A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of FPIC Insurance Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries

OLDWICK, N.J.--(Business Wire)--
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent)
and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a-" of FPIC Insurance Group (FPIC) and its
four pooled members, which are led by First Professionals Insurance Company
(Jacksonville, FL). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the ICR of "bbb-" of
FPIC`s parent, FPIC Insurance Group, Inc. (Jacksonville, FL) [NASDAQ: FPIC]. The
outlook for all ratings is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the
companies and ratings.)

These ratings reflect FPIC`s excellent risk-adjusted capitalization, specialty
expertise and leading position within the medical professional liability market,
as well as its solid operating prospects going forward. Through management`s
conservative approach to underwriting and reserving, FPIC has posted favorable
operating results on a consistent basis since 2002. The outlook is contingent
upon FPIC`s cycle management capabilities and price discipline.

The ratings also recognize the financial flexibility at FPIC Insurance Group,
Inc., which maintains modest financial leverage of 13.3% (total debt-to-total
capital) and coverage ratios that exceed A.M. Best`s requirements for the
current rating level.

Partially offsetting these strengths are the inherent challenges associated with
largely being a single state, monoline medical professional liability insurer,
particularly as it relates to price competition, legislative (tort) reform, loss
cost trends and regulatory focus.

The FSR of A- (Excellent) and ICRs of "a-" have been affirmed for FPIC Insurance
Group and its following pooled members:

* First Professionals Insurance Company
* Anesthesiologists Professional Assurance Company
* Interlex Insurance Company
* Intermed Insurance Company

The ICR of "bbb-" has been affirmed for FPIC Insurance Group, Inc.

For Best`s Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies,
please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any
additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found
at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating
organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service
industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care
system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

A.M. Best Company
Analysts
Greg Williams, 908-439-2200, ext. 5815
greg.williams@ambest.com
or
Henry Witmer, 908-439-2200, ext. 5097
henry.witmer@ambest.com
or
Public Relations
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009