7 health checks you can book online today
The saying ‘ignorance is bliss’ can be well and good in some circumstances, like knowing how many germs are on your toothbrush. But when it comes to your overall health and wellbeing, ignorance is anything but bliss. Regular health checks are a great way to catch any signs of health issues early on, so you can get the right treatment before they progress. We’ve put together seven health checks that could help you stay at your healthiest – all of which you can book online (no need to leave the couch!).
1. Cervical screening test
Cervical screening tests detect HPV, which is what causes the cells in your cervix to change. You can now do the test on your own by using a high vaginal swab instead of a cervical swab. However, if you're dealing with abnormal bleeding, your doctor should collect the sample.
Where can you get a cervical screening test?
At your GP
A community health centre
A women’s health centre, family planning centre or sexual health clinic
A gynaecologist or other specialist
An Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.
What happens during a cervical screening test?
The doctor or nurse will ask you to undress below the waist and lie on your back with your knees apart. Don't worry, you'll have a cover-up sheet for comfort and you can always ask for one if needed. The doctor or nurse will gently use a speculum to open your vagina. This helps them collect a small sample from your cervix with a swab. It might feel a bit strange, but it shouldn't be painful. If it is, let your doctor or nurse know right away.
You can also discuss the option of self-collection with your doctor or nurse. They'll guide you on the process and you can choose to collect the sample in private or with their help. Self-collection is when you insert a swab into your vagina and rotate it for 10 to 30 seconds. It might feel a bit uncomfortable, but it shouldn't hurt.
Who should get a cervical screening test?
Cervical screening is recommended for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74, no matter your gender identity or sexuality.
How often should you get a cervical screening test?
You should get a cervical screening test every five years unless directed by your doctor. You can link your myGov account with the National Cancer Screening Register to get a reminder when you’re due for your cervical screening.
2. Diabetes check
Diabetes Australia reports that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in up to 58% of high-risk cases. Understanding your risk can help you decide whether to get tested. The Diabetes Australia risk calculator is a great starting point. It'll ask about your lifestyle and family history to give you a risk profile in under five minutes.
Where can you get a diabetes test?
A GP will give you a referral for a blood test.
What happens during a diabetes test?
Testing for type 2 diabetes involves a blood test to check your glucose (sugar) levels. A nurse will take a small blood sample from one of your veins and send it off to a pathology lab for analysis. There are a few different types of blood glucose tests your doctor might order, including:
Fasting blood glucose test, where you don't eat for several hours before the test
Oral glucose tolerance test, where your blood glucose is checked after you drink a sugary drink
HbA1c test, which shows how much sugar has been in your blood over the past few months.
Your GP will let you know what to do to prepare.
Who should get a diabetes test?
Anyone with risk factors or symptoms should chat with their GP about getting tested. According to Diabetes Australia and the Australian Government's AUSDRISK tool, you might be at higher risk of type 2 diabetes if you:
Are 40 years or older (risk increases with age)
Have a parent or sibling with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Are of Pacific Islander, Māori, Indian subcontinent, Chinese, Middle Eastern, North African or Southern European heritage
Have high blood pressure or take medication for it
Are carrying extra weight, particularly around your waist
Are not physically active
Smoke daily
Have had gestational diabetes or Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)
Have previously had high blood glucose readings.
How often should you get a diabetes check?
You can get a check every three years or if you notice symptoms including:
Feeling very thirsty or hungry
Urinating more than usual
Feeling tired or fatigued
Losing weight or gradually gaining weight
Having cuts or wounds that heal slowly
Experiencing blurry vision.
If you’re high-risk, get a check every one to two years.
3. Melanoma or skin checks
Did you know that Australia has the world’s highest rate of melanoma? Check your skin regularly for new spots or changes in freckles or moles. Combined with a good ‘slip, slop, slap, seek’ routine, regular skin checks can be life-saving.
Where can you get a skin check?
A GP or dermatologist.
What happens during a skin check?
During a skin check, the doctor will ask you to take off your clothes (you keep your underwear on). They will then ask you to lie down or sit on the examination table. They will use a tool called DermLite Lumio that magnifies and illuminates your skin for an examination. If any spots need closer inspection, they may use a dermatoscope for a detailed view.
Your doctor or dermatologist will discuss any suspicious findings with you. They might recommend a biopsy (removing a small part for examination) or excision (complete removal) if they think you need it. For less suspicious spots, your doctor might suggest just keeping an eye on it.
Who should get a skin check?
Everyone.
How often should you get a skin check?
Self-check regularly. If you spot any changes then visit your GP or a dermatologist. Want to find a local dermatologist now? Use our provider finder tool to find a skin specialist.
4. Breast cancer screening
A breast screening (also called a mammogram) can identify even the tiniest of cancers before you can see or feel any changes. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival. According to Cancer Council Australia, BreastScreen Australia has reduced breast cancer mortality at a population level by 21%, and women who attend regular screens have a 41–52% lower risk of dying from breast cancer.
It's important for people of all ages to get to know the normal look and feel of their breasts and speak with a GP about any changes. While breast cancer is rare in men, it does happen. Around 200 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year, and any changes should be checked by a doctor.
Where can you get a breast screening?
At your local BreastScreen Australia clinic. You can find a clinic and book your free examination online.
What happens during a mammogram?
