Prevent, detect, protect: The benefits of health checkups

When it comes to your health, the sooner you start, the better. Fuel your body with whole, nutritious foods, stay active, limit alcohol, manage stress, and make health checkups a priority.

Think of health checkups like regular car maintenance. Just as you bring your car in for oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections to catch issues early and keep it running smoothly, annual and comprehensive health checkups help you stay on top of your health and address any concerns before they become serious.

What is the difference between annual and comprehensive health checkups?

1. Annual physical exams: Annual physical exams are a yearly check-up that includes a range of tests to ensure you're in good health. These exams typically involve bloodwork, recommended cancer screenings (such as skin, breast, colon, prostate, lung, and cervical cancer), and other health checks for conditions like osteoporosis and diabetes. The goal is to catch any major health issues early. For those living abroad, an annual physical is a great opportunity to build a relationship with a local doctor and establish a reliable healthcare connection in your new home.
   
   
2. Enhanced physical examinations: Enhanced physical examinations, also known as executive physicals, Ningen Dock in Japan, and geongang-geomjin in Korea, are comprehensive health assessments designed to detect potential health issues before symptoms appear.

Unlike annual physical exams, these detailed health checkups are typically completed in a single visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments with different specialists. This streamlined approach ensures a thorough and efficient evaluation of your overall health, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of your wellbeing.

Tests may include advanced lab testing, such as blood tests, urine tests, and other laboratory analyses to check for various health markers. Imaging techniques, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, are used to assess internal organs and structures. Screenings for major health risks, such as heart disease, vascular issues, and cancer, are also part of the process. Additionally, specialty consultations with experts can address specific health concerns. Advanced procedures like endoscopy and colonoscopy may be performed to examine the digestive tract in detail.

Enhanced physical examinations coupled with physical, virtual, mental and chronic health programs are a fantastic option for individuals who want to stay healthy in their new roles and be well-prepared to handle job-related stress.

What’s considered preventive care?

Preventive care includes the services you get as part of your routine well exam. Most health plans cover eligible preventive care services, which means you’ll pay $0 out of pocket. Preventive care includes:

• Annual physical care exam
• Vaccines
• Well-baby and well-child care
• Recommended cancer tests and screenings at certain ages for breast, colon, prostate, lung and cervical cancer
• Other health screenings for things like osteoporosis and diabetes

Wondering what to expect at your appointment? Create your preventive care checklist. Enter your information to see a checklist of common tests and screenings for your age and gender.

What’s not considered preventive care?

There are times when certain tests and screenings aren’t considered preventive care. Things like diagnostic care, bloodwork and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing may or may not be considered preventive. UnitedHealthcare Global members can refer to their benefit summary and plan documents on myuhc.com or the UHC Global app.

Find a doctor for health checkup

UnitedHealthcare Global members can use the provider search on myuhc.com and the UHC Global app to find a doctor and make an appointment for your next visit. For an annual exam, simply search for a provider by speciality and location.

For individuals who have enhanced physical examinations as part of their UnitedHealthcare Global plan, click here to locate a provider who is included our curated network.

Let’s help you get prepared for your appointment

Make the most of the time you have with your provider during your examination. Use these checklists to come prepared, and leave feeling confident and informed.