Aged 40 to 74? A Free NHS Health Check Could Help You Stay Healthier for Longer

Advice and Information - 14 August 2026

We often don’t think about our health until something feels wrong. But conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can develop without obvious symptoms.

That’s why, if you’re aged between 40 and 74, it’s worth taking advantage of your free NHS Health Check.

The NHS Health Check is designed to spot potential health risks early and give you practical, personalised advice to help you stay well. It usually only takes around 20 to 30 minutes – a small amount of time that could make an important difference to your future health.

What is an NHS Health Check?

An NHS Health Check is a free check-up available to eligible adults in England aged 40 to 74.

Its purpose is to assess your risk of developing a number of conditions, including:

  • heart disease
  • stroke
  • kidney disease
  • type 2 diabetes
  • dementia

As we get older, our risk of developing some of these conditions increases. The good news is that there are often changes we can make to reduce that risk.

An NHS Health Check can help identify where action may be beneficial before a health problem becomes more serious.

What happens during the check?

There’s no need to feel nervous about attending. The health check is straightforward and normally takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

You’ll be asked some simple questions about your health and lifestyle, such as your family medical history and any medication you are taking.

The healthcare professional will also take some measurements and carry out basic health tests. These can include:

  • measuring your height and weight
  • checking your blood pressure
  • taking a small blood sample
  • checking your cholesterol and blood sugar levels

These results help build a picture of your current health and your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other health conditions in the future.

What are the benefits?

One of the biggest benefits of an NHS Health Check is the opportunity to identify potential problems before you notice symptoms.

For example, you might discover that your blood pressure or cholesterol is higher than recommended. Knowing this gives you the opportunity to do something about it.

At the end of your check, a healthcare professional will talk you through your results and provide advice based on your individual circumstances.

This could include simple changes such as becoming more physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking or reducing your alcohol consumption.

If you would like additional help, you may also be referred to local services that can support you to make healthy lifestyle changes.

And if any of your results need further investigation, you can be referred to your GP for follow-up.

The aim isn’t simply to tell you a set of numbers – it’s to give you useful information about your health and help you make informed choices that could reduce your risk of serious illness.

Who can have a free NHS Health Check?

NHS Health Checks are generally offered once every five years to eligible people aged 40 to 74.

They are aimed at people who do not already have certain pre-existing health conditions. If you already have a condition such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or high blood pressure, for example, you should already be receiving appropriate monitoring and care through NHS services.

If you’re unsure whether you are eligible, your GP practice or NHS Health Check provider can advise you.

How can I get an NHS Health Check in North Northamptonshire?

If you live in North Northamptonshire and are eligible, you would normally expect to receive an invitation from your GP for a free NHS Health Check every five years.

However, you don’t need to wait for an invitation if you think you are due a check. You can contact your GP practice and ask whether you are eligible.

NHS Health Checks are also available through trusted community providers across North Northamptonshire, making it easier for residents to access a check outside their GP practice.

You can find the latest information about eligibility, community providers and how to access your free check on the North Northamptonshire Council website:

Find out more and get your free NHS Health Check:
https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/keeping-healthy/free-nhs-health-checks

Give your future health 30 minutes

It’s easy to put a health check off, particularly when you feel perfectly well.

But that’s exactly why preventative checks can be so valuable. Finding out about a potential risk early gives you more opportunity to make changes and protect your health for the years ahead.

So, if you’re aged 40 to 74 and live in North Northamptonshire, find out whether you’re due your free NHS Health Check.

Twenty or thirty minutes today could help you enjoy a healthier future.

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