All You Need to Know About Medical Check-up FAQs | Curitt
What You Need to Know About a Medical Check-up
Thinking about getting a medical check-up? When life gets busy, medical check-ups are often the first thing to get delayed, but their impact has immense value on your quality of life. It’s a structured way to understand your health, identify risks early, and take action even before the problems start.
If you are looking to schedule a medical check-up in Amsterdam or Utrecht, here is everything you need to know about what a medical check-up entails, what happens on the day, and which screenings are most relevant for your age and risk profile.
What Is a Check-up, and Why Is It Important?
A check-up is a comprehensive health assessment designed for the early detection of risk factors and the prevention of disease. Unlike a standard doctor visit that addresses a specific complaint, a check-up is carried out even when no symptoms are present. The main goals of a medical check-up include:
Identify risk factors early (often before symptoms) — According to the UK’s NHS, a health screening for high blood pressure and metabolic risk factors can substantially reduce long-term cardiovascular harm when followed by appropriate action1.
Keep immunisations and screening schedules current — The Netherlands' National Immunisation Programme exist because prevention and early detection can reduce serious disease burden2.
Create a baseline for tracking change over time — Your "normal" results (blood pressure, weight trends, key labs) make it easier to spot meaningful shifts later.
A medical check-up is not only for people who feel unwell. In fact, it is most valuable when you feel fine, as many common conditions (such as high blood pressure or early type 2 diabetes) can develop quietly. A research paper on the Population Health Screenings for the Prevention of Chronic Disease Progression indicates that regular screening allows for the identification of chronic diseases at earlier stages, when they are more readily treatable3.
What Is the Difference Between a Physical Examination and a Standard Check-Up?
A physical examination is the hands-on component of a visit to a general practitioner: the physician takes blood pressure, listens to the heart and lungs, checks reflexes and skin condition. This is typically done when a specific symptom is present or as part of an annual medical review.
In contrast, a check-up is a broader concept, as it includes the physical examination but is not limited to it. A full health assessment encompasses laboratory blood tests, instrumental diagnostics, risk-factor evaluation, and formulation of personalised recommendations. While the physical exam focuses on the current state of the body, the full check-up aims at forecasting future risks and prevention.
What Happens During a Typical Medical Check-Up?
In practical terms, a check-up usually combines a health history, measurements, a focused physical exam, and selective tests based on your personal risks rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. While exact packages differ by provider, most check-ups follow the same logic: understand your risk, measure core health indicators, then add targeted tests where they genuinely add value.
Curitt offers bundled check-ups that combine blood tests and diagnostics in one visit. We offer two core options, and the key difference is how far the testing goes beyond the clinical essentials. The Complete Check-Up is designed as a streamlined but thorough preventive review. It includes laboratory blood tests and analysis of 42+ blood parameters, covering key diagnostic domains:
Cardiovascular system
Catabolic and diabetic processes
Liver, kidney and pancreatic function
Presence of inflammation
Immune system
Hormonal balance
Vitamins, electrolytes and iron levels
Hematopoietic (blood-forming) function
The Complete Check-Up also features core measurements such as blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure monitoring. You will also complete an ECG (to assess electrical heart activity), spirometry (lung function), and basic body measurements for BMI (height and weight). Your results are then reviewed in a doctor consultation, so you receive context and practical next steps rather than just numbers.
Curitt’s Premium Check-Up builds on everything in the Complete Check-Up and adds additional depth for people who want a wider diagnostic picture. The package expands the bloodwork to 55+ blood parameters, including hormones, insulin, and more advanced cardiovascular risk markers such as ApoB and Lp (a). It also adds a urine test and ultrasound imaging of the upper and lower abdomen, which broadens screening beyond blood-based indicators to include structural imaging of abdominal organs and related systems.
What a Medical Check-up May Not Include
A common misconception is that a check-up automatically means every test for everyone. Not everyone needs automatic "full-panel" blood tests. Broad testing can increase false positives, unnecessary worry, and follow-up procedures that may not improve outcomes. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published recommendations on hypertension screening in adults that emphasise targeted screening by age and risk rather than blanket testing4.
