy-sell clause: upon his death, the surviving partners would purchase his share at book value (£200,000) over 3 years. His will appointed his spouse as executor and specified that the £200,000 should be held in trust for his children's education. Without this clarity, his spouse wouldn't have known whether she could expect immediate payment or long-term installments.

Key Questions for GP Partners

Before writing your will, review your partnership agreement and discuss with your practice accountant:

  • Valuation: Who values your partnership share at death? Book value or market value?
  • Payment terms: Do surviving partners pay immediately or over time?
  • Right of first refusal: Must your estate offer the share to existing partners before selling to outsiders?
  • Patient list: What happens to your NHS contract rights and patient relationships?

Your will should align with your partnership agreement, not contradict it. If the agreement states surviving partners have right of first refusal, your will shouldn't attempt to leave your practice share directly to your spouse—instead, it should direct how the payment proceeds are distributed.

Life Insurance for Partnership Buyouts

Consider life insurance to provide immediate liquidity if partnership payments are delayed. A policy for the value of your partnership share ensures your family receives funds quickly while waiting for practice buyout payments.

Unique Assets and Liabilities for Medical Professionals

Medical professionals have specific assets and liabilities that standard will templates often overlook.

Assets to Include in Your Will

NHS-related:

  • Outstanding locum payments or final salary payments
  • Accrued annual leave payments

Private practice:

  • Medical equipment (if owned, not leased): laser equipment, diagnostic tools, computers
  • Outstanding patient invoices and receivables
  • Shares in private hospitals or clinics
  • Partnership interests in private practices

Intellectual property:

  • Medical textbooks or publications (ongoing royalties)
  • Research patents or licensing agreements
  • Course materials or educational content

Dr. Priya, a 40-year-old dermatologist, had a successful private clinic. Her assets included £15,000 in laser equipment, £40,000 in outstanding patient invoices, rights to a medical textbook earning £3,000/year in royalties, and a 10% share in a private clinic worth £50,000. Her will specified that her husband would inherit the equipment and clinic share, with instructions to either sell or find a locum to continue the practice temporarily. Her textbook royalties were left to her daughter's education fund.

Liabilities to Consider

Student loans:

  • Plan 1/2 loans write off at death (notify Student Loan Company)
  • Private medical school loans may not write off—check terms

Professional obligations:

  • Outstanding medical indemnity premiums
  • Leased equipment (may require return or payment)
  • Malpractice claims in progress (covered by indemnity, but executor needs to notify provider)
Asset Type Passes Through Will? Executor Action Required
NHS pension lump sum No (via DB2 form) Claim within 2 years
Private practice invoices Yes Collect and distribute
Medical equipment Yes Value and distribute/sell
Partnership share Depends on agreement Review partnership docs
Student loans (Plan 1/2) No (write off at death) Notify Student Loan Company

Guardianship: Critical for Doctors with Young Children

If both parents die without appointing guardians in their wills, the court decides who raises your children. For doctors with demanding schedules, guardianship planning is especially important.

Dr. Sophie and her husband (also a doctor) both worked long shifts. Sophie's mother already picked up their two children from school twice a week, making her the natural choice. In their wills, they appointed Sophie's mother as guardian with Sophie's sister as alternate. They also left a letter of wishes explaining their preferences for the children's education, religion, and extracurricular activities.

When both died in a hiking accident, the guardianship appointment prevented a family dispute between Sophie's mother and her husband's parents. The children transitioned to their grandmother's care immediately, with no court delays or competing claims.

Questions to Consider

  • Who shares your values? Not just who loves your children, but who would raise them the way you would.
  • Capacity: Do they have the physical, emotional, and financial capacity to raise your children?
  • Location: Would your children need to change schools or move away from their community?
  • Age difference: Will your proposed guardian still have energy and health when your children reach teenage years?

Name alternative guardians in case your first choice can't serve. Discuss your wishes with proposed guardians before naming them—they can decline if they're unable to take on the responsibility.

