Health checks in your 20s

Whether you’re working, studying, smack bang in the middle of a quarter-life crisis or starting a family, no other time in your life is going to quite compare to your 20s. Of all the things you have to think about, your health might not be high on the list.

The best investment you can make in your 20s is in yourself and your health, laying a strong foundation to shape the rest of your life.

From cooking healthy meals from scratch, to trying a new class at the gym or chatting through problems with a psychologist, the sooner you start prioritising your physical and mental wellbeing, the better.

Taking care of your health through regular check-ups is essential, even if you feel completely fine. These vital health checks not only offer peace of mind but also help catch any underlying conditions or asymptomatic issues early, before they become more serious. Early detection gives you the best chance to address problems quickly, paving the way for a long, happy, and healthy life.

Looking for a free entry path into health insurance? Try GreenPass: rewards, online health checks, tools, tips and more.

Your GP should be the first port of call to find out which health checks are a good idea for your age and stage of life. But, as a general overview, here are the health checks that are important for people in their 20s:

• Blood pressure check

• Dental check up

• Mental health check

• Diabetes risk test

• Sexual health check

• Skin check

• Healthy weight assessment

For males:

• Self-check of testicles

For females:

• Cervical cancer screening test

• Self-check of breasts

What is a blood pressure check?

A blood pressure test measures the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps. This test is conducted in a doctor’s surgery using a blood pressure machine and cuff.

How often should I have a blood pressure check?

At least every two years, starting from age 18.

Who does a blood pressure check?

A doctor or nurse.

Related: Your blood pressure and how to measure it from home.

Regular dental check-ups, which are recommended throughout life, have wide-ranging benefits. That’s because conditions that affect your teeth and mouth (such as gum disease and tooth decay) can affect your overall health as well as your smile.

While you can visit any dentist recognised by nib and make a claim, visiting a No Gap dental provider may save you money by giving you 100% back on preventative dental check-ups and agreed rates on many common dental treatments.¹

What is a dental check-up?

This includes an examination of your mouth, teeth and lips. Dentists also usually clean the teeth and gums, and may offer you a fluoride treatment.

How often should I have a dental check-up?

At least once a year, but ideally every six months.

Who does a dental check-up?

Dentists.

Around 43 per cent of all Australians will experience a mental health condition in their life, with more than one in six people experiencing anxiety in the last 12 months and 7.5% of people experiencing mood disorders like depression.

Mental health challenges are something many of us face, and it’s important to remember you’re never alone. Sometimes even those who seem the happiest may be quietly navigating their own battles.

If you’re trying to improve your own mental health, or support somebody else with mental health issues, Head to Health provides links to trusted Australian resources and treatment options.

What is a mental health check?

A mental health check is designed to determine whether you're experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression.

How often should I have a mental health check?

You should seek help if you have concerns about your mental health, or if you’ve noticed changes in the way you’re thinking or feeling.

If you need urgent support, call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14.

Who does a mental health check?

Your GP will conduct the initial assessment and can provide you with a referral to see a psychologist for up to six Medicare rebatable sessions. Once those six sessions are up, you can head back to your GP to ask for a referral for more rebatable sessions, with a maximum of 10 each calendar year.

Related: Mental health and wellbeing resources.

Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia. Tests to check whether you're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes should be started for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from 18 years of age and from 40 for non-Indigenous Australians.

What is a diabetes risk test?

The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool is a questionnaire that estimates your risk of getting type 2 diabetes in the next five years. Those at high-risk should have blood tests to check their sugar levels every one to three years.

How often should I have a diabetes risk test?

Every three years for most people.

Who does a diabetes risk test?

Your GP will ask you a series of questions. Your doctor may recommend that you get a blood glucose test which is a simple blood test.

Related: How a diabetes risk test can save your life.

Sexually transmitted infections (also known as STIs) are currently affecting a younger population with those aged 15–29 making up the majority of cases of gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Even if you don't experience any symptoms, regular STI screening is recommended. This is particularly important if your partner has recently had an STI or if you have a new partner. Early detection of an STI is key to preventing transmission and reducing the risk of complications. “STI screening is about keeping you and the community at large more healthy by early treatment of illnesses that may cause infertility, before symptoms have started,” says Dr Hamish Black. 

What is a sexual health check?

A risk assessment where your GP will ask you questions about your sexual activity. You might be examined, provide a sample of urine and a swab from your genitals and/or a blood test for testing in a laboratory.

How often should I have a sexual health check?

It depends on your level of risk, which is based on your age and sexual practices. It’s best to confirm how often you should be tested with a health professional.

Who does a sexual health check?

Your GP or health professional (doctor or nurse) at a Sexual Health or Family Planning Clinic.

Living in Australia, chances are that you’ll develop at least some degree of sun-related skin damage during your life. There are some big sun safety myths we need to stop believing. While being in your 20s puts you in the age group making up less than 8% of all skin cancer diagnoses in Australia, melanoma is the most common cancer diagnosis for Aussies aged 15-29.

