the complete guide to

Private Health Screens

Our goal at skreen it to help make finding, comparing & booking private health check ups in the UK incredibly easy.

We started skreen because we found the private health assessment world complex to navigate – hard to compare, full of medical jargon & lots of packages & prices. And so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to private health screens to help you on your journey to getting the health screen services that are right for you.

What is a private health check up?

A private health check up is a proactive assessment that gives you a detailed picture of your current health.

Private health check ups come in lots of different shapes and sizes, but the goal is usually the same: to undertake a thorough assessment of various parts of your health and to give you overall peace of mind about your health and well-being.

With more people taking a proactive approach and wanting to stay ahead of their health a, private health assessments are becoming a popular way to improve wellbeing and

What do they include?

Depending on the package, a private medical exam or health screen may include blood tests, heart and lung checks, scans, urine analysis, and lifestyle assessments like sleep, stress, and diet.

Who are they for?

Anyone can benefit but especially those over 40 or those serious a health goal, concerned about symptoms, or with a family history of medical conditions.

Where do they take place?

Most private health screens take place in a clinic or private health centre where you will be guided through the tests and exams by nurses and/or doctors.

How long does one take?

Most appointments last 30 minutes to 2 hours, but some very thorough check ups can take a full day. Results are often available within a few days, sometimes with a follow-up consultation included.

Did you know?

Here’s some facts and statistics about private health checks ups that you might not know.

80%

of people aged over 18 have made the decision to improve their lifestyle according to a Public Health England survey.

41%

of adults in England had at least one longstanding illness or condition according to the NHS Health Survey.

over 60%

of those included in skreen’s user research intended to book a private health screen in the next 12 months.

3 in 10

adults in England with high blood pressure go undiagnosed – approximately 4.2m people according to the ONS.

What is the typical private health screen journey?

If you’re interested in booking a private health check up, blow is everything you need to know about finding, booking and attending your appointment.

Searching for a Private Health Check-Up

You begin by researching private health check ups based on your concern or need. You can compare tests, providers, locations, prices, and reviews to make an informed decision and choose the best private health check up for you.

Choosing the Right Tests and Provider

After narrowing options, you select a check up package that fits your needs, ensuring it contains all the tests you feel you want or need, and prioritise choosing a trusted provider with convenient availability.

Booking the Appointment

Once a provider and test are selected, you book an appointment. The skreen platform makes it super easy to book in just a few clicks and your clinic may follow up to confirm the appointment. Many clinics offer flexible slots & times to suit busy schedules.

Preparing for the Health Assessment

Depending on the tests the check up includes, you may need to follow certain instructions to get ready – e.g. fasting (not eating) for a certain period before your appointment. Your provider will share these instructions with you after booking.

Attending the Health Screen

Now it’s time to attend the screening at the clinic or test centre, at the date and time chosen. You may see a mixture of nurses & doctors and the appointment could involve blood tests, scans, physical exams & more depending on the chosen package.

Receiving and Reviewing Results

Immediately available results may be shared during the appointment, but other test results such as blood tests will be shared via email or secure portal afterwards. Many providers include a detailed report, recommendations & next steps if needed.

What can private health & wellness
assessments check for?

Depending on the private health screening package you decide on, it may include a number of different tests. This can depend on your age, risk factors and the cost of the private health assessment you choose. These are some of the issues a health screen may look for:

High cholesterol
Diabetes or prediabetes
Liver dysfunction
Kidney dysfunction
Thyroid disorders
Anaemia
Vitamin/mineral deficiencies
Inflammation markers
Prostate issues
Hormonal imbalances
Autoimmune diseases
High blood pressure
Asthma

Heart disease
Arrhythmias
Structural heart problems
Stroke risk
Bowel cancer
Prostate cancer
Breast cancer
Cervical cancer
Skin cancer
Lung cancer
Ovarian cancer
Testicular cancer
COPD

Osteoporosis or osteopenia
Joint degeneration (e.g., osteoarthritis)
Urinary issues
Digestive problems
Gallbladder disease
Sleep apnoea
Vision loss or eye disease
Hearing loss
Skin conditions
Cognitive decline or early dementia indicators

Private Health Check Up FAQs

What are reasons for booking a private health check up?

Our customers book private health check ups through skreen for a variety of reasons. Some want peace of mind about their general health, others have specific concerns like heart health, fatigue, or unexplained symptoms. Private health screens are also popular among those with a family history of illness or people preparing for events like marathons or an Iron Man.

Unlike reactive NHS care, private check-ups are often used proactively with thee goal of catching problems early or to support lifestyle changes around stress, tiredness or weight loss. You don’t need a referral for a private health screen, and you can choose the tests that matter to you, from blood tests to full-body scans.

Will my insurance pay for a private health check up?

It depends on your health insurance policy. Many standard UK policies do not cover routine private health screenings, as they’re seen as preventive rather than medically necessary. However, some higher tier plans or corporate health benefits may include cover for annual health assessments or specific tests.

It’s worth checking your policy details or contacting your insurer directly. Most people booking private health checks are not covered by insurance and choose to pay privately for check ups to avoid waiting, get peace of mind, or take a more proactive approach to managing their health and performance.