You can also specify in your will whether funds should be held in trust for children or given outright to the guardian for the children's care.

The 2027 Inheritance Tax Changes: What Doctors Need to Know

From April 6, 2027, unused pension funds will be included in your taxable estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. This is a significant change with major implications for doctors with substantial NHS pension pots.

Currently, pensions pass tax-free outside your estate. After April 2027, pensions will be subject to 40% IHT on amounts above the nil-rate band.

Real Impact Example

Dr. Rajesh, age 55, has:

  • NHS pension pot: £850,000 (unused portion at death)
  • Property: £480,000
  • Savings and investments: £220,000
  • Total estate: £1,550,000

Under current rules (until April 2027): His pension passes tax-free; only £700,000 is subject to IHT. With £500,000 in allowances (£325,000 nil-rate band + £175,000 residence nil-rate band), he'd owe IHT on £200,000 = £80,000 tax.

Under new rules (from April 2027): Entire £1,550,000 estate is subject to IHT. After £500,000 in allowances, IHT owed on £1,050,000 = £420,000 tax.

The difference: An additional £340,000 in tax under the new rules.

What Doctors Should Do Before 2027

  1. Review estate size now: Calculate your total estate including pension value
  2. Consider lifetime gifting: Gifts become exempt after 7 years, so gifts made in 2025 will be fully exempt by 2032
  3. Utilize annual exemptions: £3,000/year in gifts, plus unlimited gifts from surplus income
  4. Explore trusts: Certain trusts can protect assets from IHT while maintaining some control
  5. Consult a financial advisor: Discuss whether drawing down pension during lifetime reduces IHT exposure

Note: Estates over £2 million lose the residence nil-rate band through taper relief, potentially increasing IHT liability even further for senior consultants with large estates.

How to Create a Will as a Busy Medical Professional

Medical professionals face unique time constraints. You work 48-60 hour weeks with irregular schedules, on-call commitments, and night shifts. Traditional solicitor appointments don't fit easily into your calendar.

You have three main options for will creation:

Option 1: Online Will Services (e.g., WUHLD)

Cost: £99.99 for complete will Time: 15 minutes to complete Suitable for: Straightforward estates (property, savings, standard assets) Includes: Will, Testator Guide, Witness Guide, Asset Inventory Advantage: Preview free before paying—no credit card required

Dr. Tom, a 42-year-old registrar, owned a £380,000 flat with his wife, had £75,000 in savings, and two young children. He used WUHLD's online service, completing his will in 17 minutes during his lunch break. He appointed his wife as executor and his brother as guardian. Total cost: £99.99.

Option 2: Professional Body Services

BMA Law: Discounted rates for BMA members (typically £200-300) RCN Law: £80+ for RCN members Union Wills: Free basic wills for Locum Doctors' Association members

These services offer phone consultations and member-specific guidance, though at higher cost than online services and with longer turnaround times than the 15 minutes online.

Option 3: Solicitor

Cost: £650+ for standard wills; £1,200+ for complex estates Time: Multiple appointments, 2-4 weeks for completion Suitable for: Complex estates (international property, trusts, business assets, contentious family situations)

Dr. Melissa, a 58-year-old consultant, had a £1.8M estate including buy-to-let properties and a complex blended family with children from two marriages. She used a solicitor specializing in medical professionals, paying £1,400 for a will with protective trusts. The process took 6 weeks with three in-person meetings.

Decision Framework

Choose online (WUHLD) if:

  • Estate under £2M
  • Standard UK assets (property, savings, pensions)
  • Straightforward family situation
  • No complex trusts needed

Choose professional body service if:

  • You're already a member (BMA, RCN, etc.)
  • You want phone consultation
  • You're uncertain about complexity

Choose solicitor if:

  • Estate over £2M
  • International property or complex assets
  • Blended family with competing claims
  • Business partnerships requiring detailed provisions
  • Inheritance tax planning with trusts needed

Most doctors (70-80%) have straightforward estates suitable for online will services. Don't assume complexity just because you're a high earner—£99.99 online can provide the same legal protection as £650+ from a solicitor if your situation is straightforward.

