Patient guide
NHS Health Check or a private health check: what each offers
The NHS Health Check is a free cardiovascular and diabetes risk assessment for eligible adults in England. Private health checks range from similar basic assessments to extensive packages of tests. This guide compares them, explains what the evidence supports and suggests questions to ask before paying.
Last checked: 2026-10-03
Key facts
At a glance.
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NHS Health Check
Offered in England to adults aged 40 to 74 without existing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease, about every five years.
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What it checks
Blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, diabetes risk, smoking and alcohol use, with advice and an estimate of cardiovascular risk.
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Private checks
Vary widely, from basic risk assessments to large panels and scans.
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More tests do not mean better health
Extra tests can cause false alarms and further investigations without proven benefit for people without symptoms.
What the NHS Health Check includes
It is designed to spot early signs of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia risk. It usually takes place at a GP surgery or pharmacy and includes questions about family history, smoking, alcohol and activity, measurement of height, weight and blood pressure and a cholesterol and sometimes blood glucose test. Results are combined into a cardiovascular risk score, and you receive advice and, if needed, referral for treatment or lifestyle support. People aged 65 and over may be given information on dementia and other topics.
What private health checks include
Private checks range widely. Basic versions mirror the NHS check with longer discussion. Others add full blood counts, liver and kidney tests, thyroid, vitamin levels, hormone panels, tumour markers, ECG, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans and genetic tests. Packages are often tiered by price, with the implication that more is better. The value of each element depends on your age, symptoms and family history.
Comparing the two
| Point | NHS Health Check | Private health check |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Ages 40 to 74 in England without certain existing conditions | Anyone able to pay |
| Cost to you | Free at the point of use | You pay; check what is included |
| Focus | Cardiovascular, diabetes and kidney risk | Varies, may include extensive tests |
| Follow-up | Linked to NHS care and lifestyle services | Depends on the provider; check follow-up arrangements |
| Evidence base | Based on national programme design | Variable; some tests lack evidence for screening |
What the evidence says about extra testing
Screening tests are valuable when they detect a condition early in people without symptoms and when earlier treatment improves outcomes. Many private tests have not been shown to do this. Broad panels may reveal abnormalities that are harmless, leading to repeat tests, scans and anxiety. Overdiagnosis, finding conditions that would never have caused harm, is a recognised harm of screening. The UK National Screening Committee recommends programmes only when benefits clearly outweigh harms.
When a private check may be useful
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You are not eligible for the NHS check, for example because of age or location.
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You want a longer discussion of risk factors and lifestyle with a clinician.
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You have specific concerns that a GP could help address, such as family history.
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Your employer or insurer provides it.
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You want to fill a gap while waiting for an NHS appointment, accepting the cost.
Questions to ask before booking
Ask what each test is for, what evidence supports it in people without symptoms, who will explain the results and what happens if something abnormal is found. Ask who pays for follow-up tests, and whether your NHS GP will be informed. Ask for a clear list of what is included. Be cautious about pressure to upgrade or buy supplements based on results.
Frequently asked
Questions people ask.
Quick, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most.
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Who gets an NHS Health Check?
Adults aged 40 to 74 in England without existing conditions covered by other care, invited about every five years.
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Can I ask for one if I have not been invited?
You can ask your GP practice or a pharmacy that provides it in your area.
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Is a private check better?
Not necessarily. Some are comparable, others add tests with limited evidence.
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Do I need cholesterol and blood pressure checks if I feel well?
Yes. They detect risk factors that often cause no symptoms.
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Are scans part of the NHS check?
No. It is a risk assessment, not an imaging programme.
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What if my private check finds something?
Discuss with your GP or the clinician about the significance and need for follow-up.
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How often should I repeat a health check?
The NHS check is about every five years. Frequency of other tests depends on results and risk.
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Do checks replace screening programmes?
No. Screening programmes for specific cancers and conditions are separate and recommended when invited.
Where this comes from
Sources and checking.
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP or consultant knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or come with red-flag features, seek urgent medical care. Figures and availability change, so treat them as a guide and confirm with the provider.
Published 2026-10-03, next review 2027-10-03.
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NHS website, NHS Health Check pages (nhs.uk)
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UK National Screening Committee, recommendations and screening programme information (gov.uk/uk-nsc)
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General Medical Council, Good practice in prescribing and managing medicines and devices (gmc-uk.org)
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NICE guideline NG12, Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (nice.org.uk)