Why you need regular health check-ups?

Why you need regular medical check-ups and where to get them in Singapore

Juggling between long working hours, social life, personal time and errands, it’s easy for young adults to neglect regular health check-ups, which puts them at risk of identifying health conditions only in their late stages¹. The 2021 National Population Health Survey¹ revealed that 1% of young adults in Singapore between the ages of 18 and 35 have chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia). Hence, it is important to go for full body check-ups, which should usually be done once every 1 – 3 years², even when you think you’re still very young.

Why start early?

Preventive care is key to maintaining good health and overall well-being. Early detection of potential health issues allows for better treatment outcomes and can significantly lower healthcare costs in the long run. Regular check-ups can help catch “silent killers”³ like diabetes or high blood pressure before symptoms even appear. This proactive approach allows for early intervention and management, preventing the development of serious complications. Regular check-ups also help monitor key health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, allowing your doctor to identify potential issues before they become serious. Essentially, prioritising regular check-ups provides peace of mind and empowers you to address any health concerns proactively.

Also: Do you need critical illness insurance if you are young and healthy?

Types of medical check-ups available

There are various check-up options available in Singapore, catering to different needs and budgets:

Polyclinic health screenings:

These affordable and convenient check-ups offered by polyclinics are a great starting point. However, some polyclinics, like SingHealth polyclinics they do only provide health screenings for the “3 highs”⁴ in Singapore such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension high blood pressure.

Full body check-ups:

For a more comprehensive screening, consider full body check-ups offered by private clinics or hospitals. These can be tailored to your individual needs and risk factors, often including blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic tools.

Specialised check-ups:

If you have a family history of certain conditions or specific health concerns, consulting a specialist might be appropriate. These targeted check-ups are better able to help discover potential health issues.

Finding a place for your check-up

Singapore offers a diverse healthcare landscape, allowing you to choose the healthcare provider⁵ that best suits your needs and budget:

• Polyclinics:

These clinics provide convenient and affordable optionsoptions⁶ for basic check-ups, especially suitable for young adults on a budget. If you are aged 40 and above, you are encouraged to participate in the Healthier SG programme that helps you take proactive steps to manage your health, prevent the onset of chronic diseases and have a strong support to lead a healthy lifestyle.

• General practitioner (GP) clinics:

GPs offer options and act as your primary point of contact for general health concerns. They can conduct routine check-ups, provide diagnoses, referrals to specialists if needed, and manage your overall health journey.

• Private specialist clinics:

For specialised medical needs specialised medical needs⁷, private specialist clinics offer consultations with experienced doctors in specific fields. These clinics may have access to advanced diagnostic tools and offer tailored treatment plans.

• Hospitals:

Hospitals provide comprehensive care⁸ for complex medical conditions. While not necessarily the first choice for routine check-ups, they are vital for managing serious health issues and emergencies.

Also: Do you need critical illness insurance if you already have existing integrated shield plans?