How often should I have a general health check?

For most healthy adults, every one to three years is typical, moving to yearly as you get older or if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a strong family history. Local programmes differ — Singapore's Screen for Life, the NHS Health Check, and the US annual wellness visit each have their own schedules. Ask your doctor what interval fits your age and risks rather than defaulting to annually.

Do I need to fast before an annual health check?

Only if your check includes fasting tests — traditionally fasting glucose and sometimes lipids. Many labs now accept non-fasting cholesterol tests and use HbA1c instead of fasting glucose, so fasting is often unnecessary. Check the instructions when you book. If you are asked to fast, water is allowed, and take your usual medications unless told otherwise — clarify beforehand rather than skipping them.

What screening tests should I ask about at my age?

Screening is age- and risk-triggered: cervical screening typically starts in the 20s, mammograms and bowel screening around 45-50, and cardiovascular risk scoring from around 40. Family history can move these earlier. Rather than memorising schedules, ask directly: 'Given my age, sex, and family history, what screening am I due for, and what is coming in the next five years?'

Should I get a full body scan or executive screening package?

Extensive untargeted screening packages often include tests with weak evidence for healthy people, and incidental findings can trigger anxiety and further invasive tests without improving health outcomes. Evidence-based screening targeted to your age and risks generally serves you better. If you are considering a package, ask your doctor which components are actually recommended for someone with your profile — and which are marketing.

What to Ask Your GP at Your Annual Health Check (7 Essential Questions)

Quick answer: Bring a list of your medications and supplements, know your family history, and arrive with three questions written down. An annual health check is one of the few appointments where nothing is “wrong” yet — which makes it the best opportunity all year to ask about screening you are due, numbers you should be tracking, and risks you can still change. Use it deliberately, not passively.

Most people leave their annual health check having answered questions rather than asked them. That is a wasted opportunity: this is the one visit built around prevention, when your doctor has your latest blood results in front of them and time set aside to look at the whole picture. The difference between a routine check and a genuinely useful one is almost entirely in what you ask.

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The Questions Worth Asking

Ask	Why it matters
Which of my results changed since last year?	Trends catch problems earlier than single values — a creeping glucose or blood pressure matters even while still ‘normal’
What screening am I due for at my age?	Cervical, breast, bowel, and other screening windows are easy to miss; your check is the natural reminder point
What is my cardiovascular risk score?	Blood pressure, cholesterol, age, and smoking combine into one number that guides prevention decisions
Is my vaccination record up to date?	Flu, tetanus boosters, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines have age triggers most people never hear about
What is the one change with the biggest payoff for me?	Forces a personalised priority instead of generic advice

What to Bring

Medication and supplement list: everything, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements
Family history updates: new diagnoses in parents or siblings since last year change your screening needs
Home readings if you have them: blood pressure or glucose logs turn one clinic reading into a real picture — a home blood pressure monitor makes this easy
Your questions, written down: a appointment notebook keeps results, questions, and answers in one place year to year

Make the Numbers Work for You

Ask for your actual values, not just “all fine”: blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose or HbA1c, and weight trend. Write them down or request a printed or emailed copy. Comparing your own numbers year to year is exactly how the earliest signs of prediabetes or rising pressure get caught. Our reference chart explains what each test covers so you can follow the conversation.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Which of my results would you want to see again in 6 or 12 months?
Given my family history, is there screening I should start earlier than standard?
Are any of my medications worth reviewing or stopping?
What symptoms should prompt me to come back before next year?

Regional Notes

Singapore: Subsidised health screening is available through Healthier SG and Screen for Life at CHAS GPs and polyclinics.

Australia: Medicare funds a heart health check and age-based health assessments through your GP.

United States: Most insurers and Medicare cover an annual wellness visit; preventive screenings are typically covered without copay.

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Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and preparation purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.