What is a Private Health Check?

A private health check is a structured review of your overall well-being, covering your medical history, lifestyle, blood and urine tests, heart checks, and cancer screening. Its purpose is to prevent problems, detect conditions early, optimise lifestyle, and provide peace of mind. 

Options range from basic (at-home test kits or NHS checks), extensive (large providers offering set packages), or even bespoke assessments as part of ongoing care (concierge GPs). At our practice, Concierge Medical in the Cotswolds, annual health checks with advanced diagnostics are included in your membership, alongside year-round access to your own private GP.

Many people are familiar with seeing a GP when something feels wrong, but fewer realise that it is possible to take a more proactive approach to health. Private health checks are designed to give you a clear picture of your overall wellbeing, highlighting potential risks early and offering the reassurance that comes with knowing where you stand.

Sometimes referred to as a “full body MOT,” a private health check goes far beyond a routine appointment. It combines a detailed review of your medical history and lifestyle with a range of tests tailored to your age and needs. The aim is not simply to spot problems, but to prevent them before they begin.

Private health checks are available through large national providers, independent clinics, and through concierge GP services, where your doctor takes the time to get to know you personally. For busy professionals, frequent travellers, and those who value privacy and continuity, this more personal style of care can be especially valuable.

What Exactly is a Private Health Check?

A private health check is a structured assessment of your overall health. Unlike a routine GP appointment, which usually focuses on a single concern or symptom, a health check looks at the bigger picture. It combines your medical history, lifestyle, and a series of physical examinations and tests to give you a comprehensive overview of your well-being.

The difference lies in both scope and purpose. While a standard GP visit might involve a short consultation and perhaps a single test, aimed at addressing a particular issue, a private health check, by contrast, is designed to be wide-ranging and preventive. It explores areas such as cardiovascular health, blood markers, hormone balance, cancer risk, and overall physical resilience.

Some people may also be eligible for an NHS Health Check, which is available every five years to adults in England aged 40 to 74 who do not already have certain pre-existing conditions. While this is a valuable preventive service, its scope is more limited than a comprehensive private health check (1).

Many people describe a private health check as a “full body MOT,” borrowing the term from the annual car inspection. Just as an MOT highlights potential issues before they cause problems on the road, a health check aims to identify early signs of illness and point towards positive changes that can protect long-term health.

Why Consider a Private Health Check?

The main purpose of a private health check is prevention. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, these assessments are designed to highlight risks early, when they are easier to manage. Spotting potential concerns before they become problems not only improves health outcomes but also helps you feel more in control of your wellbeing.

A private health check also provides peace of mind. Knowing where you stand with your health can lift a weight off your shoulders, especially if you have been feeling uncertain or anxious. Even when results are normal, you gain the reassurance that comes from a clear and professional assessment.

Another benefit is the opportunity to act sooner. If a risk factor or early sign of illness is identified, you can take action (whether through lifestyle changes, medication, or further tests) before the condition develops further. This proactive approach is one of the reasons many people feel a private health check is a worthwhile investment.

Certain groups of people will find particular value in these services. For example, busy professionals often struggle to prioritise their health until something goes wrong, so a scheduled check can help safeguard against neglect. Frequent travellers would benefit from screenings tailored to the demands of international travel and irregular routines, while those with a family history of conditions such as heart disease or diabetes can gain extra reassurance through more targeted assessments.

The Aim of a Private Health Check

In all cases, the goal is the same: to give you a clearer picture of your health today and the tools to protect it for the future. Private health checks are not just about tests and results. Their real value lies in what they are designed to achieve: protecting your health today while supporting your wellbeing for the future.

Spotting Risks Before They Become Problems

A health check is a proactive tool. By assessing lifestyle, family history, and biomarkers, you can identify risks like high cholesterol or elevated blood pressure before they develop into serious conditions. Early intervention enables lifestyle or treatment changes that can stop problems in their tracks.

Identifying Conditions at an Earlier, More Treatable Stage

Some health issues develop quietly, with little early warning. Regular health screenings can detect early signs of disease when they are often far more easily managed or reversed, including hormonal imbalances, pre-diabetes, early-stage cancers, or cardiovascular irregularities. Research supports this approach, with long-term analysis showing that people who attend regular health checks have lower rates of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with those who do not (2).

Helping You Live Well, Maintain Energy, and Optimise Lifestyle

Beyond identifying health risks, checks can help you operate at your best. For people with demanding schedules, such as executives, frequent travellers, or those juggling multiple responsibilities, a health check can offer actionable insights to enhance energy, fitness, stress management, and overall vitality.

Reassurance and Confidence That Your Health Is Under Control

Perhaps the most immediate benefit is reassurance. A thorough screening gives confidence and clarity, especially important in uncertain times, and provides a firm foundation for making informed decisions about your health.

