Private health checks What we found with private health checks

Like our researcher, you might get conflicting information about risk of diseases

When it comes to being reassured about your health, paying from £125 to around £2,000 for a private health check may seem like money well spent. 

But our undercover investigation found that health checks don’t always explain the risks involved and may not offer value for money.

What we did

In April and May 2009 our undercover researchers, aged 46 to 62 with no known health problems, paid 12 visits to six healthcare companies – including BMI Healthcare, Bupa and Nuffield Health. 

They bought comprehensive health checks, not including scans or X-rays, paying an average of £423. We also rang each company to see what information they gave.

We asked an expert panel to analyse our findings: Dr Anne Mackie (Director of Programmes, UK National Screening Committee), Professor Jenny Hewison (Professor of Psychology of Healthcare, University of Leeds) and an NHS GP.

Our health check results

Many tests that our researchers were offered, such as blood tests, are designed for people with symptoms, and using them on healthy people is of no proven benefit. Our GP told us: ‘No MOT can give you a clean bill of health, but it could offer false reassurance.’

Our experts also thought it vital that consumers be told of the downsides of testing healthy people, including raising the need for further tests that may be painful or risky.

In eight of their 12 visits, our researchers – none of whom had a major problem identified – were advised to get further GP tests within six months. 

One researcher was given conflicting information about his risk of heart disease. Although his results were similar, three companies interpreted them differently – that he was at either greater, average or less risk.  

Another was found to have an abnormal urine test result at two of three checks, leaving her confused. Expert Dr Mackie said: ‘Out of 1,000 people who have a urine test, 50 will need further investigation, which can be painful and involve risk, but only one or two will need treatment.’

Not only can results create unnecessary worry, they could also result in higher insurance premiums and even make it difficult to get cover. 

A 65-year-old Which? member said: ‘I now have to declare my gallstones, discovered at my health MOT, despite having no symptoms. Result: £495 for the scan, and higher insurance premiums!’

Poor health MOT practice

Our experts noted examples of poor practice in two out of the three independent healthcare companies we tested. One researcher was expected to undress in front of the doctor rather than behind a screen, while another wasn't offered a chaperone when examined by a doctor.

Our experts also urged companies to look at the way they sell health checks and scans, and said that if you’re not properly informed, a company isn’t doing its job.

The companies all confirmed which tests would be carried out on the day and sent practical information, but none sent written information about the possible downsides of testing. Two out of three independent companies failed to offer any information beforehand. However, all companies offer free support if consumers have worrying results.

When we telephoned the six companies visited by our researchers, posing as a customer, BMI Healthcare and an independent talked about the MOT offering ‘peace of mind’, with the latter saying ‘it’s to make sure that you’re fit and well’. 

Our expert, Professor Jenny Hewison, said: ‘Both risks and benefits should be covered, and companies shouldn’t market ‘peace of mind’.’

We'd like to see consistent regulation of private health check providers across the UK

Which? says

We’re concerned that consumers may be buying tests – particularly scans – with inadequate information about the pros and cons. 

Companies need to be proactive and explicit about the potential downsides when consumers book and ask questions, and they shouldn't offer ‘peace of mind’ or certainty.

We want to see consistency of regulation UK-wide, including Scotland where providers of private health MOTs aren't currently required to register or be inspected or monitored. This should include scrutiny of what companies are telling consumers.