Completing Your NHS Death Benefit Nomination Form

The Death Benefit Nomination Form (DB2) is separate from your will but equally important. It determines who receives your NHS pension lump sum.

Who Needs to Complete a DB2 Form?

All NHS pension scheme members with service after April 1, 2008 should complete a DB2 form. If you're married, your spouse automatically receives 100% unless you nominate someone else. If you're unmarried, the lump sum goes to your estate (and is distributed by intestacy) unless you nominate someone.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Download DB2 form from NHS Business Services Authority website
  2. Complete Section 1: Your details (name, NHS number, employing organization)
  3. Complete Section 2: Nominee details (name, relationship, address)
  4. Specify percentages if nominating multiple people (must total 100%)
  5. Sign and date the form
  6. Submit to NHS Pensions (keep copy for your records)
  7. Inform your executor where you've stored the form

Critical Scenario

Dr. Amira, a 36-year-old GP, lived with her partner of 8 years but wasn't married. She assumed her will leaving "everything to my partner David" would cover her NHS pension. When she died suddenly, David received nothing from her £180,000 NHS pension lump sum because she'd never completed a DB2 form. The money went to her parents under default rules, creating bitter family conflict.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Assuming your will covers your NHS pension (it doesn't) ❌ Forgetting to update after divorce (ex-spouse may still be nominated) ❌ Not nominating your unmarried partner (they inherit nothing by default) ❌ Nominating someone who died (keep nominations current)

You can change nominations anytime by submitting a new DB2 or canceling with form NOM1. Review your nomination every 3-5 years and after major life events.

Common Will Mistakes Doctors Make

Medical professionals make specific will errors related to their profession. Here's how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Assuming NHS Pension = Complete Estate Plan

The error: "I've completed my DB2 form, so I don't need a will."

Reality: NHS pension only covers pension lump sum. Your will distributes everything else.

Solution: Complete both DB2 form AND a comprehensive will.

Mistake 2: Not Coordinating Will with Partnership Agreements

The error: Leaving your "GP partnership share to my spouse" when partnership agreement requires surviving partners to buy it.

Reality: Partnership agreements override will provisions for practice shares.

Solution: Review partnership documents with your practice accountant before drafting will. Your will should address how buyout payments are distributed, not attempt to transfer the share directly.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Appoint Guardians

The error: "My sister will obviously raise my kids if something happens."

Reality: Without legal appointment, the court decides who raises your children. Family assumptions don't matter.

Solution: Name guardians and alternates in your will. Discuss with them first.

Mistake 4: Out-of-Date Beneficiaries

The error: Dr. Hassan wrote a will at age 30 when he married. At 45, he was divorced with two children from his second marriage. He never updated his will.

Reality: When he died, his ex-wife from his first marriage (still named in the will) inherited everything. His second wife and children had to contest the will in court, costing £40,000 in legal fees and 18 months of family conflict.

Solution: Review will after marriage, divorce, new children, property purchase, or every 3-5 years minimum.

Mistake 5: DIY Wills with Errors

The error: Handwritten wills without proper witnesses, ambiguous language, or missing required clauses.

Reality: Research shows 25% of DIY wills contain errors that cause legal problems.

Solution: Use proper will service (online or solicitor) to ensure legal validity. £99.99 for WUHLD is reasonable insurance against costly will challenges.

Mistake 6: Not Telling Anyone Where Your Will Is

The error: "My will is safe in my filing cabinet at home."

Reality: Executors can't act if they can't find your will. Unfound wills result in intestacy.

Solution: Tell your executor where your will is stored. Consider will storage service or keep copy with your solicitor.

