Health checks by age

Regular health checks can help you stay fit and well, while identifying any early warning signs of common health conditions. To help you know what to book yourself in for, here are some health checks to consider as recommended by Healthdirect Australia.

What checks do I need and when?

Looking after your health is all about being proactive rather than waiting for any bigger issues to develop. Picking up things like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and many cancers in their early stages can make all the difference in getting the treatment you need, and improving your health outcomes.

Of course, your doctor may recommend even more checks if you have a particular health concern or family history. So make sure the first thing you tick off is a chat with your GP!  

In your 20s and 30s

General health check-up Even if you’re feeling well, a regular check-in with your GP is valuable. It’s a chance to look at your overall wellbeing, including diet, activity, and sleep, and your doctor can help sort out any little niggles before they become bigger issues.

Mental health check-in If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just not quite yourself, your GP is a great first port of call. They can do a mental health assessment, help you explore options, or put together a treatment plan.

Conception and reproductive health Whether you’re thinking about starting a family or planning to wait, it makes sense to chat with your GP about your reproductive health. They can cover pre-conception advice (or discuss contraception options) and guide you on managing conditions that might affect fertility.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) check Most STIs are treatable, but if left alone, they can lead to serious health problems like infertility. Getting an early diagnosis is key for quick treatment and preventing spread. How often you get checked depends on your sexual activity, and you can get tested through your GP or a sexual health clinic.

Testes examination Testicular cancer is most often diagnosed in men around 36 years old, and if found early, the cure rate is very high. It’s worth doing a quick self-check monthly to know what’s normal; if you notice any changes or pain, see your GP as soon as possible.

Eye test Even if you don’t wear glasses, regular tests are super important. Tricky issues like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy can sometimes start quietly, without you even noticing any symptoms. It’s best to catch these issues early. Plus, regular eye checks (and maybe some stylish prescription sunnies!) ensure your peepers are properly protected – especially under Australia’s harsh UV conditions.

Dental check-up Regular dental check-ups can spot issues like cavities or gum disease early on, preventing them from turning into bigger problems. Your dentist can also help you tackle habits such as teeth grinding or the effects of smoking, ensuring your oral health stays strong.

Cervical screening From the time you turn 25, popping in for a cervical screening every 5 years is a good idea. It’ll help detect human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which are the main cause of cervical cancer. Finding any changes early means you can get the right care straight away.

Skin cancer check This stage in life can often mean plenty of fun in the sun. So regular skin checks are a must to help spot early signs of skin cancer. Make sure you’re keeping an eye for any new or changing moles yourself, and if anything looks odd, chat to your GP.

Flu vaccine Getting your annual flu vaccine is a quick and easy way to do your bit for your health, and for those around you too! It helps protect not only yourself from what can be a nasty illness but also safeguards more vulnerable folks like kids and the elderly.

 

In your 40s

Dental check-up A regular trip to the dentist can help keep your teeth and gums in tip top shape and prevent (often more costly) treatment down the track. Our Extras cover gives you up to 2 no-gap preventative dental check-ups every year at Health Centres and dental providers in our network, including x-rays, clean and polish, and a fluoride treatment*.

Blood pressure check Although you can still feel totally well when you have high blood pressure, it can put you at higher risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke, so it’s a good test to tick off regularly. Recommended at least every 2 years, you can check your blood pressure by visiting your GP (and if your doctor bulk bills, it's free for Medicare card holders). Many pharmacists also offer blood pressure checks too. High blood pressure is also common in people with diabetes, who should get it checked regularly. If you need to keep a closer eye on things, blood pressure monitors are included* in our Top Extras cover.

Eye test Having an eye test every 2 years will not only ensure you’ve got the right specs to read those pesky food labels, but check for serious problems like macular degeneration and glaucoma. It’s bulk billed at our Health Centres and optical providers, where you can get some stylish prescription specs on your Extras cover while you’re at it*.

Heart disease risk assessment To see if you’re at risk for heart disease, this one’s recommended every 2 years. Your doctor can check things like your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and lifestyle (including whether you smoke). Check with your doctor if it will be bulk billed.

Blood glucose test This should be done every 3 years to check for diabetes. It’s often bulk billed but check with your GP first. It’s important not to wait until you have symptoms, as this mightn’t happen until your glucose is quite high. If you do have diabetes and your doctor recommends monitoring your blood sugar levels yourself, our Top Extras covers you for a blood glucose monitor*. To see if you may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, you can also use the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool.

Cholesterol test It’s good to check your cholesterol every 5 years, as it can show if you have a higher risk of heart disease or stroke. If you have other risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes, you might need to be tested more often. Again, check if it’s bulk billed.

Cervical screening Proven to protect women from cervical cancer, this test should be done every 5 years. If your doctor bulk bills, it should be free for Medicare card holders (double tick!).

Skin cancer check For us sun-loving Aussies, this is one to do regularly. As well as checking your skin yourself and knowing what to look for, your doctor or a skin specialist can do a more thorough check. You may be able to claim for this on Medicare, but ask how much is covered. In addition, the Healthy Lifestyle benefit that’s part of our Extras cover can go towards screenings like mole mapping, which can help to detect skin cancers early.

