Prevention is better than cure – here are the NHS check-ups designed to keep you health
Not every appointment at the GP is about treating illness. Many are about keeping you well and spotting problems early – even if you feel fine. These are often called “check-ups”.
Depending on your age, medicines, or health needs, you may be invited for different types of reviews.
These appointments are important. They help prevent problems, keep long-term conditions under control, and make sure your treatment is right for you.
Routine NHS Check-Ups at a Glance
| Check-up | Who is it for? | How often? | How you’ll be invited | Why it’s important |
| NHS Health Check | Adults aged 40–74 without a long-term health problem | Every 5 years | Letter, text, or phone call from your GP practice | Spots problems like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, kidney disease, and dementia early |
| Annual review for long-term conditions | People with asthma, diabetes, COPD, heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure | Every year (sometimes more often) | GP or nurse will contact you by letter, text, or phone | Keeps your condition under control and updates treatment if needed |
| Medication review | Anyone taking regular or several medicines | Usually every year | Invite from your GP, practice or PCN pharmacist | Checks your medicines are safe and still right for you |
| Annual health check for people with learning disabilities | Anyone aged 14+ on the GP Learning Disability Register | Every year | Letter, text, or phone call from your GP practice | Helps find health problems early and gives the right support |
| Child health reviews | Babies and young children under 5 | At 6–8 weeks, 1 year, and 2–2.5 years | Arranged by your health visitor or GP practice | Tracks growth and development and gives support if needed |
More about each check-up
NHS Health Check
If you are aged 40–74 and don’t have a long-term condition, you will be invited for a free NHS Health Check every five years. It looks at your blood pressure, weight, lifestyle, and may include a blood test. From age 65, dementia risk is also checked. The aim is to find health risks early so you can make changes before problems develop.
Annual Reviews for Long-Term Conditions
If you have a long-term condition such as asthma, diabetes, COPD, heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, you will be invited for a yearly review. These appointments check how well your condition is managed. They may include tests such as blood tests or breathing checks, and make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Medication Reviews
If you take regular or several medicines, you will usually be invited for a review once a year. This may be with a GP, nurse, or pharmacist. The aim is to check your medicines are working, avoid side effects, and make changes if needed.
Annual Health Checks for People with Learning Disabilities
Anyone aged 14 or over who is on the GP Learning Disability Register can have a free yearly health check. This covers physical health, such as weight and blood pressure, and mental health and wellbeing. It helps find problems early and makes sure the right support is in place.
Child Health Reviews
Young children are offered health reviews at certain ages: around 6–8 weeks, 1 year, and 2–2.5 years. These are arranged by your health visitor or GP. They check growth, development, hearing, and vision, and give support if needed.
Why not everyone is invited
Not all check-ups are offered to everyone. The NHS tailors them to give the right care to the right people. For example:
- People over 40 without long-term conditions are invited for an NHS Health Check every 5 years.
- People with long-term conditions have more detailed yearly reviews instead.
- Children and people with learning disabilities have check-ups designed for their needs.
- Medication reviews are for people who take regular medicines.
This way, everyone gets the care that is most useful for them.
Take up your invitation
If you get a letter, text, or phone call inviting you for a check-up, it’s a good idea to book and attend. Even if you feel well, these routine appointments can help prevent illness and keep you healthy.