Men’s Health Checks
A Simple Guide for Living Well, Longer
Discover the essential health checks for men, when to get screened, and how Westfund can support your long-term health and wellbeing.
Why Men’s Health Checks Matter
Many men want to stay healthy, but life often gets in the way. Work and family commitments can make it hard to find time, and cost can feel like a real barrier. It’s also common to think “I’m fine” and put things off, or to prefer handling things on your own. On top of that, booking and accessing care isn’t always easy.
Looking after your health does not need to be complicated, nor time consuming.
Many common health conditions in Australian men like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers develop slowly and without early warning signs or symptoms.
Regular health checks help find changes early, when they are easier to manage.
A check today can help you stay well tomorrow and keep doing what matters most to you.
Start With Your GP: Your Health Partner
Your GP is your first and most important connection for men’s health checks and preventive care. They work with you to understand which health screenings are right for your individual needs, consider your family history, and build a simple, personalised plan to support your long-term wellbeing. There is no “perfect” checklist: your self-care plan should always fit your life, your goals, and what matters most to you.
Short on time? Telehealth GP appointments make it easier to prioritise your health - less time away from work, and more time staying well, strong, and focused on what matters.
When Should Men Get Health Checks
Theres no perfect time when men should get health checks, but here’s a guide to talk to your doctor about.
18 to 30
Between ages 18 to 30, preventive health screening for men focuses on building a strong foundation for lifelong wellbeing. These include blood pressure checks, mental health check ins, and screening for sexually transmissible infections (if sexually active). A GP may also assess lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, alcohol use, and smoking, along with baseline measures like weight and family health history to support a personalised prevention plan.
30 to 40
In addition to the checks above, for men aged 30 to 40 there is an increased focus on identifying early risk factors for chronic conditions. This may include cholesterol testing where indicated and a more structured assessment of cardiovascular risk, particularly if there is a family history. Screening for type 2 diabetes may also be recommended for those with risk factors.
40 to 50
In addition to the previous checks, for men aged 40 to 50 there is a stronger focus on early detection of chronic conditions. This health screening includes more formal cardiovascular risk assessment and more proactive screening for type 2 diabetes. Additionally, discussions about bowel cancer screening may begin, and prostate health should be discussed with your GP to support informed decision making.
50 to 60
In addition to the earlier checks, for men aged 50 to 60 there is an increased focus on structured screening programs and ongoing monitoring. This includes active participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program every two years and more regular consideration of prostate health through informed discussions with your GP. Skin checks also become particularly important, along with the introduction of hearing and vision assessments where appropriate.
60+
In addition to all previous health screening checks, for men aged 60 and over the focus shifts toward maintaining independence, safety, and quality of life. This includes greater attention to vision and hearing, assessment of bone health, and evaluation of falls risk where appropriate. Medication reviews also become increasingly important to ensure safe and effective care, alongside ongoing monitoring to support strength, function, and living well.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
You are the team captain, but good health is a team effort. We all play a role: your GP, your family, your support crew. Show up, take the first step, back yourself. Small actions build strength over time. Stay consistent, stay focused, and together we’ll help keep you strong, healthy, and ready for whatever’s ahead.
How Westfund can support you
If you're a Westfund member, we can help connect you with the right support when you need it, so you are never managing your health alone. Programs* that may help your health journey along the way include:
24/7 Telehealth Support. If you can't get to your regular GP, Westfund members have access to Doctors on Demand, including a $5 off a standard consult.
Heart Health. Cardihab helps you to understand heart health risk factors and maintain your heart health.
Skin Health. Keep an eye out for the Westfund mobile skin screening clinic in a town near you.
Mental Health. Westfund recognises that mental health matters just as much as physical health. Our Mental Wellbeing Support Program is available to members with eligible Hospital cover.
Weight Management. Westfund members who have hospital cover and have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease or Osteoarthritis can take part in our Healthy Weight for Life program.
Why not explore your policy with our friendly staff and make the most of all inclusions - give them a call on 1300 937 838
For more information visit the Health Co-Op | Westfund Health Insurance and Westfund Health and Wellbeing Programs,
Book a health check. Feel good. Stay healthy. Live well.
The information provided is general in nature and does not replace professional medical advice.
* Annual limits, waiting periods and eligibility criteria apply. Benefits and programs are subject to your level of cover. Please refer to your Policy Summary or check your Extras limits via Members Online or the Westfund app for full details.
References
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (Red Book). [nqphn.com.au]
RACGP. Preventive activities over the lifecycle – Adults (screening schedule). [racgp.org.au]
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Men’s health resources and national initiatives. [health.gov.au]
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. National Immunisation Program Schedule. [health.gov.au]
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The health of men in Australia. [aihw.gov.au]
Cancer Council Australia. PSA testing clinical practice guidelines. [cancer.org.au]
Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council. Prostate cancer screening position statement. [health.gov.au]
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Early detection of prostate cancer – recommendations. [prostate.org.au]
Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSW Health). Men’s health check guide. [nslhd.heal...nsw.gov.au]
Better Health Channel (Victorian Government). Health checks for men. [betterheal...vic.gov.au]