It’s important to be aware of how your skin normally looks and see your doctor if you notice a new spot or change in a mole. Your risk of melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer) is higher if you have fair skin and had episodes of sunburn growing up.

Keen to find out your risk of skin cancer? Take the personalised nib skin self-assessment. Alternatively, if you've got a spot, mole or freckle you want to check out, it might be time to download the nib SkinVision app. With nib SkinVision, you can check your skin for signs of skin cancer anytime, anywhere – it’s as easy as downloading the app and taking a photo. You’ll receive personalised advice in minutes after uploading the photo.

What is a skin check?

A skin check involves your doctor checking over your entire body for skin cancers or suspicious lesions. They’ll normally use a Dermlite Lumio to magnify and illuminate your skin during the examination. Should any spots require a closer look, a dermatoscope may be used for an even more detailed view.

How often should I have a skin check?

There are no set intervals for most people. For people at high-risk (anyone who’s had melanoma or who has more than five moles with an unusual appearance), skin self-examination should be done every three months and full body examination by your doctor every six to 12 months.

Who does the check?

Your GP or a dermatologist (skin specialist).

Related: How a skin cancer check can save your life.

Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. However obesity does increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, blood pressure and many different cancers. There are a number of things you can start to do today to reduce your risk of obesity and associated chronic disease. This check should be done at least once every two years when you’re in your 20s.

What is a healthy weight assessment?

Your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference will be measured by your doctor. Your BMI is calculated by dividing your weight by your height. Your GP will calculate your waist-to-height ratio by dividing your waist circumference by your height. Checking your waist-to-height ratio helps assess body fat distribution. Maintaining a healthy ratio, especially avoiding excess weight around the middle, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

How often should I have this check?

Every one to two years, depending on your risk.

Who does the check?

Your GP.

Related: How a weight check can save your life.

Testicular checks in your 20s are pretty low-maintenance and testicular cancer is highly treatable if you catch it early.

Formal screening tests are not needed, but you should be aware of how your testicles normally feel. If any lumps, changes or symptoms develop, you should see your doctor.

What is a testicle self-check?

Being familiar with the usual feel of your testicles.

How often should I have this check?

It’s an ongoing self-assessment.

Who does the check?

You do.

Related: How a testicle cancer check can save your life.

Cervical cancer typically occurs as a result of a persistent infection with specific strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). Screening involves testing for these high-risk HPV types before the infection progresses to cancer. It has replaced pap tests in the screening process for cervical cancer.

What is a Cervical Screening Test?

A sample of cells is collected from your cervix and tested for infection with types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. If the test is positive for high-risk types of HPV, the cervical cells are also examined for changes under a microscope.

How often should I have a Cervical Screening Test?

HPV testing should start for women and people with a cervix at age 25. You should get tested every five years unless your doctor advises you to have more frequent testing. However if you are under 25 and experience symptoms like pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, don't hesitate to see your doctor.

Who does a Cervical Screening Test?

You have the option to conduct the test independently using a swab. However, if you're dealing with abnormal bleeding, have your doctor collect the sample. Your general practitioner (GP) or healthcare professionals at a Family Planning Clinic or Women's Health Centre are equipped to perform the test on your behalf.

Related: How the new cervical cancer test can save your life.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian females. However, males can also get breast cancer. Approximately one in 500 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, which is around 200 men diagnosed every year.

Being familiar with the look and feel of your breasts and seeing your doctor if you notice any changes. Being breast aware may improve your chances of detecting breast lumps and other breast changes earlier.

Here’s a guide to performing a self-examination for breast cancer.

What is a breast self-examination?

Being familiar with the usual look and feel of your breasts.

How often should I have this check?

Ongoing self-assessments.

Who does the check?

You do.

Related: How a breast cancer check can save your life.

At nib, we’re committed to keeping you at your healthiest, which is why we’ve put together a list of tips for keeping healthy in your 20s.

We also offer a range of Health Management Programs available at no additional cost for eligible members.²

These programs are delivered by qualified health professionals and designed to be tailored to your needs – whether that's to help get you in shape, keep you out of hospital, improve your physical and mental wellbeing or to aid a quicker recovery after you've had surgery.

For more information, check out our Health Management Programs page.

Everyone’s health cover needs are different. To help you understand what level of cover is best suited to you, get in touch with our cover experts today to learn more about what people like you are commonly claiming on and what cover would be the best fit.

If you’re not with nib, but you’d like to find out more about our cover options, get a quote today or contact our award-winning member service team on 13 16 42.

Please note: This is not an all-inclusive list; there may be other health checks that are recommended based on your age and individual circumstances. The tips throughout this article serve as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner. Please make an appointment with your GP to receive advice on the health checks you will need based on your personal circumstances.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are at increased risk of many diseases, and so are often recommended to start health checks at an earlier age. You may also be recommended to have the tests or checks more often. Please see your GP for personalised advice.

¹Payment 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.

²Available to eligible nib members who’ve held Hospital Cover for 12 months and served their relevant waiting periods. Additional criteria vary according to each program. Contact us for more information and to confirm your eligibility for a program.