Health check-up packages: what they are and how clinics abroad price them
A health check-up package is a set of tests done in a single visit for a person who does not feel ill. Clinics sell these as fixed bundles, and each package lists the tests it contains.
What does it involve?
Packages differ mainly in which tests they contain. Common building blocks are:
- Consultation and physical examination — a doctor's interview, blood pressure, height, weight and body measurements.
- Blood and urine tests — for example blood count, cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney and liver tests.
- Heart tests — such as an ECG, sometimes an exercise test or a heart ultrasound.
- Imaging — ultrasound, X-ray, and in larger packages CT or MRI scans.
- Endoscopy — a camera examination of the stomach or bowel, often under sedation.
- Age- and sex-specific tests — such as breast, cervical or prostate checks.
National programs are narrower. The NHS Health Check is a check of heart and blood vessel health for adults aged 40 to 74. MedlinePlus explains that the screening tests a person needs depend on age, sex, family history and risk factors.
How do clinics price it?
This topic does not have price tables on the site yet. Clinics usually publish check-up prices in this unit:
- Per package — one price for a named package with a fixed list of tests.
The package name ("basic", "executive", "premium") does not tell you what is in it. Two packages with the same name at different clinics can contain very different tests. This site compares packages by the tests they list, not by their names.
A package price usually includes the listed tests and a summary meeting with a doctor. Clinics often charge extra for tests added on the day, sedation for endoscopy, contrast for scans, a translated report, follow-up tests if something is found, and travel and accommodation.
Prices are only comparable between packages with similar test lists. A package without imaging or endoscopy is a different product from one that includes them.
What should I ask the clinic before paying?
- Can you have the full list of tests in writing, with the name of each test?
- Which imaging is included, and is it ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI?
- Is sedation for endoscopy included?
- Who explains the results to you? Ask for the doctor's name and specialty (see how to check a doctor).
- In which language is the written report, and do you get copies of all images and lab results?
- What happens, and what does it cost, if a test finds something that needs further checks?
- How long is the quoted price valid, and is it in writing?
What this page does not tell you
This page lists what clinics publish about packages, tests and prices. It does not interpret any test or say which tests you need. Those decisions belong with your own doctor. A Cochrane review looked at trials of general health checks offered to the public; it concluded that systematic offers of health checks are unlikely to be beneficial and may lead to unnecessary tests and treatments. For tests used when cancer is suspected, see cancer diagnostics.