The NHS Health Check alone has the potential to detect 20,000 cases of diabetes and kidney disease every year — and avoid at least 650 premature deaths. Yet millions of eligible over-60s still haven’t booked theirs.
If you’re over 60, the NHS offers you far more than most people realise — and much of it is completely free. Free NHS health checks over 60 aren’t just about prescriptions (though those are free too). There’s a whole range of screenings, tests, and services you’re entitled to — some of which could genuinely save your life.
The problem is that nobody sends you a full list when you turn 60. You’re expected to know what you’re entitled to and go and ask for it. And frankly, that’s not good enough. So this guide does the job the system should have done — it tells you exactly what you can claim, how to get it, and what to do if something gets missed.
Think of it as your NHS MOT checklist. Free, practical, and potentially life-changing.
Free NHS Health Checks Over 60 — The Full List
Let’s start with the headline check — the one most people have heard of but many haven’t actually booked.
The NHS Health Check — Your Free MOT
If you’re aged 40 to 74 and don’t have a pre-existing heart condition, you’re entitled to a free NHS Health Check every five years. Think of it as a full MOT for your body — checking the things most likely to cause serious problems as you age.
The check takes around 20 to 30 minutes and includes:
- Blood pressure measurement
- Cholesterol test (blood test)
- BMI and waist measurement
- Blood sugar check for type 2 diabetes risk
- Questions about your family history, smoking, alcohol, and exercise
- If you’re over 65, information about dementia signs and local memory services
Based on your results, you’ll get a personalised risk score for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and diabetes — along with practical advice on reducing that risk. It’s free of charge, including any follow-up tests or appointments that arise from it.
You should be automatically invited by your GP surgery every five years. If you haven’t received an invitation — or if you think you’re overdue — contact your GP surgery directly and ask. Don’t wait to be chased. You can also check eligibility and find your nearest provider at healthcheck.nhs.uk.
Quick Win: Ring your GP surgery today and ask when your last NHS Health Check was. If it was more than five years ago — or you’ve never had one — book it. The appointment takes 20 minutes and could spot something serious before it becomes a crisis.
Free Prescriptions — The One Everyone Knows About (But Some Still Miss)
From your 60th birthday, all NHS prescriptions are free. Every single one, regardless of how many items you’re prescribed. No prepayment certificate needed, no forms to fill in. You just tell the pharmacist you’re over 60.
This can save hundreds of pounds a year for anyone on multiple medications. Our full guide to free NHS prescriptions over 60 covers everything you need to know, including what counts as a single prescription item and how to handle prescriptions collected by someone else.
Watch Out For: Some pharmacies don’t automatically ask your age — they may charge you if you don’t mention it. Always tell the pharmacist you’re over 60 when collecting a prescription. You’re entitled to free prescriptions — don’t pay for them.
Free Eye Tests — Yours From Age 60
From the age of 60, you’re entitled to a free NHS eye test every two years — or more frequently if your optician recommends it. This isn’t just about getting glasses. Eye tests can detect a surprising range of conditions including:
- Glaucoma — often symptom-free until serious damage has occurred
- Macular degeneration — the leading cause of sight loss in older adults
- Diabetic retinopathy — detectable in the eye before other symptoms appear
- High blood pressure — visible in the blood vessels at the back of the eye
- Signs of stroke risk and other cardiovascular issues
Simply tell your optician you’re over 60 when you book. You can use any NHS-registered optician — use the NHS service search to find one near you. If you’re on a low income, you may also be entitled to a voucher towards the cost of glasses.
Many people skip eye tests because they assume their vision is fine. But these tests check far more than your eyesight — they’re one of the most cost-effective health screenings available. Don’t miss yours.
Cancer Screenings — What You’re Automatically Sent
Bowel cancer screening
Everyone in England aged 60 to 74 who is registered with a GP receives a free bowel cancer screening kit through the post every two years. The test is simple — you collect a small stool sample at home and post it back. It detects tiny traces of blood that can be an early indicator of bowel cancer, when treatment is most effective.
Don’t put it off when it arrives. Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK — and one of the most treatable when caught early. If you’re in Scotland, the screening starts from age 50. Full information is available on the NHS bowel cancer screening page.
Breast cancer screening
Women are routinely invited for breast screening (mammogram) every three years from age 50 to 71. If you’re over 71 and want to continue screening, you can self-refer by contacting your local screening unit — the NHS will not automatically invite you, but you remain eligible.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening (smear test) is routinely offered to women up to age 64 every three to five years depending on previous results. If you’ve never had a smear test, or missed your last invitation, it’s worth contacting your GP — it only takes a few minutes and could prevent cervical cancer.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
Men are automatically invited for a one-off AAA screening scan in the year they turn 65. This ultrasound check looks for a bulge in the main blood vessel in your abdomen — which can be life-threatening if it bursts but is very treatable if caught early. Women and men under 65 who have concerns can speak to their GP.
| Free Check or Screening | Who Gets It | How Often |
| NHS Health Check | Ages 40–74 | Every 5 years |
| Free prescriptions | Ages 60+ | Every prescription |
| Free eye test | Ages 60+ | Every 2 years |
| Bowel cancer screening | Ages 60–74 | Every 2 years |
| Breast screening (women) | Ages 50–71 | Every 3 years |
| Cervical screening (women) | Ages 25–64 | Every 3–5 years |
| AAA screening (men) | Age 65 | One-off |
| Flu vaccination | Ages 65+ | Every year (autumn) |
| Shingles vaccination | Ages 70–79 | One-off |
| Pneumococcal vaccination | Ages 65+ | Usually one-off |
Free Vaccinations — Don’t Miss These
Flu jab — every autumn from age 65
From age 65, you’re entitled to a free NHS flu vaccination every autumn. Flu can be serious and even life-threatening in older adults — yet uptake remains lower than it should be. Book yours at your GP surgery or local pharmacy from September onwards. No appointment needed at most pharmacies.
