Each year, many employers invest in annual health check-ups for their staff as part of their wellbeing or insurance package. This is especially common among companies with expat employees, where regular health screening can help detect disease early, manage risk, and reassure staff working far from their home healthcare systems.
READ MORE >> Why Annual Health Check-Ups Should Be a Must-Have for Your Expat Team
But not all tests are created equal – and more doesn’t always mean better.
Some Check-up Packages Are Bloated with Unnecessary Tests
Some private hospitals and wellness clinics market premium health check-up packages filled with high-tech scans, obscure tumor markers, or exotic-sounding tests. These might look impressive on paper – and they are often covered by private health insurance plans – but many offer little real clinical value, especially when performed on asymptomatic individuals with no medical indication.
Take for example the increasing use of brain scans like fMRI or SPECT to “map brain health” or detect early signs of cognitive decline. While these scans sound advanced and are sometimes promoted as cutting-edge preventive care, there is often no evidence that they lead to better outcomes when used indiscriminately. As Dr. Philip Landrigan, a renowned epidemiologist, puts it:
“Don’t test for stuff you can’t fix.”
When employers allow insurance budgets to be spent on low-value or unnecessary tests, they risk diverting resources from what really matters: high-quality, evidence-based care
Hidden Downsides: False Positives and Downstream Costs
Overtesting can also have unintended consequences. Unnecessary screening increases the risk of false positives, leading to anxiety, invasive follow-up tests, and sometimes even treatment for conditions that were never going to cause harm.
This can drive up claims costs, increase insurance premiums, and burden staff with stress and uncertainty – the opposite of what a health check-up is supposed to do.
READ MORE >> How Much Should You Spend on an Annual Health Check-Up? Essential vs. Overpriced Tests
Better Approach: Focus on Evidence-based, Targeted Screening
Instead of asking “How many tests can we offer?”, employers should ask:
- Which tests are medically appropriate for our staff’s age, sex, and risk factors?
- Are the tests included in the check-up package supported by clinical guidelines?
- Do we have the right partner to help evaluate and negotiate check-up packages tailored to our workforce?
Working with a broker or consultant who understands both the clinical and financial implications of preventive care can make a significant difference. At One World Cover, we regularly help clients audit and restructure check-up packages, ensuring they align with what’s medically necessary — and fit within the annual wellness limits included in the insurance policy.
We also help benchmark provider offerings and work with insurers to secure check-up packages that deliver maximum value for money, often leveraging volume pricing and long-term provider relationships.
Did you know?
- According to OECD data, up to 30% of medical testing may be unnecessary, especially in preventive care contexts.
- Some insurers now track utilization trends and are starting to cap or exclude non-evidence-based screening tests – a sign that the market is waking up to the cost vs. value gap.
Shaping Smarter Screening Strategies
Annual health check-ups are important, but only when done right. The goal should be early detection, not overtesting. Employers who focus on smart screening – not just more screening – will see better outcomes for their staff, their insurance budgets, and their long-term wellbeing strategy.
If you’re unsure whether your company’s current check-up program is offering true value, or if you’re concerned about overuse of low-impact tests, One World Cover can help.
To learn more please get in touch: [email protected] or click here to contact us.
