Preventive Health Checkup: Meaning, Benefits and Tax Implications

Our fast-paced lives and changing lifestyles have caused us to take health for granted.

You never know when your current lifestyle will harm your health. As the old saying goes, 'Prevention is better than cure'; regular preventive health check-ups could provide a thorough profile of the body, which can likely interpret signals, allowing for earlier detection. Early detection is critical for cost-effective treatment. In this post, we will explore preventive health screenings and their benefits.

What exactly is a preventive health checkup?

Preventive health check-ups are routine medical exams that allow you to detect health problems before they become serious. Preventive health exams provide you with a detailed view of your present health condition and allow you to discover any health issues early on. These therapies enable quick treatment by identifying any risks, infections, or diseases early on, assisting you in achieving and maintaining improved overall health.

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What are the advantages of regular preventive health checkups?

Regular preventive health check-ups come with many benefits that can improve your well-being:

1. Understanding Your Health: These check-ups provide you with a clear understanding of your health status, highlighting any risks or areas that need attention.
2. Taking Early Action: By identifying potential health issues early, you can take steps to prevent them from becoming more serious.
3. Detecting Diseases Early: Early detection of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer makes them easier to treat and manage.
4. Managing Ongoing Health Issues: If you already have a health condition, regular check-ups help monitor it and prevent it from worsening.
5. Encouraging Healthy Habits: Knowing your health status can motivate you to adopt healthier habits, like eating better, exercising, and avoiding harmful behaviors.
6. Better Sleep: Regular check-ups can help identify and address sleep issues, which are vital for overall health.
7. Saving Money: Preventive care is often less expensive than treating a disease once it has progressed, saving you money in the long run.
8. Taking Control of Your Health: Regular check-ups encourage you to be more involved in your health care, leading to better outcomes.
9. Staying Healthy Long-term: Keeping track of your health helps you maintain well-being as you age.
10. Tax Savings: In India, you can claim up to Rs 5,000 in tax deductions for preventive health check-ups under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.

What are some common preventive health tests?

Different tests are recommended depending on your age group. Here's a list of key preventive health tests for various age groups:

Preventive health check-ups For Children (0-10 years)

• Auscultation: Listening to heart and lung sounds using a stethoscope.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening: Early detection of autism signs.
• Hearing Test: Checking for any hearing issues.
• Newborn Jaundice Screening: Testing for jaundice in newborns.
• Ophthalmic Exam: Eye examination to detect vision problems.
• Oral Examination: Checking dental and oral health.
• Palpation and Percussion: Physical exams to check for abnormalities in organs.
• Reflex Testing: Evaluating the nervous system by testing reflexes.

Preventive health check-ups For Teenagers (10-20 years)

• Anemia Screening: Checking for iron deficiency.
• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Tests: Screening for common sexually transmitted infections.
• Diabetes Test: Monitoring blood sugar levels.
• Hepatitis B and C Screening: Testing for liver infections.
• High Blood Pressure Check: Monitoring blood pressure levels.
• HIV Test: Screening for HIV.
• Lipid Profile/Cholesterol Check: Checking for high cholesterol.
• Obesity Screening: Monitoring body weight and BMI.
• Tuberculosis Test: Screening for TB infection.

 Preventive health check-ups For Young Adults (20-30 years)

• Eye Examination: Regular check-ups to ensure good vision.
• Diabetes Test: Continued monitoring of blood sugar levels.
• Hepatitis C Screening: Ongoing check for liver health.
• High Blood Pressure Check: Monitoring blood pressure levels.
• Lipid Profile/Cholesterol Check: Keeping track of cholesterol levels.
• Pap Smear: Screening for cervical cancer (for women).
• Pelvic Exam: Regular examination of the female reproductive organs.

Preventive health check-ups For Adults (30-40 years)

• Colon Cancer Screening: Early detection of colon cancer.
• Dental Examination: Regular check-ups for dental health.
• Diabetes Test: Consistent monitoring of blood sugar.
• Eye Examination: Continued eye health check-ups.
• Hepatitis C Screening: Monitoring liver health.
• High Blood Pressure Check: Regular blood pressure monitoring.
• Lipid Profile/Cholesterol Check: Ongoing cholesterol level checks.
• Pap Smear: Continued screening for cervical cancer (for women).
• Pelvic Exam: Regular female reproductive health checks.
• Skin Cancer Screening: Checking for any signs of skin cancer.
• Testicular Examination: Regular checks for testicular health (for men).

