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GMC Registration

Also known as: General Medical Council Registration, Medical License

Definition

GMC registration is the official approval from the General Medical Council that allows a doctor to legally practise medicine in the UK, confirming they meet required standards for safe patient care.

Without GMC registration, you cannot work as a doctor in any healthcare setting—neither NHS nor private practice. It's the foundation of your professional identity and creates specific estate planning considerations.

What Does GMC Registration Mean?

The General Medical Council (GMC) is the independent regulator of doctors in the UK, established under the Medical Act 1983. GMC registration means you're on the official medical register—the authoritative list of approved doctors who meet UK standards for medical practice. The GMC also registers physician associates and anaesthesia associates. Registration requires annual renewal by paying the retention fee (£433 as of April 2025, or £166 if your income is below £40,000). Registration itself doesn't allow you to practise—for that, you need both registration and a licence to practise.

There are different types of registration depending on your career stage. Provisional registration applies to newly qualified doctors starting Foundation Year 1 (FY1) training. Full registration allows you to work in unsupervised practice and is required from FY2 onwards. Specialist registration and GP registration apply to doctors who've completed specialty training. You can maintain registration without a licence to practise (common for retired doctors), but you cannot hold a licence without registration. Doctors with a licence must complete revalidation every five years to demonstrate continued competence.

For estate planning, GMC registration creates professional obligations that affect your will. Your registration status determines whether you need medical indemnity insurance (mandatory for all practising doctors, costing £100-150 annually for junior doctors). You're entitled to NHS pension benefits that require separate beneficiary nominations outside your will. Clinical negligence claims can be made up to 15 years after alleged incidents, so maintaining appropriate run-off cover matters for your estate. Your executor should understand these professional considerations—many doctors appoint fellow medical professionals or solicitors familiar with healthcare regulation. If you're an international medical graduate maintaining registration in multiple countries, your estate may span jurisdictions requiring specialist advice.

Common Questions

"Do I need GMC registration to work as a doctor in the UK?" Yes, all doctors must register with the GMC to practise medicine in the UK. You cannot work as a doctor in any NHS or private healthcare setting without being on the GMC register with a licence to practise. Registration confirms you meet UK standards for medical practice.

"What's the difference between GMC registration and a licence to practise?" GMC registration places you on the medical register, while a licence to practise allows you to actually work as a doctor. Most working doctors need both. You can hold registration without a licence (for example, if retired), but you cannot hold a licence without registration.

"How much does GMC registration cost?" As of April 2025, full GMC registration costs £433 annually (or £166 if your income is below £40,000). This fee covers both registration and licence to practise. You must pay this retention fee each year to remain on the register. International medical graduates may face additional costs for the PLAB test (around £870 total for both parts).

Common Misconceptions

Myth: GMC registration is a one-time thing—once you're registered, you're registered for life.

Reality: GMC registration requires annual renewal by paying the retention fee (£433 annually as of April 2025). If you don't pay, you're removed from the register. Doctors with a licence to practise must also complete revalidation every five years to maintain that licence. Registration is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time achievement.

Myth: GMC registration and a licence to practise are the same thing.

Reality: These are two separate but connected requirements. Registration places you on the GMC register (the official list of doctors), while a licence to practise gives you permission to actually work as a doctor. You must have registration to hold a licence, but you can have registration without a licence (for example, if retired or working in non-clinical roles). Most working doctors need both.

  • Medical Indemnity Insurance: Mandatory professional insurance for all practising doctors with GMC registration—represents a significant estate consideration for ongoing premiums and potential posthumous claims.
  • Medical Defence Organization: Alternative to traditional medical indemnity insurance that many GMC-registered doctors choose for discretionary cover and legal support in estate administration.

Need Help with Your Will?

As a GMC-registered doctor, you have unique professional obligations and assets that need specific consideration in your will—from medical indemnity insurance to NHS pension beneficiary nominations to potential clinical negligence claims.

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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.