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.
In the meantime, you may want to try this online Heart Age test.
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
- a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level
How to improve your test results
Once you've had your NHS Health Check, your healthcare professional will discuss your results with you.
You'll be given advice to help you lower your risk of a stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes or dementia, and maintain or improve your health. But you don't have to wait until then to make healthy changes.
Information for employers
Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia - the good news is these conditions can often be prevented.
Businesses can register an interest for their staff to have NHS Health Checks carried out at work. Currently, Health MOTs are offered in the workplace by our Workplace Health Team.
To find out more about both schemes email [email protected].
After the NHS Health Check, the results are discussed with the person, and they are given personalised advice on how to lower any risks and stay healthy.
Where an NHS Health Check takes place in a workplace setting, information from the check is transferred, securely, to the person’s GP so it is available to the person and their GP in the future.
Last updated 03 October 2022