Mammograms A lot of people don’t realise you can start getting free mammograms from the age of 40 — you don’t have to wait until 50 when the government starts sending out invitations. BreastScreen Australia offers free breast checks every two years for anyone aged 40 and over. If you have a family history or other risk factors, it’s a good idea to start earlier. The test only takes about 20 minutes, and you don’t need a referral — you can just book in yourself.

Bowel cancer screening While the government usually starts sending out free bowel cancer screening kits when you turn 50, you can actually request your first free test from age 45. Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers, but if it’s found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated. It’s a simple, at-home test that checks for tiny traces of blood in your poo, which could be an early sign something’s up.

 

See Healthdirect’s recommendations on managing your health in your 40s.

 

In your 50s

All the above health checks apply, plus:

Mammogram As well as checking your breasts yourself regularly, you should book in for a mammogram every 2 years. (Your doctor may organise more checks if you’re at higher risk.) If you’re between 50 and 74, you’ll get a letter from BreastScreen inviting you to be screened for free. (If your mammogram isn’t covered by Medicare, the Healthy Lifestyle benefit that’s part of our Extras cover may help to cover the cost.)

Bowel cancer test The experts say you should test for bowel cancer every 2 years, even if you have no symptoms or family history. If you’re between 50 and 74, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program will send you a free test every 2 years. (If you need a bowel cancer test that’s not covered by Medicare, our Healthy Lifestyle benefit may help with the cost.) Don’t be shy, this test saves lives!

Osteoporosis risk assessment Being prone to osteoporosis puts you at risk of fractures, so your doctor may regularly check your bone health every year as you get older. Your bone density can be measured with a simple scan that takes around 15 minutes – there’s a Medicare benefit  in certain cases or you may be able to claim under our Healthy Lifestyle benefit*.

 

See Healthdirect’s recommendations on managing your health in your 50s.

 

In your 60s

All the above health checks apply, plus:

Flu vax and other shots An annual flu jab is especially important as you get older. Once you’re 65 it’s free under the National Immunisation Program. To be ready for flu season, a good time to get your shot is in April or May. Keep in mind you may need to wait a few weeks between different types of vaccinations – including the COVID-19 vaccination – so check with your doctor. You may also want to get a shot to protect yourself against shingles. It’s also recommended that people 65 and over get a combination diphtheria shot if your last vax was over 10 years ago. Find out more about vaccinations for seniors.

Hearing test From catching up with friends and family to putting your feet up in front of your favourite show, hearing well helps you enjoy life to the full. Having a regular hearing test can help to identify any issues early and prevent other problems. Our Top Extras covers hearing aids and audiology consultations*.  

Fall assessment If you’re over 65, your doctor may check your risk of falls, which can become a concern as we get older. There are lots of ways to prevent falls including exercises to help you feel more confident on your feet, walking aids, improving things around your home and checking your meds aren’t making you unsteady.

 

See Healthdirect’s recommendations on managing your health in your 60s.

 

70s and over

All the above health checks apply, plus:

Additional shots The shingles vax is free if you’re between 70 and 79 under the National Immunisation Program. The pneumococcal vax is another one recommended if you’re 70 or over. See more on vaccinations for seniors.

Hearing and eye tests Now’s the time you might want to up your hearing tests to yearly. Remember, our Top Extras covers hearing aids and audiology consultations*. You may also want to have your eyes checked more often (as recommended by your GP). Remember, it’s bulk billed at our Health Centres and optical providers.

Kidney disease assessment When those two hardworking kidneys are so important, you’ll want to tick this one off every 1-2 years if you’re at high risk of kidney disease. After all, early treatment can help prevent things like heart disease, high blood pressure and even kidney failure. Your GP may ask you some questions, check your blood pressure and do a urine test, if they bulk bill, it should be free for Medicare card holders.

Diabetes Your doctor may check for diabetes every year if you’re at increased risk. This includes a blood test to check your glucose level, which is often bulk billed (but check first). If you do need to monitor your blood sugar, our Top Extras covers you for a blood glucose monitor*. To check your risk of type 2 diabetes, you can also use the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool.

Stroke risk assessment As more than 4 in 5 strokes are preventable, you may also want to talk to your GP about a stroke risk assessment. This is something you should be checked for yearly if you’re at high risk.

Skin cancer checks If you’re at high risk for skin cancer, you should have a complete skin check every 6 to 12 months if you’re in this age group.

Cholesterol check The experts recommend that you up your cholesterol checks to every 1 to 2 years if you’re at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dementia screening This is another check that your doctor may suggest now if you’re high risk or have any symptoms, as early diagnosis can help people get support quickly or in some cases identify a treatable condition.

 

See Healthdirect’s recommendations on managing your health in your 70s and older.

 

To help you be proactive about your health, see what’s covered by our Top Extras, Mid Extras, Basic Extras and StarterPak (Basic Plus) or read more about our Healthy Lifestyle benefit. You can also book an eye test or dental check at one of our Health Centres or find a provider near you.

 

 

* Subject to your level of cover and remaining limits. Other eligibility criteria may apply.