In short: There is no single rule for how often a healthy adult should see a doctor. In England, most adults aged 40 to 74 without existing heart or kidney disease or diabetes are invited for a free NHS Health Check every 5 years, and national screening programmes invite you for cervical, breast, bowel and aortic aneurysm checks at set ages. Between those, see a clinician whenever you notice new or persistent symptoms, and more often if you have a long-term condition.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, explains which routine checks are recommended at which ages in England and when it makes sense to book an extra check-up.

What is a health check-up?

A health check-up is a planned appointment to look at your general health when you are not necessarily unwell. The aim is to pick up risk factors early, such as raised blood pressure, high cholesterol or rising blood sugar, which often cause no symptoms for years.

A typical adult check may include:

Blood pressure and pulse
Height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement
A blood test for cholesterol and, where appropriate, blood sugar (HbA1c)
Questions about smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet and family history
A review of any medicines you take and any symptoms you are worried about

How often should adults have a health check in the UK?

The NHS does not recommend a fixed annual "MOT" for everyone. Instead, routine checks are based on age, sex and risk. The table below summarises the main NHS programmes in England (arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ slightly).

Check	Who is invited	How often
NHS Health Check (heart, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes risk)	Adults aged 40 to 74 without certain existing conditions	Every 5 years
Blood pressure	All adults, especially over 40	At least every 5 years if normal; more often if raised or you have risk factors
Cervical screening (HPV test)	Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64	Every 5 years if HPV is not found (changed from 3 years for under-50s in July 2025); sooner if HPV is found
Breast screening (mammogram)	Women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday	Every 3 years
Bowel cancer screening (home FIT kit)	Adults aged 50 to 74	Every 2 years
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) scan	Men	Once, in the year they turn 65

If you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma or heart disease, your GP practice or specialist team will usually review you at least once a year. Those reviews replace the general NHS Health Check.

Who may benefit from more frequent checks?

You may want to be checked sooner or more often if you:

Have a close family history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes or certain cancers
Smoke, drink above the recommended 14 units a week, or are very inactive
Are living with overweight or obesity
Are of South Asian, Black African or African-Caribbean background, groups with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes
Have previously had a borderline blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar result
Take medicines that need regular blood monitoring

What if you feel fine?

Feeling well is not a reason to skip routine checks. High blood pressure, raised cholesterol and early type 2 diabetes commonly cause no symptoms. A check when you are well also gives you a baseline, which makes later changes easier to spot.

Equally, check-ups are not a substitute for acting on symptoms. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you notice something new or persistent, such as unexplained weight loss, a lump, blood in your poo or urine, a change in bowel habit, chest pain or breathlessness.

Health checks in Standish and Wigan: what to expect

At Ready Health in Standish, a private health check usually starts with a conversation about your health, family history and lifestyle. Depending on the package you choose, this may be combined with blood tests and physical measurements. Results are explained to you, and if anything needs follow-up we will tell you and, where appropriate, recommend you share the results with your NHS GP. A private check does not replace your NHS screening invitations, so please keep attending those too.

Frequently asked questions

Is an annual health check necessary?

Not for everyone. Most healthy adults are well served by NHS screening and the 5-yearly NHS Health Check from age 40. Some people choose more frequent checks because of family history, risk factors or personal preference.

At what age should I start having health checks?

Cervical screening starts at 25 and the NHS Health Check at 40. Younger adults with risk factors, such as a strong family history of heart disease, may benefit from having their blood pressure and cholesterol checked earlier.

Do I need to fast before a health check blood test?

Usually not. Most cholesterol and HbA1c tests no longer need fasting, but follow the instructions you are given for your specific tests.

Can I get an NHS Health Check if I am under 40?

The NHS Health Check is for 40 to 74-year-olds. If you are younger and concerned, speak to your GP practice or consider a private health check.

Key takeaways

There is no single "right" frequency; checks depend on age, sex and risk.
Adults aged 40 to 74 in England are offered an NHS Health Check every 5 years.
Attend your NHS cervical, breast, bowel and AAA screening invitations.
People with long-term conditions or strong risk factors usually need more regular reviews.
Never wait for a routine check if you have new or worrying symptoms.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

If you would like a health check in Standish, Wigan, you can find out more about our blood test and health check packages or book a private GP appointment to discuss what is right for you.