Can I Get a Full Health Check on the NHS?

Yes. If you live in England and are aged 40 to 74, you can get a free NHS Health Check every five years. It is designed to assess your risk of developing conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.

An NHS Health Check is not a full body health check or diagnostic examination. It focuses on specific health and lifestyle risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI and family history.

If you want a more detailed health assessment, or you are not eligible for an NHS Health Check, a private full body health check can provide additional tests and measurements. Bluecrest Wellness full body health assessments offer a broader range of checks, depending on the package you choose.

Who can get an NHS Health Check?

The NHS Health Check is available to adults in England who:

• Are aged 40 to 74
• Do not already have certain diagnosed health conditions
• Have not had an NHS Health Check within the past five years You should usually receive an invitation from your GP practice or local authority. If you think you are eligible but have not been invited, you can contact your GP practice or local authority to ask about the service.

The NHS Health Check is free.

What does an NHS Health Check include?

An NHS Health Check usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes and involves a combination of simple measurements, questions about your health and lifestyle, and a discussion about your risk of certain conditions.

You can expect:

• Blood pressure: your blood pressure will be measured.
• Cholesterol: a cholesterol check helps assess your risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Height and weight: these measurements are used to calculate your BMI.
• Health and lifestyle questions: you may be asked about your family history, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity and other lifestyle factors.
• Risk assessment: your results are used to assess your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.
• Personalised advice: you may be given advice about lifestyle changes or referred for further support where appropriate. The exact checks and how they are carried out can vary depending on where you have your NHS Health Check.

How often can I have an NHS Health Check?

You can have an NHS Health Check every five years if you remain eligible.

You do not need to wait five years to speak to your GP about a health concern. If you have symptoms, have been diagnosed with a health condition or are worried about a change in your health, contact your GP rather than waiting for your next NHS Health Check.

An NHS Health Check is intended to assess your risk of certain conditions. It is not a replacement for appointments or tests you may need because of symptoms or an existing health condition.

Is an NHS Health Check the same as a full body health check?

No. Although both can provide information about your health, they are different types of check.

An NHS Health Check is a free, preventative check for eligible adults aged 40 to 74 in England. It focuses on specific risk factors and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.

A private full body health check can include a wider range of physical measurements and blood tests, depending on the package. These may cover areas such as heart health, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, liver function, kidney function, lung function and body composition.

A private health check does not replace NHS care or a GP appointment. If a result suggests that further investigation is needed, you may be advised to speak to your GP or another healthcare professional.

What does a private full body health check include?

The tests included in a private health check vary between providers and packages.

At Bluecrest Wellness, our Full Body Health Assessments can include a range of checks covering:

• Heart rhythm and heart health
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Blood sugar and HbA1c
• Kidney function
• Liver function
• Lung function
• Body composition
• Blood health markers
• Iron and essential proteins
• Bone health, energy and muscle markers
• Heart disease and stroke risk The exact tests included depend on the package you choose.

Your results are presented in a straightforward green, amber and red flag system, making it easier to see which results are within the expected range and which may need attention.

Can I have a private health check if I'm under 40?

Yes. You do not need to be eligible for an NHS Health Check to have a private health assessment.

Private health checks can be an option for adults who want to monitor a broader range of health markers or who would like to have checks more frequently than the NHS Health Check allows.

The right type of health check will depend on your age, health, symptoms, family history and what you want to understand about your health.

NHS Health Check vs private full body health check

Neither type of health check is a substitute for seeing your GP when you have symptoms or concerns about your health.

What if I want a more detailed health check?

If you are not eligible for an NHS Health Check, or you want to look at a broader range of health markers, a private full body health assessment may be an option.

A Bluecrest Health Assessment combines physical measurements and blood tests, with the exact checks depending on the package you choose. Results are presented clearly, with guidance where appropriate to help you understand what they mean and what you may want to consider doing next.

Book a Bluecrest Health Assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Is an NHS Health Check free?

Yes. The NHS Health Check is free for eligible adults aged 40 to 74 in England. It is normally offered once every five years.

Can I get a full health check before I'm 40?

Yes. While the NHS Health Check is aimed at adults aged 40 to 74, you can choose a private health assessment before the age of 40. The tests available will depend on the provider and package.

Is an NHS Health Check a full body check?

No. An NHS Health Check assesses specific health risks rather than providing a complete examination of every part of the body. A private full body health check may include a wider range of blood tests and physical measurements.

Can I have a private health check as well as an NHS Health Check?

Yes. A private health assessment can provide additional information or allow you to monitor certain health markers more frequently. It does not replace NHS care or medical advice from your GP.

What should I do if I'm worried about a symptom?

You should contact your GP if you have a symptom or health concern. You do not need to wait for an NHS Health Check or book a private health assessment before seeking medical advice.