Shingles vaccination
A free shingles vaccination is offered to people aged 70 to 79. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox and can be extremely painful — affecting nerves and causing complications that can last months. The vaccine significantly reduces both the risk of getting shingles and the severity if you do. Contact your GP if you haven’t been invited.
Pneumococcal vaccination
A one-off pneumococcal vaccination is offered to everyone aged 65 and over. Pneumococcal infections can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia — all serious in older adults. If you haven’t had this, ask your GP at your next appointment.
Other NHS Entitlements Over 60 Worth Knowing About
Hearing tests
Hearing tests are available on the NHS at any age — and if your hearing is found to be impaired, you’re entitled to NHS hearing aids free of charge. Many people spend hundreds of pounds on private hearing aids without realising the NHS provides them. Ask your GP for a referral to your local audiology department.
Dental treatment
NHS dental treatment is not automatically free at 60 — but if you’re on Pension Credit, Income Support, or certain other benefits, you are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. Pension Credit in particular unlocks a wide range of NHS cost exemptions that many eligible pensioners never claim.
Foot care
Chiropody and podiatry are available on the NHS — though access varies by area. People with diabetes are routinely entitled to regular NHS foot care as part of their diabetes management. If you have foot problems and haven’t been referred, ask your GP.
Help with NHS costs — the Low Income Scheme
If you have a low income but don’t qualify for Pension Credit, you may still be entitled to help with NHS costs including dental treatment, sight tests, glasses, and travel to hospital appointments. Apply for an HC1 certificate through the NHS Low Income Scheme — it costs nothing to apply and the potential savings are significant. See Age UK’s guide to free NHS entitlements for full details.
And if you think you might be entitled to Attendance Allowance — a non-means-tested benefit for those who need help with personal care or supervision due to illness — our full guide explains how to apply and what to expect.
3 Things to Do This Week
- Ring your GP surgery and check when you last had an NHS Health Check — if it was more than five years ago, book one
- Check whether you’ve had your shingles and pneumococcal vaccinations — if not, ask your GP at your next visit
- If you wear glasses or haven’t had an eye test in over two years, book a free NHS eye test at your nearest optician today
Your Questions Answered
Q1: What free NHS health checks over 60 am I entitled to?
From age 60 you’re entitled to free prescriptions, free NHS eye tests every two years, and bowel cancer screening every two years (to age 74). If you’re aged 40 to 74 without a pre-existing heart condition, you’re also entitled to a free NHS Health Check every five years. From 65, you get a free annual flu jab and a one-off pneumococcal vaccination. Men are invited for a one-off AAA screening at 65. Women continue to be invited for breast screening to 71 and cervical screening to 64.
Q2: How do I book my free NHS Health Check?
Your GP surgery should invite you every five years between the ages of 40 and 74. If you haven’t been invited — or you think you’re overdue — simply contact your GP surgery and ask. Some community pharmacies and health centres also offer NHS Health Checks. You can check eligibility and find your nearest provider at healthcheck.nhs.uk. Don’t wait to be invited — be proactive.
Q3: Are hearing aids free on the NHS over 60?
Yes — NHS hearing aids are available free of charge at any age, including over 60. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, ask your GP for a referral to your local NHS audiology department. Many people pay hundreds of pounds for private hearing aids without realising the NHS provides them free. The wait for an NHS audiology appointment varies by area — in some areas you can be seen relatively quickly, in others it may take a few months — but the service itself costs you nothing.
Q4: I’m over 74 — do I still get free health checks?
Yes and no. The routine NHS Health Check programme runs from 40 to 74. Once you’re over 74, you won’t be routinely invited for the five-yearly cardiovascular health check. However, you continue to receive free prescriptions, free eye tests, annual flu vaccinations, and bowel cancer screening (up to 74). And if you have specific health concerns at any age, your GP can arrange appropriate tests and referrals. If you’re over 74 and want bowel screening to continue, speak to your GP — you can self-refer in many areas.
The Bottom Line: Claim What’s Yours
Free NHS health checks over 60 are one of the most valuable things this country provides — and one of the most underused. From your full NHS Health Check MOT to free eye tests, cancer screenings, vaccinations, and prescriptions, there’s a whole range of services designed to keep you well for longer.
The system won’t always chase you. Sometimes you have to ask. So use this guide as your checklist, work through what you haven’t claimed, and book the appointments that are overdue. If something worrying comes up — that’s what the system is there for. And if everything’s fine, you’ll have the peace of mind that’s worth more than any appointment cost.
If you’re also struggling with sleep, our guide on sleep problems over 60 covers what’s behind poor sleep in later life and what actually helps. Because your health deserves attention on every front.
Take Action Today
Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend or family member who might not know what they’re entitled to. You could help them claim something that genuinely improves their health.
For more honest guides to your NHS rights and health entitlements as a UK pensioner, explore the Honest Pensioner Health & Wellbeing section.
Honest Pensioner is an independent personal finance and lifestyle blog for the over-55s. This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP if you have concerns about your health.
