London — January 2026 — After several years away from the medical indemnity sector, Premium Medical Protection founder Juliet Bentley has returned to the UK market with the launch of First Medical Protection (FMP) — a new MGA focused on governance, clarity and modern infrastructure for clinicians working in private practice.
Bentley led Premium Medical Protection from its creation in 2009 through to its acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway in 2017, leaving the business in 2019. Since then, she says she has watched independent practice evolve in ways traditional indemnity models have struggled to match.
Healthcare has become more digital, contractual relationships are more complex, and regulatory scrutiny has intensified. “Doctors increasingly tell us they want clarity; clear processes, early support when concerns arise, and confidence that governance is taken seriously throughout the policy lifecycle,” Bentley said. “First Medical Protection has been built with that in mind.”
Speed Through Systems Integration
The operational model for First Medical Protection (FMP) is built on a technical ecosystem where underwriting, administration, and legal data are fully aligned. Working with specialist developers, FMP has built an automated platform designed to support faster workflows and reduce administrative friction for private practice clinicians. This modern infrastructure allows for a seamless digital journey, from the initial assessment of risk to the instant generation of policy documentation, enabling clinicians to manage their professional requirements efficiently and with confidence. Juliet Bentley, founder of FMP, believes that when “underwriting, legal insight and systems talk to one another,” it moves beyond traditional paperwork to help clinicians truly understand their professional standing in real-time.
A Leadership Team with Deep Sector Experience
Bentley has assembled a board and advisory group drawn from healthcare, insurance and technology. The team includes Wayne Close, former CFO of BUPA Global; Stephen Darcy, who as CTO leads development of FMP’s digital platform; and Patrick Chalk, an experienced Lloyd’s insurance professional.
“Bringing financial, technological and underwriting expertise around the same table helps ensure decisions are grounded, challenge is encouraged, and clinicians ultimately benefit from clearer structures,” Bentley said.
A Direct Connection Between Insurance and Legal Support
Rather than using a rotating list of different law firms, First Medical Protection (FMP) works exclusively with the specialist healthcare team at global law firm Clyde & Co. This partnership ensures that legal experts are involved from the very beginning to provide strategy and advice through a dedicated 24-hour support line.
Claire Petts, Partner at Clyde & Co, comments:
“Bringing a “legal perspective” into discussions earlier will enable clinicians to understand the processes ahead of them. This in turn will ensure they feel supported as matters develop. We’re pleased to assist FMP to help make this a reality.”
Additionally, FMP has removed the traditional ‘hammer clause’, a common industry feature that can limit a doctor’s control over their own legal defense, ensuring clinicians remain central to the decisions that impact their professional reputation.
Bentley believes that alignment between underwriting, operations and legal expertise is one of the critical shifts the sector needs. “When underwriting, legal insight and systems talk to one another, issues can often be addressed earlier and more constructively,” she said. “It’s about helping clinicians understand what is happening, not just what the policy document says.”
Support Beyond the Policy Document
Alongside core indemnity arrangements, FMP is developing resources around risk awareness, complaints processes and contractual issues in private practice. Bentley also argues that wellbeing should sit more clearly within governance conversations.
“The emotional impact of complaints and investigations is often underestimated,” she said. “Recognising wellbeing as part of responsible decision-making is an important step forward.”
FMP is launching with a focus on clinicians working in private practice. The company has been structured to support professionals across a wide range of disciplines from general practitioners through to specialist private practice.
“This isn’t about recreating the past,” Bentley added. “It’s about recognising how private practice has changed and structuring indemnity so that it supports clinicians working in that environment.”
About First Medical Protection
First Medical Protection is a London-based medical indemnity MGA backed by capacity from Lloyd’s of London. Founded by Juliet Bentley, FMP combines underwriting expertise, legal alignment and technology infrastructure to support clinicians with clearer governance and practical risk understanding across private practice.
Regulatory information
First Medical Protection is an Appointed Representative of Bridge Specialty International, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Medical Protection is a Lloyd’s Coverholder with delegated underwriting authority.
Media enquiries
Press Team — First Medical Protection
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www.firstmedicalprotection.co.uk