Frequently asked questions about a health check

A health check gives you insight into how your body is really doing. Many people wonder: should I go to my GP for this, is it free, and from what age does it make sense? In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions about health checks — from blood testing to costs and how often testing is recommended. This way, you know exactly what to expect and what options are available to proactively assess your health.

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Is it possible to do a health check with my GP?

Many people wonder whether they can simply go to their GP for a health check. In most cases, the GP mainly focuses on the symptoms you report yourself. A kind of standard “MOT for your body” is not part of routine care, unless there is a medical reason for it. If you would still like a general health check, you can discuss this with your GP and explore which tests may be possible.

This often involves measurements such as blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar levels. If you would like a more comprehensive assessment without specific symptoms, there are also specialised clinics that offer preventive testing. These clinics take a broader view and often provide a complete overview of your health. This allows you to identify early warning signs and actively work on your vitality and lifestyle.

Is a health check free of charge?

Whether a health check is free depends on the situation. If you visit your GP with symptoms or an increased health risk, tests are often covered by basic health insurance. Preventive health checks, where you assess your health without specific complaints, are usually not covered. In those cases, the costs are paid out of pocket. There are exceptions: some municipalities organise free health checks for residents, and employers may offer vitality programmes that include health assessments. Health insurers may also provide additional options through supplementary insurance packages.

It is therefore worthwhile to check what you are entitled to. This way, you immediately know whether a health check will be reimbursed for you or whether you will need to cover the costs yourself. Most importantly, you do not have to wait until symptoms appear to gain insight into your health.

Do you automatically get a health check when I turn 40?

In the Netherlands, there is no automatic health check that you receive at the age of 40. There are population screening programmes, but these usually start later in life, such as bowel cancer screening from the age of 55. That said, 40 is a good moment to consciously reflect on your health. Risk factors such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol often develop without noticeable symptoms. Precisely because you may not feel anything in daily life, a health check can be valuable.

It helps you gain insight into your current health status and make timely changes where needed. This may include adjustments to nutrition, physical activity or stress management. By doing so, you build a healthy foundation for the future at a relatively early stage. A health check at 40 is therefore not an obligation, but a smart investment in yourself.

Can I have all my blood tests done through my GP?

Many people assume that their GP can test their blood for everything. In reality, blood tests are almost always targeted: they focus on values that are relevant based on your symptoms or medical history. A complete “all-in-one” blood test does not exist, simply because there are hundreds of different markers that could be measured. What is possible, however, are more extensive blood tests that provide insight into key areas such as cholesterol, blood sugar, vitamins, minerals and hormones.

At the GP, this is usually done in a targeted way, unless there is a clear medical indication. If you want a truly broad overview, you can turn to specialised clinics that offer comprehensive blood test panels. This gives you a clear picture of how your body is functioning, even if you currently feel healthy.

How can I test my overall health?

You can test your overall health in several ways. Your GP can carry out basic checks such as blood pressure, weight and sometimes blood tests. If you want more detailed insight, there are health checks available through pharmacies, clinics or via home testing kits. The advantage of a comprehensive health check is that it looks at the body as a whole rather than at isolated measurements. This means that not only cardiovascular markers are assessed, but often also liver and kidney function, hormonal balance and key nutrients.

This provides a complete overview of your current physical health. With this information, you can then make informed choices to improve your lifestyle. A health check is therefore not only intended for people with symptoms, but also for those who want to take a proactive, preventive approach to their health.

What does a health check cost?

A health check is a low-threshold, accessible way to gain insight into your health.

It is important to note that such a check is usually limited to a number of core markers. For a more complete overview of your health, including extensive blood testing and additional measurements, it is better to consult a clinic that focuses on preventive healthcare.

How often should you have a health check?

The frequency of a health check largely depends on your age, lifestyle and medical history. If you are young, healthy and have no symptoms, having a check every few years may be sufficient. From your 40s or 50s onwards, it can be sensible to have checks more regularly, for example annually or every two years — especially if you have risk factors such as excess weight, high stress levels, smoking, or a family history of cardiovascular disease. Regular health checks help identify potential issues at an early stage, often before you notice any symptoms yourself. This allows you to take timely action and prevent problems from becoming more serious. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a rhythm that suits your personal situation and gives you reassurance about your health.

From what age should you have a health check?

In the Netherlands, there is no fixed age at which everyone automatically receives a health check. There are population screening programmes that start at certain ages, such as cervical cancer screening from the age of 30 or bowel cancer screening from 55 onwards. For a general health check, responsibility lies with the individual. Many people choose to have their first comprehensive health check around the age of 40 or 50, as the likelihood of “silent” risk factors such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol increases at that stage. Starting earlier is, of course, also possible — especially if you are curious about your health or want to take a preventive approach. A health check can be valuable at any age, as it helps you live more consciously and healthily. Ultimately, it is about investing in your long-term wellbeing.

What is done during a health check?

The content of a health check depends on the type of check you choose. It often starts with a conversation about your lifestyle, medical history and any symptoms. This is followed by measurements such as blood pressure, heart rate, weight and BMI. More comprehensive checks may also include blood tests, sometimes supplemented with heart tracings (ECG), lung function tests or hormone analyses. The aim of a health check is to build a broad picture of how your body is functioning. Afterwards, you usually receive a report with the results and personalised advice. This gives you practical guidance on where improvements can be made. A health check is therefore more than just taking measurements, it is also a starting point for making conscious, informed choices about your health.

How can I test my overall health?

If you want to have your health tested, there are several options available. Your GP is often the first step if you have symptoms or concerns. For preventive checks without specific complaints, you can turn to pharmacies, specialised clinics or home testing kits. The most important thing is to choose what suits you best: a quick basic check for reassurance, or a comprehensive health check for more in-depth insight. The advantage of a health check is that it helps you take control of your health, even if you currently feel well. By measuring, you gain clarity on where you stand and can make informed choices. After all, prevention is better than cure, and a health check can help you take that proactive step.