Each breast is gently pressed between two x-ray plates to allow for clear pictures. It can be a bit uncomfortable, but it's quick, usually about 20 seconds per image, with two images taken of each breast.
Who should get a mammogram?
Free two-yearly mammograms are available for women aged 40 and over, with active invitations sent to women aged 50 to 74.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from age 40.
If you're a trans woman or non-binary person assigned male at birth and have used gender-affirming hormones for five or more years, screening every two years from age 50 to 74 is recommended.
If you're a trans man or non-binary person assigned female at birth and haven't had gender-affirming chest surgery, screening every two years from age 50 to 74 is recommended.
If you've had gender-affirming chest surgery, chat with your doctor about your individual breast cancer risk.
If you experience symptoms of breast cancer at any time, speak with your GP as soon as you can.
How often should you get a mammogram?
Every two years, or sooner if you notice symptoms like:
A lump in your breast.
A change in the size, shape or appearance of your breast.
Your nipples changing in appearance, such as becoming red or inverted.
Discomfort in your underarm or swelling in that area.
5. Bone density scan
Osteoporosis can sneak up on you – often you don’t notice anything until a bone breaks. According to Healthy Bones Australia, around 6.2 million Australians aged 50 and over are living with poor bone health (osteoporosis or osteopenia). If you're worried about your bone health, it might be time to chat with your GP about a bone density scan.
Where can you get a bone density scan?
Your GP or specialist can provide a referral. Bone density scans are widely available at radiology centres, medical imaging outlets, public hospitals and some specialist practices.
What happens during a bone density scan?
A bone density scan (also called a DEXA or DXA scan) uses a special low-radiation x-ray to measure the bone density of your hip and spine. The scan takes around 10 to 15 minutes. The radiographer will ask you to lie on a padded table and stay clothed while the machine passes over your body. It's quick, painless and safe. Your results will be sent to your doctor.
Who should get a bone density scan?
A bone density scan is recommended for women over 50 and men over 60 who have risk factors for osteoporosis. All Australians aged 70 and over are also eligible for an initial Medicare-rebated screening scan.
How often should you get a bone density scan?
Every one to two years if you have osteoporosis or as advised by your doctor.
6. Eye test
Not only can testing your eyes help prevent diseases leading to blindness, but it can also make sure you're seeing the world as clearly as possible (so no more squinting to read the fine print!).
Where do you get your eyes tested?
At an optometrist. You can visit nib First Choice Optical to search for a local optometrist who can deliver quality care and value for money.1
What happens during an eye test?
Your optometrist will ask about your general health and family medical history, then run a few different tests. These might include checking your ability to see detail at different distances, measuring the pressure inside your eyes, looking at the back of your eye with a special light, and checking how your pupils react to light. If you need glasses or contact lenses, they'll give you a prescription.
Who should get an eye test?
Everyone should have regular eye tests. But if you’ve experienced a change in your vision, are over 40 or have a family history of eye disease you might need more frequent eye tests.
How often should you get your eyes checked?
Every two to three years for most adults, or every year if you're 65 and over. Medicare covers one bulk-billed eye test every three years for people under 65, and every 12 months for people 65 and over.
7. Oral health and dental check-ups
Hate visiting the dentist? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Around three in 10 Australians avoid the dentist because of cost. But regular check-ups can prevent dental issues, so it’s worth your while to get your pearly whites checked.
Where do you get a dental check-up?
At the dentist. Got dental cover with your Extras? You can visit a participating dental professional in the nib First Choice network and get 100% back on no gap preventative dental check-ups.2
What happens during a dental check-up?
A dental check-up might involve checking for tooth decay, bleeding gums and assessing your bite. Your dentist might offer fluoride treatment and polishing too. You'll also get helpful advice on how to brush and floss to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Who should get a dental check-up?
Everyone, starting from around 12 months of age or when a baby's first teeth appear. If you have kids under 17, check whether they're eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
How often should you go to the dentist?
Every six months. You can ask your dentist to send six-month reminders to keep you on track.
Take advantage of our First Choice Network for your next check-up
Looking after your health is important, and it shouldn't come with a shock bill at the end. Our nib First Choice network is a community of trusted providers who've agreed to charge less or offer no-gap services on selected treatments. That means fewer surprise bills and more money staying in your pocket. You're free to see any provider you like, but choosing a nib First Choice provider could mean you pay less.¹ Search for a First Choice provider near you using our Find a Provider tool.
The information throughout this article serves as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.
¹nib First Choice providers offer competitive fees for many commonly claimed treatments and consultations. These fees are reviewed at least annually and are subject to change. Always check nib.com.au/find-a-provider or the nib App before booking to see if your provider participates or simply ask your provider if they are part of nib’s network at the time of booking. Providers occasionally leave the nib First Choice network so it’s important to check before booking to avoid disappointment. Annual limits, waiting periods & T&Cs apply.
²Payment by nib of dental benefits is subject to serving relevant waiting periods, annual limits and service limits. Check your cover by visiting your member account or call 13 16 42. The dental check-up covers an examination or consultation (011 to 015), diagnostics (022, 037) scale and clean (114, 115) or removal of plaque (111), fluoride treatment (121) as deemed necessary and appropriate in the clinical opinion of the dentist (dentures not included). The services provided will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits. The No Gap offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or government scheme, nor substitutable or redeemable for cash and is only available with dentists who have a No Gap First Choice network provider agreement with nib.