Are you due for a health check? Find out now

ARTICLE

1 April 2026

5 min read

Staying on top of your health starts with knowing whether you’re up to date with your regular health checks. Many common conditions can develop quietly without early symptoms, which makes routine checkups a powerful way to protect your long-term wellbeing.

Here are the essential health checks worth having on your radar. If one stands out to you, consider adding it to your next GP visit.

Skin checks

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. According to the Cancer Council, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70.

Routine skin checks help detect changes early, when treatment is most effective. You can:

book a professional skin examination, or
perform a guided self-check at home.

Dental check-ups

Regular dental visits play a key role in maintaining overall wellbeing — not just a healthy smile. Dentists recommend a check‑up and clean every 6 to 12 months to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral issues that can impact long‑term health.

Why routine dental checks matter:

Prevent problems early: Routine cleans reduce plaque and tartar build‑up before they lead to decay or gum disease.
Spot issues sooner: Dentists can detect enamel wear, early cavities, or signs of oral cancer before they become serious.
Support whole‑body health: Good oral health is linked to better overall health, including reduced inflammation and cardiovascular risks.

Blood pressure checks

High blood pressure (hypertension) often has no symptoms but significantly increases your risk of heart attacks, stroke, and kidney failure.

The good news is that a quick blood pressure check during a routine GP visit is an easy, proactive step you can take to protect your heart health. Regular checks help catch changes early, giving you clarity, peace of mind, and the best chance to stay on track with your long-term wellbeing.

Blood tests

Routine blood work can provide key insights into your health, including:

Cholesterol levels – high levels increase your risk of heart attack or stroke
Glucose levels – helps detect diabetes, one of Australia’s fastest-growing chronic diseases
Nutrient deficiencies – particularly iron and vitamin D, which are relatively common.

Ask your GP whether a full blood test is appropriate for you.

Eye tests

Your vision can change gradually over time, and regular eye checks are a simple way to spot changes early and keep your vision clear.

Optometrists generally suggest:

having your vision tested every two years for most adults, or
more frequently if you’re over 60, have diabetes, or have a history of eye conditions

BMI and weight check

Measures like weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference can offer useful insights into your body composition and overall health when considered together.

BMI – calculated using your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared – is one tool commonly used to estimate weight ranges at a population level. Waist circumference is often included alongside BMI, as it provides additional context about how weight is distributed around the body.

A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is often referenced as a healthy range, though results can vary depending on factors such as age, muscle mass, cultural background, pregnancy, and athletic activity.

Check your immunisations are up to date

When you keep your immunisations up to date, you’re helping protect not only your own health, but also the people around you – including family, colleagues, and the wider community.

By staying vaccinated, you help reduce the spread of preventable illness and support those who may be more vulnerable, such as young children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems.

You may be advised to have specific immunisations if you:

Work in healthcare, teaching, emergency services, or other high-exposure industries
Are planning overseas travel
Need routine boosters, such as the annual flu vaccine

Keeping your immunisations current is a simple way to look after yourself while helping protect others.

Cervical screening tests

Routine cervical screening helps detect human papillomavirus (HPV) and early cell changes that may develop into cervical cancer. Detecting these changes early is vital, as treatment is most effective in the early stages.

Current cervical screening guidelines include:

Screening is recommended for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74
The screening method is an HPV test, which replaced the previously used pap test
You can choose between a self-collected sample or a clinician-collected sample - both options are safe and accurate for detecting HPV.
Most people only need a screening every five years, unless a healthcare provider advises otherwise.

If you have any symptoms or concerns, don't wait for your next screening, talk to your doctor straight away.

Breast Screening

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Australian women, and early detection offers the best chance of successful treatment. Routine breast screening — most commonly a mammogram — helps identify changes long before they become noticeable.

To stay proactive about your breast health, there are several screening and self‑check options available:

Self‑checks at home: Becoming familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts can help you notice changes earlier. While not a formal screening tool, self‑checks increase awareness and prompt timely medical review if anything feels different.
Clinical breast checks: Your GP or health professional can check for lumps, skin changes, or other signs that may require follow‑up.
Screening mammogram: The most effective population‑based screening tool for early breast cancer detection are mammograms. They are free every two years through BreastScreen Australia, with invitations routinely sent to women aged 50–74. Women in their 40s can still be eligible to book a free BreastScreen Australia mammogram but are encouraged to speak to their GP’s first to find out if breast screening is suitable for their situation.

Bowel cancer screening

Bowel cancer screening is a common part of healthcare for many Australians, even though it’s not something people often talk about.

If you’re aged 45 to 74, screening is recommended every two years. Depending on your age, you can request an at-home screening kit to be mailed directly to you, so it can be done privately and in your own time. The at‑home test is quick and straightforward, and thousands of Australians complete it every day as part of routine care.

If you have a family history of bowel cancer, speak with your GP about starting earlier or screening more frequently.

Get to know your health and earn AIA Vitality Points

Staying proactive with your health doesn’t just give you clarity — it also earns you AIA Vitality Points. From in-app assessments to face-to-face health checks and preventative screenings, each activity helps you build a clearer picture of your wellbeing while progressing toward a higher AIA Vitality Status and greater rewards. By keeping up with recommended checks, you’re taking meaningful steps to understand and support your long-term health.

Learn more about earning AIA Vitality points by completing your health checks.

Preventative health checks are one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your long-term wellbeing.

Just a few appointments each year can help detect potential issues early, maintain good health, and provide reassurance that you’re on the right track. Looking after your health also supports the people around you — whether it’s family, friends, or anyone who relies on you day-to-day.

So, if it’s been a while, consider making time to book your check‑ups. Taking small steps today can help you stay well for the future.

Staff Writer

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2026 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.

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