Over half of eligible adults miss NHS Health Checks
- Sep 22, 2025
- 2 min read
The NHS Health Check, often called the “mid-life MOT”, is offered to adults aged 40 to 74 without pre-existing conditions. It is designed to assess risks of serious illnesses including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and—after 65—dementia.
But watchdog Healthwatch England has warned that awareness and delivery of the programme are falling short. A new poll revealed that 55% of eligible men and 53% of eligible women have never had the check, with many saying they were never invited. While most who do receive an invitation attend, gaps in communication and reduced funding for public health have left millions missing out.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) responded by noting that more than 75% of the eligible population had been invited for a check over the past five years. Officials also pointed to efforts to expand access, including the development of a digital Health Check that people can complete at home. Broader prevention measures tackling smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular risk form part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, alongside a forthcoming Men’s Health Strategy.
Campaigners argue that every missed check represents a lost opportunity to pick up early warning signs of preventable disease. For Healthwatch, more transparency on invitations and targeted support remain critical to closing the gap.
What’s included in a mid-life MOT?
An NHS Health Check is straightforward and usually takes less than 30 minutes. It may include:
Blood Pressure — measured with a cuff to check the force of blood on artery walls.
Cholesterol and Sugar Levels — a blood test to assess risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Body Mass Index (BMI) — a check of height and weight to gauge overall health.
Lifestyle and Family History — questions about smoking, exercise, alcohol, family medical history, and ethnicity to understand individual risk.
These checks are offered every five years to people aged 40–74 who don’t already have a long-term condition. If you haven’t been invited, you are entitled to ask your GP surgery for one.