What’s the difference between a NHS check up and a private health screen?

The NHS offers limited health checks, usually starting at age 40 and based on certain risk factors. These are valuable but only cover the basics and the average appointment time is 20-30 minutes. In contrast, private health screens are more comprehensive, customisable, and widely available regardless of age. You can choose exactly what you want tested—from cholesterol and liver function to heart scans or cancer markers.

Private screenings are also faster, with shorter wait times, more in-depth results, and flexible booking, and typically you will be able to spend more time with a doctor to ask questions and discuss next steps. Many people use them alongside NHS care to stay ahead of their health and catch issues before symptoms appear.

Are private health screens worth it?

For many people, yes. A private health screen can offer valuable peace of mind, catch early signs of illness, and support lifestyle goals like weight loss or improved fitness. The results can help you make better decisions about diet, exercise, and treatment options before small issues become big ones.

They’re especially worthwhile if you have a family history of illness, are over 40, or younger if you’re particularly active and taking part in events like an Iron Man, Marathon or HYROX. Private health check ups are not a replacement for NHS care, but they can fill gaps, reduce worry, and remove any worries you may have about your health.

How often should you get a private health assessment?

It depends on your age, lifestyle, and medical history. Most people benefit from a general health screen once a year, especially if they’re over 40 or managing specific health goals. Younger, healthy individuals might choose to screen every 2–3 years, unless they have concerns or a family history of illness.

Athletes or people with chronic conditions may benefit from more regular health screens. If you’re making big lifestyle changes like starting a new fitness plan it’s also a good time to get a baseline. A medical professional can help you decide the right frequency for your needs.

How much does a private health screen cost?

Private health screen costs vary depending on the depth of the check up, the tests included and the provider. Basic packages (e.g. blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI) can start around £200. More detailed assessments that include blood tests, scans, physical exams and GP consultations range from £300 to over £1,000. Premium packages, like full-body MRI scans or advanced cardiac testing, may cost thousands.

Many providers offer tiered options based on your needs and budget. While it’s an investment, many people find the cost worthwhile for early detection, peace of mind, and the ability to take proactive steps toward better health.

Do private health check ups detect cancer?

Some private health check ups can detect early signs of certain cancers – but not all. Basic packages might include blood tests that flag abnormal markers, and more advanced screens can include scans like mammograms, prostate checks, or full-body MRIs along with a fuller range of blood tests.

While no screening can guarantee a cancer detection, private health screens may detect warning signs before symptoms appear, giving you a better chance of early treatment. If you have a family history or specific concern, many providers offer add-ons tailored to those risks.

What our research tells us

We carry out lots of customer research at skreen, helping us to understand what customers are looking for when it comes to private health check ups & preventative health solutions.

“I was primarily looking for a female health focused health check up. I’d been feeling very tired and so wanted to do a general check up but also get advice from a GP and do blood tests that would look for hormone imbalances and vitamin deficiencies.”

Sarah, 57, Bristol

“I’m a keen cyclist, and was training for a 5 day cycle across France. I’d seen someone had collapsed at the recent London Marathon and just wanted the peace of mind from a private health screen (that also included some thorough cardiac screening) before I set off on my trip.”

Dominic, 49, Ascot

“I had spoken to my NHS GP about getting a health check up, but the waiting list was extensive and I also wanted to have more time to speak with a GP as an NHS health check is usually only about 20 minutes. There were also some cancer screens I wanted to do due to family history that the NHS check wouldn’t include.”

Charles, 62, Fulham

the complete guide to

Private Health Screens

What is a private health check up?

What do they include?

Who are they for?

Where do they take place?

How long does one take?

Did you know?

80%

41%

over 60%

3 in 10

What is the typical private health screen journey?

Searching for a Private Health Check-Up

Choosing the Right Tests and Provider

Booking the Appointment

Preparing for the Health Assessment

Attending the Health Screen

Receiving and Reviewing Results

What can private health & wellness
assessments check for?

Private Health Check Up FAQs

What our research tells us

Related Content

Downsides & Risks: Is There Such Thing As Too Much Health Screening?

Do You Need a Gut Health or Microbiome Test in Your Full Health Screen?

How Health Screenings Assess Your Risk of Heart Disease

Compare Health Screens by Location

the complete guide to

Private Health Screens

What is a private health check up?

What do they include?

Who are they for?

Where do they take place?

How long does one take?

Did you know?

80%

41%

over 60%

3 in 10

What is the typical private health screen journey?

Searching for a Private Health Check-Up

Choosing the Right Tests and Provider

Booking the Appointment

Preparing for the Health Assessment

Attending the Health Screen

Receiving and Reviewing Results

What can private health & wellness assessments check for?

Private Health Check Up FAQs

What our research tells us

Related Content

Downsides & Risks: Is There Such Thing As Too Much Health Screening?

Do You Need a Gut Health or Microbiome Test in Your Full Health Screen?

How Health Screenings Assess Your Risk of Heart Disease

Compare Health Screens by Location

What can private health & wellness
assessments check for?