Put simply, a private health check is about more than ticking medical boxes. It’s there to catch risks before they develop, pick up conditions early, and give you practical advice for feeling at your best day to day. Most importantly, it provides peace of mind that your health is being looked after – something busy professionals and families often find difficult to prioritise amid the demands of everyday life.

What Does a Private Health Check Typically Cover?

Although the details vary between providers, most private health checks share a core set of elements designed to give a clear picture of your overall well-being.

• Medical history and lifestyle review: Your doctor will discuss your past health, family history, and lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, alcohol, and smoking.
  
• Physical measurements: These usually include height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage.
  
• Blood and urine tests: A wide range of markers are checked, including cholesterol, glucose, liver and kidney function, thyroid levels, and vitamin deficiencies.
  
• Cardiovascular checks: Blood pressure, resting ECGs, and sometimes exercise ECGs or lung function tests help assess heart and lung health.
  
• Cancer screening: Depending on age and risk factors, tests may include bowel screening, prostate cancer checks, cervical smears, or breast examinations.
  

In addition to these common elements, some providers offer optional extras. These may include genetic testing to assess hereditary risks, hormone profiling to identify imbalances, or stress and resilience assessments to evaluate how your body responds to pressure.

However, it’s worth noting that these options can only be tailored to a certain degree if you choose a large provider offering standardised packages. For those who want their health checks shaped entirely around their needs, a concierge GP service provides a more flexible alternative, where the assessment is part of an ongoing, personal relationship with your doctor.

Can Private Health Checks Be Tailored?

Yes, to an extent. Most providers adapt their health checks based on factors such as age, lifestyle, and family history. For example, a patient in their 50s may be offered bowel cancer screening, while a younger person might focus more on fitness and lifestyle markers. Similarly, if there is a family history of diabetes or heart disease, additional tests may be included.

But while large hospital groups can offer some flexibility, their assessments are still drawn from set packages. The tailoring is usually limited to adding or removing certain tests, rather than designing the assessment entirely around you.

This is where concierge GP services offer something different. For those unfamiliar with the model, a concierge GP is a private doctor you have on membership, rather than someone you see only when you are unwell. You pay a monthly fee, and in return, you get year-round access to your own GP for health checks, urgent appointments, and ongoing support.

At Concierge Medical, annual health checks are included as part of your annual subscriptions with us. These go far beyond routine check-ups, with advanced diagnostics, personalised risk profiling, and continuity of care from doctors who know you well. 

The aim is to identify subtle changes early, whether these are related to cardiovascular health, metabolic function, hormonal balance, or even early signs of cancer, and give you the tools to stay in control of your wellbeing through every stage of life.

Our assessments include:

• A full medical history review and lifestyle assessment
  
• Comprehensive blood testing and key biomarker analysis
  
• Cardiovascular, metabolic, and hormonal health screening
  
• Age-appropriate cancer and chronic disease checks
  
• Optional genetic testing for hereditary risk factors
  
• Personalised recommendations and proactive follow-up
  

Rather than just treating problems, the goal is to prevent them. And because your GP knows you personally, these checks evolve with your circumstances, adapting over time as your health and lifestyle change.

Who Provides Private Health Checks in the UK?

Private health checks are available through a range of providers. Major organisations such as Bupa, Nuffield, and Spire offer structured packages at clinics across the UK. These assessments are widely accessible and usually follow a set format, with results delivered on the day or shortly afterwards.

For those wanting something simpler, there are also at-home or online options. These typically involve ordering a test kit, taking a sample yourself, and sending it to a laboratory. They can be useful for checking specific markers like cholesterol or thyroid levels, though they are less comprehensive than a full health assessment.

Another option is concierge GP services. Instead of paying for one-off checks, you join on a membership basis and have ongoing access to your own dedicated doctor. Annual health checks are included as part of the service, alongside home visits, 24/7 advice, and continuity of care. 

This approach is especially suited to people who value privacy, discretion, and flexibility. Our private practice, Concierge Medical, based in the Cotswolds, is one example of this model, offering tailored health checks and ongoing support across the region.

What Happens at a Private Health Check?

A private health check is designed to be thorough yet straightforward, giving you a clear picture of your overall well-being.

Preparation is simple. You may be advised to avoid alcohol, heavy meals, or strenuous exercise just before your appointment, as these can affect results. It’s also useful to bring details of your medical history, any medications you take, and notes on any specific concerns you’d like to discuss.

During the appointment, you can expect a detailed review of your health. This usually includes:

• A discussion of your medical history and lifestyle
  
• Physical measurements such as height, weight, BMI, and blood pressure
  
• Blood and urine tests to check key markers including cholesterol, blood sugar, and liver and kidney function
  
• Cardiovascular checks, such as an ECG or lung function tests
  
• Age-appropriate cancer screening, depending on your risk profile
  
• In some cases, additional assessments such as hormone testing or genetic screening
  

Who you’ll see depends on the provider. In large clinics, you may meet a doctor, nurse, or health adviser who focuses on lifestyle and fitness. In a concierge practice, you’ll typically see your own GP, who already knows your history and can spend more time discussing your results.

