8 vital health checks you need after you turn 20

In short Knowing what health checks you should get once you turn 20 is confusing. To help, we've made a guide that talks about some of the most common tests.

On this page

1. Why you should get regular health checks
2. Skin cancer
3. Blood pressure
4. Blood tests
5. Testicular cancer
6. Cervical cancer
7. Pregnancy
8. Non-age specific checks 

Why you should start getting regular health checks from 20-40 years of age 

Emergency service workers are at greater risk of many diseases including but not limited to diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure. 

Identifying these in your twenties or thirties through regular health checks can help, and may prevent years of chronic illness. 

But what should you get checked and when? Some vary by gender and individual risk factors, while some are constant. 

To help, we've listed which health checks you should get, when you should get them, and some helpful tips on when you can use your private health insurance.  

Skin cancer and how to get tests

About 95 per cent of skin cancers can be treated successfully if found early.  

Examine your own skin for suspicious moles or spots and seek medical help if you have concerns. The Cancer Council has a helpful guide that shows you how to check your skin and what to look for. 

It is also a good idea to talk to your GP about your level of risk and for advice on early detection. 

For more information about where to get a skin check and more, read our guide to skin checks. 

Blood pressure checks

You should get your blood pressure checked at least once every 2 years, according to the Department of Health. 

High blood pressure is a strong risk factor for heart disease. Regular blood pressure checks are the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure. 

You may even want to consider more regular checks, given the extra stressful demands emergency workers face. 

A blood pressure check can be done by your GP, who can also recommend you to specialists, appropriate medication or other advice on how to lower your blood pressure. 

We also pay for some of the cost of blood pressure monitors. Terms and conditions apply, and you can read more in our Blood Pressure Monitor Benefit Guide. 

Blood tests – a small step to solve big headaches

Emergency workers are at greater risk of certain health conditions, including diabetes and cancer. This is often a good reason for more regular blood tests. 

Blood tests can detect many illnesses and conditions, including; 

• Infections
• Anemia
• Blood disorders
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Some cancers 

To get a blood test you'll generally need a referral from your GP.  You then take this to a pathology collection centre. 

Testicular cancer

The Cancer Council has found that testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in young men (aged 20 to 39), excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. 

They also estimate that 1,026 people were diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2024. The average age at diagnosis is 36 years old. 

If found early, testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers. This is why self-checking is so important. 

The Cancer Council has helpful information, including how to self-check. They also advise that if you notice any changes, you should visit your GP who will examine your testicles for any lumps or swelling.  

Cervical cancer

There have been some big changes in the testing of cervical cancer in Australia, including; 

• The ‘Pap Test’ being replaced by the Cervical Screening Test (CST) in 2017, and is only routinely recommended for woman over 25
• The introduction of the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) which has been effective in protecting women against cervical cancer
• Most importantly, the current advice is for women to have the CST every five years from age 25 to 74.

What to do 

Thankfully there are a range of places you can get a CST. The Department of Health says the following can perform CSTs; 

• A doctor’s clinic
• A community health centre
• A women’s health centre
• A family planning clinic
• A sexual health clinic
• An Aboriginal Medical Service or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service. 

The Cancer Council also advises that if you're experiencing any symptoms of cervical cancer, see your GP.  

Pregnancy – women and men

Before you start a family there are some important health checks to do, for both future mums and dads. 

If you wish to take these tests, they can help identify potential risks and may help guide you through what steps to take next. 

Women

The best step is to see your GP for a pre-conception health check-up. According to IVF Australia, this is a range of tests and checks, including; 

• Antenatal blood tests
• Checks for rubella and chickenpox status
• Blood group and antibodies tests
• Rh factor
• Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
• HIV
• Syphilis
• Full blood counts 

They can also review any current medications and their implications for pregnancy. 

You may want to use this opportunity to also ask about folic acid, a form of the B vitamin folate. It's a crucial ingredient for growing a healthy baby, and your GP may recommend taking folic acid tablets before conception and during your pregnancy. 

Men

There are strong recommendations for prospective dads to take a semen analysis test.  

This can help you and your partner by evaluating your sperm's count, motility, and morphology.  

It's a health check for your sperm, and can help you know what steps you may need to take to improve their health. 

Another test that can help is a blood test. This can identify your hormone levels and whether further help is required.

Women and men

This time in your life is a good point for both potential parents to think about what else they can do to improve their conceptive health. IVF Australia says somethings to consider include; 

• Avoid smoking – Smoking damages the DNA in eggs and sperm
• Reduce alcohol – No more than 2 standard drinks per day, and try alcohol free days
• Stop using recreational drugs – These are known to reduce fertility 

Pregnancy and private health insurance

Do you know much Emergency Services Health's private health insurance can help cover some of the costs of pregnancy? 

To help, we've made a guide that breaks it down into what you should know; 

• About IVF and private health cover
• Before your have your baby
• During pregnancy
• After pregnancy 

It covers important topics like choosing the right cover, waiting periods and making sure your newborn is covered. 

Read our guide and see how we can help 

Already got kids? Emergency Services Health can help 

As part of our commitment to a healthier future for the emergency services community, we provide helpful guides and information about managing your family's health. 

This includes our health checks for kids guide, which lists different health checks your children may need from newborn to teenagers. 

You can read the guide here. 

Non age-based health checks

Of course, there are things you should get checked no matter what stage you're at in your adult life. Her are some suggestions. 

• Dental – going to the dentist 1-2 times per year can help prevent major dental problems
• Eyesight – Your work and personal life can be affected by poor eyesight, if you need glasses we offer great optical benefits
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) – If you're sexually active, you should get tested regularly for STIs
• Mental health – Address your concerns early through a range of support services