A check-up will also not diagnose every condition in one visit, as it is only the starting point. If something abnormal shows up, the next step is usually confirmatory testing, monitoring, or referral.
Which Physicians Conduct the Check-Up?
The medical check-up is performed by general practitioners with experience in preventive medicine. At Curitt Health, the specialists do not merely interpret test results — they construct a comprehensive health profile for each patient.
Dr Sarah Willicombe is a general practitioner specialising in preventive and family medicine, focusing on comprehensive screening programmes and cardiovascular risk assessment.
Dr Dasha Kazei, co-founder of Curitt Health, has developed and implemented diagnostic standards grounded in evidence-based medicine. She devises individual prevention plans aimed not merely at risk identification but at addressing underlying causes.
Dr Kathleen Schneider is a specialist in internal medicine and metabolic health. She provides a precise interpretation of comprehensive blood panels and creates prevention programmes for patients with pre-diabetes, lipid-metabolism disorders and chronic fatigue.
When Should You Have a Medical Check-Up?
A medical check-up is most valuable when it is matched to your age, medical history, and risk factors, rather than booked on a fixed calendar for everyone. For many adults in the Netherlands, the right approach is a periodic preventive review that confirms key markers (such as blood pressure) and then adds targeted screening where it is clinically justified.
A practical rule: if it has been years since anyone checked your blood pressure, weight trend, and basic risk factors, a check-up is usually worthwhile. Timely testing enables the establishment of a specific diagnosis and the initiation of correction before complications develop. Overall, it is worth getting a check-up if you have the following symptoms:
Persistent fatigue not resolved by rest
Unexplained weight change
Frequent headaches
Sleep disturbances
Mood changes, irritability
Intermittent pains of unclear localisation
Decreased work capacity
Family history of serious diseases
Adults Aged 18–39
If you are generally healthy, a check-up can be relatively lightweight, focusing on risk review, lifestyle factors, and core measurements (particularly blood pressure). For adults with previously normal readings and no major risk factors, evidence supports blood pressure screening every 3−5 years4. If you have a family history of early cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes, it is reasonable to review more often and consider targeted tests sooner.
Adults Aged 40 and Over
From around age 40, cardiovascular and metabolic risks tend to rise, and preventive checks often become more useful. Blood pressure screening is typically recommended at least annually from age 40, or earlier if you have risk factors4. A structured risk assessment may also be appropriate, using European tools such as SCORE2/SCORE2-OP to estimate cardiovascular risk and guide the intensity of prevention (lifestyle and, where appropriate, medication)5.
People Who Should Consider More Frequent Check-Ups (At Any Age)
If you have risk factors at any age, you may benefit from more regular reviews. The common health risk factors include:
Previously high or borderline blood pressure
Overweight/obesity or other metabolic risk factors
A history of gestational diabetes or elevated blood glucose
Smoking or a significant past smoking history
Strong family history of early heart disease, stroke, or diabetes
You will get more value from the appointment if you prepare briefly. While tests and screenings often have specific instructions, here’s what preparing for a general check-up in Amsterdam or Utrecht may look like:
Bring a short list of goals — Examples: "heart risk check", "fatigue review", "sports clearance", "preventive health check in Amsterdam", "bloodwork for cholesterol"
List medications and supplements — Include doses, how often you take them, and any recent changes
Family history snapshot — Especially early heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers
Bring recent results if you have them — Prior blood tests, scans, or GP letters reduce duplication
Follow pre-test instructions (if applicable) — If your visit includes blood tests, you may be asked to fast. Confirm this with the clinic when booking
Preparing for Blood Tests
If your check-up at Curitt includes laboratory blood tests, it’s important that you properly prepare. For a morning appointment, eat your usual dinner the night before, then arrive fasting with no food in the morning. You may still drink water or other unsweetened beverages. For an afternoon appointment, have a light breakfast at least 8 hours before your appointment, and continue to drink water or unsweetened drinks freely.
