NHS Health Checks

Your NHS Health Check could be the most important 30 minutes you have ever spent.

What is an NHS Health Check?

The NHS Health Check is a free check-up for people aged 40 to 74. As we get older, our risk of being ill increases. The check sees if you may be at high risk in the next 10 years and finds ways to keep you well. It focuses on preventing stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia, which share many of the same causes.

During the check, you will be asked about your health and family history, whether you smoke or drink alcohol and what physical activity you do. You will have a blood test and your height, weight and blood pressure measurements will be taken. Depending on the results, you may be given help to be healthier or started on treatment.

How do I get my free NHS Health Check?

Anyone who is aged 40–74, and doesn’t already have one or more of the conditions the check is looking for, will be invited every five years by their GP surgery for an NHS Health Check. You can also call your GP surgery and request a check, if you have not had one in the last five years. Due to COVID-19, some GP practices cannot offer NHS Health Check appointments quite as quickly as normal.

To find out more about the NHS Health Check, including whether or not you may be eligible and what happens when you have a check, please visit the NHS health check web page.

Remember: if you are worried about your health, you do not need to wait for your check - speak to your GP or visit the NHS website.