How long it lasts varies. Most assessments take between one and three hours, depending on how comprehensive they are. With concierge services, appointments are often longer and unhurried, allowing for more in-depth discussion.

Results may be available on the day, particularly for measurements and initial tests. More detailed reports, especially blood results, are usually shared within a week or two. In corporate clinics, these often arrive in a written report. In concierge care, your GP will usually go through the findings with you directly and create a personalised plan for maintaining or improving your health.

What Happens After a Private Health Check

The real value of a health check often lies in what happens next. Once the tests and examinations are complete, your results are gathered, reviewed, and shared with you.

If everything looks healthy, you gain reassurance and the confidence that your well-being is on track. Many providers will also give lifestyle advice to help you maintain good health. In concierge care, this is taken further with ongoing preventive support, so your GP helps you build a plan to stay well and reviews your health regularly, not just once a year.

If something is identified, the next steps depend on the provider. With larger organisations, you may receive a written report and be advised to follow up with your GP or a specialist. With concierge services, your doctor explains the results directly, answers questions, and coordinates any referrals needed. At Concierge Medical, for example, members also benefit from a dedicated referrals team who liaise with trusted consultants on your behalf, making the process seamless and less stressful.

Continuity is key. Research has shown that patients who have an ongoing relationship with the same GP tend to experience better health outcomes, including lower hospital admissions and reduced mortality (2). A one-off check provides useful insight, but continuity with a doctor who knows you well can make a lasting difference to your long-term health.

In every case, the aim is the same: to ensure you leave your assessment not just with a report, but with clarity, a plan, and support in place for whatever comes next.

Concierge Medical: A More Personal Approach

While large providers and clinics offer set packages, at Concierge Medical, we take a more personal route. As part of your membership, you benefit from an annual health check that goes far beyond routine screening. These in-depth assessments include advanced diagnostics, biomarker analysis, cardiovascular, metabolic, and hormonal health screening, as well as age-appropriate cancer checks. Optional genetic testing can also be arranged where hereditary risks are a concern.

In addition, your annual subscription provides:

• Direct access to your GP by phone or email
  
• Home and workplace visits, as well as practice-based appointments
  
• A 24/7 advice line for urgent concerns
  
• A dedicated referrals team to liaise with respected consultants when specialist input is required
  
• Continuity of care with a doctor who knows your history and can adapt checks as your needs evolve
  

Continuity is more than a comfort; it has been shown to improve outcomes. Research has found that patients who see the same GP over time experience lower mortality rates and fewer hospital admissions (3). This underlines why having a personal doctor, available whenever you need them, can make such a difference to long-term health.

At Concierge Medical, we provide expert care across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, the Cotswolds, South Cotswolds, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Oxfordshire. Wherever you are within our region, we bring the same level of personal attention and preventive care.

Conclusion

A private health check is ultimately about much more than tests and numbers. It’s about prevention; spotting risks before they develop. It’s about the reassurance of knowing your health has been reviewed thoroughly. And it’s about long-term wellbeing, having the confidence that you’re taking steps to stay well, for yourself and those who rely on you.

There are many ways to arrange a health check, from national providers and at-home kits to NHS options. Each has its place, but concierge GP services like ours stand out for the personal connection we provide. Instead of a one-off report, you will have an ongoing relationship with a doctor who knows you, your lifestyle, and your goals.

For business owners and executives, this means being able to arrange an assessment at home without needing to reschedule meetings. Billable hours needn’t be lost while travelling to and from a city centre clinic. For families, it could be the comfort of knowing a familiar GP is on hand whenever needed. And for those who value privacy, it’s the discretion of being seen in surroundings you choose.

At Concierge Medical, we provide this kind of care across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, the Cotswolds, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Oxfordshire. If you’re considering a private health check and want an approach that is flexible, preventive, and built around you, contact us on 0330 031 4674 or info@conciergemedical.co.uk. Our team will be delighted to help.

References

1. NHS England. NHS Health Check. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/checks-tests-and-scans/nhs-health-check/ (accessed 8 September 2025).
2. McCracken, C., et al. (2024). NHS Health Check attendance is associated with reduced multiorgan disease risk and lower long-term cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. BMC Medicine. Available at: https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-024-03456-2   (accessed 8 September 2025).
3. Pereira Gray, D.J., Sidaway-Lee, K., White, E., Thorne, A., & Evans, P.H. (2018). Continuity of care with doctors – a matter of life and death? BMJ Open, 8(6): e021161. Available at: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/8/6/e021161 (accessed 8 September 2025).

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