Will Review Checklist for Doctors

✅ Will drafted and properly witnessed ✅ DB2 form completed for NHS pension ✅ Guardians appointed for children ✅ Executors informed and will location shared ✅ Partnership agreements reviewed (if applicable) ✅ Will reviewed every 3-5 years or after major life events ✅ Medical indemnity details accessible to executor ✅ Private practice assets and liabilities documented

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a will if I have an NHS pension?

A: Yes, absolutely. While your NHS pension includes death-in-service benefits, these only cover the pension lump sum. A will is essential for distributing all your other assets, appointing guardians for children, and ensuring your property, savings, and personal belongings go to your chosen beneficiaries. Your NHS pension nomination form (DB2) and your will work together—they're not substitutes for each other.

Q: What happens to my NHS pension if I die without a will?

A: If you've completed a Death Benefit Nomination Form (DB2), your NHS pension lump sum goes to your nominated beneficiary regardless of whether you have a will. However, without a will, all your other assets are distributed under intestacy rules, which may not reflect your wishes. If you haven't nominated anyone on your DB2, the pension lump sum goes to your estate and is distributed according to intestacy law.

Q: Can I include my medical indemnity insurance in my will?

A: You cannot include your medical indemnity insurance policy itself in your will, as it's not an asset you can leave to someone. However, you should ensure your executors know about your indemnity cover, as it may provide death benefits or coverage for claims made after your death. Check your policy with MDU, MDDUS, or your provider for specific death benefit provisions.

Q: How much does a will cost for doctors in the UK?

A: Solicitor-drafted wills for doctors typically cost £650 or more, especially if you have complex assets like GP partnerships or private practice income. Online will services like WUHLD cost £99.99 for a complete, legally binding will with supporting documents. Some professional bodies like BMA Law offer member discounts, while services like Union Wills provide free basic wills to Locum Doctors' Association members.

Q: Do I need a different will for my private practice?

A: You don't need a separate will for private practice, but your will should account for business assets such as equipment, practice shares, partnership agreements, and outstanding invoices. If you're a GP partner, your partnership agreement may include specific provisions about what happens to your share when you die, which should align with your will's instructions.

Q: Should locum doctors have a will?

A: Yes, locum doctors should absolutely have a will. While locum work may provide less death-in-service coverage than permanent NHS positions, you still have assets, savings, and personal belongings to distribute. If you have dependents or own property, a will is essential. Locum Doctors' Association members can access free basic will services through Union Wills.

Q: How will the 2027 pension tax changes affect my estate?

A: From April 6, 2027, unused pension funds will be included in your taxable estate for Inheritance Tax purposes, potentially subject to a 40% tax rate. This is a significant change from current rules where pensions pass tax-free. Doctors with substantial NHS pension pots should review their estate planning before 2027 to consider strategies like lifetime gifting or trusts to reduce their overall IHT liability.

Conclusion

As a doctor, you understand the importance of planning for worst-case scenarios better than most. You've seen families struggle when loved ones die without clear instructions. Creating your will isn't morbid—it's one of the most caring things you can do to protect the people who depend on you.

Key takeaways:

  • Your NHS pension death benefits don't eliminate the need for a will—they only distribute your pension lump sum
  • Complete both a Death Benefit Nomination Form (DB2) for your pension and a will for all your other assets
  • Most doctors have straightforward estates suitable for online will services, avoiding £650+ solicitor fees
  • GP partners must coordinate wills with partnership agreements to ensure smooth business succession
  • Review your will every 3-5 years and after major life events (marriage, divorce, new children, property purchase)

Create your will and protect your family today. With WUHLD, it takes just 15 minutes online—easily fitting into a busy medical professional's schedule.

For just £99.99 (vs £650+ for a solicitor), you'll get:

  • Your complete, legally binding will
  • A 12-page Testator Guide with step-by-step instructions
  • A Witness Guide for your two witnesses
  • A Complete Asset Inventory document to organize your estate

You can preview your entire will free before paying anything—no credit card required, no pressure.

Preview Your Will Free – No Payment Required

Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.

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