Preparing for an ALEX Allergy Test
The ALEX test does not require fasting, so you can eat and drink as normal. Continue taking medications only if they have already been prescribed, and note that antihistamines do not affect the results. Stay well hydrated by drinking water beforehand, as this can make the blood draw easier. Bring a valid ID and your BSN number to your appointment.
How long does a full-body check-up take?
The duration of a check-up depends on the selected programme. The standard screening at Curitt takes approximately 1.5−2 hours and includes blood draw, instrumental diagnostics (ECG, spirometry, blood-pressure measurement) and a preliminary consultation with a physician.
After the test results are available, a concluding consultation of about 30−45 minutes is held, during which the physician reviews the parameters in detail, explains identified risks and formulates an individual prevention plan.
When Not to Wait for a Check-up
A routine check-up is not the right pathway for urgent symptoms. If you have acute chest pain that does not go away or severe breathlessness, treat that as urgent and seek emergency help immediately.
For life-threatening emergencies in the Netherlands: call 112. In case of urgent but not life-threatening conditions, contact your GP (huisarts) during office hours, or the huisartsenpost (out-of-hours GP service) in the evening/night/weekend6.
What Does a Check-up Cost in the Netherlands?
The cost of a medical check-up in the Netherlands varies significantly depending on what is included and where you have it done. At Curitt, the cost of a complete check-up is € 399, while the premium version of the medical checkup is € 899. These prices include all blood tests, instrumental diagnostics and a detailed physician consultation to review the results.
Take Care of Your Health with Regular Medical Check-Ups
A medical check-up is a preventive health review that combines your history, core measurements, and targeted screening to identify risks early, keep prevention on track, and establish a baseline for future comparison. Taking care of your health does not mean waiting for symptoms to appear.
If you are considering a health check in Amsterdam or Utrecht, a regular check-up at Curitt is an investment in long-term well-being. Our modern diagnostics, experienced specialists and a personalised approach will help you not only understand the current condition of your body but also develop a strategy for healthy longevity.
At what age is it best to undergo a full check-up?
The ideal time for a first comprehensive assessment is around age 30. At that age, the first lifestyle-related metabolic changes typically begin to manifest. Early identification of risks provides the opportunity to adjust diet, physical activity and other factors before chronic disease develops.
How often should I book a medical check-up in the Netherlands?
For lower-risk adults with previously normal blood pressure, screening every 3−5 years can be appropriate, while people aged 40+ or those with risk factors may benefit from more frequent reviews, often annually for blood pressure checks4. Frequency should ultimately be tailored to your personal risk profile and any prior abnormal results.
What is the difference between a medical check-up and a diagnostic appointment for symptoms?
A check-up is preventive and focuses on assessing risk factors and establishing a baseline when you are not acutely unwell. If you have ongoing or worsening symptoms, the right pathway is usually a targeted diagnostic consultation (often via your GP or urgent care) rather than a routine check-up6.
What tests are typically included in a Curitt check-up?
Currit’s Complete Check-Up package includes a detailed laboratory blood analysis of over 42 parameters, an assessment of blood oxygen saturation, the heart rate count, blood pressure monitoring, an electrical heart activity test (ECG), lung function assessment (spirometry), BMI calculation (height, weight), along with a detailed consultation with one of our doctors.
In addition to these, the Premium Check-Up package includes a more extensive bloodwork, with over 55 blood parameters, including hormones, insulin, ApoB, Lp (a), a urine test, and an ultrasound check-up of the upper and lower abdomen.
Do I need to fast before my check-up blood tests?
It depends on which biomarkers are being measured and the clinic’s protocol. Before attending, confirm any preparation instructions such as fasting and medication guidance, so your results are interpreted accurately.
Will a check-up automatically include "full-panel" blood tests for everyone?
Not necessarily. Evidence-based prevention generally supports choosing tests based on age and risk rather than automatic broad panels for everyone, as unnecessary testing can increase false positives and follow-up investigations without improving outcomes4.
When should I seek urgent care instead of waiting for a check-up?
If you have potentially serious symptoms such as severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, or signs of stroke, you should seek urgent help immediately. In the Netherlands, call 112 for emergencies and use your GP or the huisartsenpost for urgent issues outside office hours6.