Private health checks What your money gets you in a health MOT

Save money on health MOTs by getting necessary tests on the NHS

Many of our researchers’ visits had significant emphasis on lifestyle advice, such as diet and exercise. 

Our experts asked: ‘Are you paying for them to nag you to lose weight and eat more fruit and veg?’

BMI Healthcare, Bupa and Nuffield Health say their own questionnaires show that customers make lifestyle changes. 

But our experts were concerned that there’s a lack of evidence to show that health checks lead to people making lasting and beneficial changes.

Lengthy report

We paid £430 for a 39-page report from Nuffield Health, of which 29 pages were lifestyle assessment, including recommended exercises. 

Our researcher commented: ‘The lifestyle focus is just common sense. I thought it would focus more on medical issues. Everyone knows what they should do about diet and exercise. I don’t think I will change anything.’ 

Our expert said: ‘It’s useful to know your cardio-vascular risk, but an NHS health check programme is being rolled out in England in 2009/10. In other UK countries, ask your GP for checks. However, it’s good that customers get all their results on the day.’

You can save the money you would spend on a private health check by getting advice and necessary tests free of charge.