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For Middle-Aged Adults (40-60 years)

• Bone Mineral Density Test: Screening for osteoporosis (especially for women).
• Breast Cancer Screening: Mammograms to detect breast cancer (for women).
• Cervical Cancer Screening/HPV Test: Continued screening for cervical cancer (for women).
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Monitoring for signs of colorectal cancer.
• Dental Examination: Continued regular dental check-ups.
• Diabetes Test: Ongoing blood sugar level checks.
• Eye Examination: Regular vision check-ups.
• Hearing Test: Screening for any hearing issues.
• Heart Disease Screening: Tests to assess heart health.
• High Blood Pressure Check: Regular monitoring of blood pressure.
• Infectious Disease Screening: Checking for common infections.
• Lipid Profile/Cholesterol Check: Continued monitoring of cholesterol levels.
• Lung Cancer Screening: Tests to detect lung cancer (for men).
• Osteoporosis Screening: Assessing bone health.
• Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam: Ongoing reproductive health checks (for women).
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Testing for prostate health (for men).
• Skin Cancer Screening: Regular checks for skin cancer.
• Testicular Examination: Continued testicular health checks (for men).

Preventive health check-ups For Seniors (Above 60 Years)

• Aneurysm Screening: Checking for abnormal bulging in blood vessels.
• Bone Mineral Density Test: Continued screening for osteoporosis (especially for women).
• Breast Cancer Screening: Ongoing mammograms to detect breast cancer (for women).
• Cervical Cancer Screening/HPV Test: Continued cervical cancer screening (for women).
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Regular monitoring for colorectal cancer.
• Diabetes Test: Continuous blood sugar monitoring.
• Depression Screening: Checking for signs of depression.
• Eye Examination: Regular vision check-ups.
• Hearing Test: Continued hearing assessments.
• High Blood Pressure Check: Ongoing blood pressure monitoring.
• Lipid Profile/Cholesterol Check: Continued cholesterol level checks.
• Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam: Regular reproductive health checks (for women).
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Testing for prostate health (for men).

What types of preventive health checkups are available in the market?

Below are some of the most popular types of preventive health check-ups:

1. A full Body Check-up refers to a medical examination of the entire body. It is typically made up of a series of specific medical tests, such as a blood sugar test, a lipid profile test, a kidney function test, a liver function test, and thyroid testing. Look into health insurance policies that cover full-body check-ups.
2. Women's Health Check-up - This form of preventative health check-up includes medical tests to analyze women's overall health and detect any gynaecological abnormalities. It also includes breast and cervical cancer screenings. 
3. Child Health Check-up - Medical examinations are performed on children to assess their health and physical development. A child health check-up may involve medical tests such as a hearing test and an eye examination. Do not forget to purchase child health insurance to cover the expense of medical check-ups.
4. A diabetic check-up is performed to screen a person for diabetes. It uses medical tests to determine a person's blood sugar levels, such as the fasting blood sugar test, the glucose tolerance test, the HbA1C, and so on. Diabetic people can also obtain diabetes health insurance to offset the expense of preventive health screenings.
5. Healthy Heart Check-up – A healthy heart check-up consists of medical tests designed to assess a person's heart health. It includes a thorough medical examination of a person's cardiovascular system using tests such as lipid profiles, ECGs, chest X-rays, and so on. Check out health insurance policies for heart sufferers to cover the costs of a healthy heart check-up.

How Do Preventive Health Check-Ups Help Prevent Lifestyle Diseases?

Preventive health check ups and medical screenings are critical for detecting lifestyle disorders, which are commonly referred to as ' silent killers'. These disorders are typically caused by bad lifestyle choices and affect the body long before symptoms appear. Most lifestyle disorders, such as cancer and diabetes, can be fatal if not addressed in time. Regular preventative health screenings are the only approach to identify lifestyle diseases promptly. For example, because cancer is typically symptomless in the early stages, regular health check-ups are the only method to diagnose it. Similarly, frequent blood pressure and cholesterol checks are essential for preventing the start of any cardiac disease. 

