Free NHS health checks

The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74.

Your free health check can spot the early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia.

As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk and help prevent these happening to you, which means you'll be more likely to enjoy life for longer.

How to get an NHS health check

If you're in the 40 to 74 age group without a pre-existing condition, you can expect to receive a letter from your GP inviting you for a free NHS Health Check every 5 years.

If you have not heard from your GP, but think you are due your NHS Health Check, speak to your GP to find out more.

We also have trusted third party providers offering NHS Health Checks in the community which you can look to attend. These providers are:

Concept Care Solutions
Health Corner
Northampton Town FC Community Trust
North Northamptonshire Leisure
Regent Pharmacy
Thursfields Pharmacy

What happens at an NHS Health Check

You can expect:

the check to take about 20 to 30 minutes
to be asked some simple questions - for example, about your family history and any medication you are currently taking
your height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity to be recorded
your blood pressure to be taken
to have a simple blood sample taken to check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels

How to improve your test results

At the end of your NHS Health Check, your healthcare professional will discuss your results with you. This should include:

personal advice on lifestyle changes that can help to prevent and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease
a referral to local services to support lifestyle change, if you request this
being referred to your GP for a follow up if any of your results are high

Some of the steps you can take to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease include:

Last updated 04 September 2025