Who Should Get a Preventive Medical Checkup?

People of all ages should have a comprehensive body checkup at least once a year. Contrary to popular opinion, many diseases and medical disorders can be diagnosed during infancy and adulthood, not just in old age.

Nonetheless, persons over the age of 30 should routinely schedule preventive health screenings. This can aid in the early detection of a range of disorders, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and so on.

Do preventive health checkups offer tax benefits?

Under the Income Tax Act, of 1961, you can claim a tax deduction of up to Rs 5,000 each year for expenses related to preventive health check-ups. This deduction is available under Section 80D and applies to check-ups for yourself, your spouse, dependent children, and parents. The Rs 5,000 deduction is part of the overall Rs 25,000 limit available for health insurance premiums in a financial year. For senior citizens, the total deduction limit is Rs 50,000, which includes Rs 5,000 for check-up costs.

Tips for a Smooth Preventive Health Check-up

Here are some simple tips to help you prepare for a preventive health check-up:

• Fasting is Key: Many tests require fasting for at least 10 hours, so go to your check-up on an empty stomach.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose, comfortable clothes that allow easy movement during your check-up.
• Skip the Jewelry: Avoid wearing metal objects or accessories if you’re undergoing imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, as they can interfere with the results.
• Inform Your Doctor: If you have any implants, such as dentures or pacemakers, let your doctor know before your tests begin.
• Make Lifestyle Changes: Use the results of your check-up to make necessary lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet or increasing physical activity.

Book a health check-up at home.

Available Preventive Healthcare Packages in India

Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers in India offer various preventive health check-up packages tailored to different needs. Here are some common options:

• Basic Health Package: Includes essential tests like blood glucose fasting and a complete blood count. It's suitable for a quick health overview.
• Full Body Package: A comprehensive check-up that screens your entire body, including tests like lipid profiles and blood sugar levels.
• Diabetes Package: For people with or at risk of diabetes, it includes tests like blood glucose fasting and kidney function tests.
• Cardiac Package: Focuses on heart health, including tests like chest X-rays, ECGs, and more.
• Cancer Package: Screens for various types of cancer, including tests like pap smears, clinical exams, and blood tests.
• HIV Package: Screens for HIV and includes tests like HIV 1&2 antibodies and blood glucose fasting.
• Fertility Package: For couples trying to conceive, this includes fertility-related check-ups like pelvic scans and AMH tests.
• Women’s Package: Tailored for women, assessing health risks specific to women with tests like pelvic exams and breast mammograms.
• Family Package: Covers the entire family, including tests like liver function, complete blood count, and lipid profiles.
• Pediatric Package: Designed for children up to 13 years, it includes dental exams, eye exams, and general pediatric assessments.
• Dental Package: Focuses on oral health, helping detect and prevent dental issues like cavities and tooth decay.

Book a health check-up at home.

FAQs for Preventive Health Check-ups

1. What does a preventive health checkup entail?

A preventive health checkup usually consists variety of medical tests that are designed to detect any potential health problem you may face and allow a timely intervention. Regular health checkups include checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar test, cancer screening, vaccines, physical exams and more.

2. Can I file a claim for a preventive health checkup?

Yes. Section 80D of the Income Tax Act of 1961 allows you to claim the expense of preventive health check-ups.

3. What proof is required for a preventive health check-up?

To claim tax deductions, you may need to submit the bills from your preventive health check-up.

4. What is the cost of a package of preventative health check-ups in India?

India is a thriving metropolis home to a diverse population with a range of requirements, desires, and interests. Depending on the nature, prices could vary across the nation. Depending on the type of package, the cost of a preventative health check-up in India can range from Rs 399 to Rs 25,000 per person.

5. Do I have to pay my insurance company for a preventative health check-up?

Most insurance companies provide free preventive health checkups. However, it may be accessible once a year or every 2- 4 claim-free years.