{"id":2253,"date":"2026-10-17T19:50:56","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T10:50:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iwaw.kr\/en\/2026\/10\/17\/health-check-up-eligibility-fasting-guide-c49f1c9e84\/"},"modified":"2026-10-17T19:51:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T10:51:12","slug":"health-check-up-eligibility-fasting-guide-c49f1c9e84","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iwaw.kr\/en\/2026\/10\/17\/health-check-up-eligibility-fasting-guide-c49f1c9e84\/","title":{"rendered":"Health Check-up Eligibility Inquiry and Fasting Time Check with Precautions"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Introduction: The Start of a Proper Health Check-up, Checking Eligibility<\/h2>\n

Every year, an annual event arrives that we somehow tend to put off\u2014the “National Health Check-up.” Caught up in a busy daily life, it is easy to casually brush it off, thinking, “I’m still young, so I’ll be fine,” or “I got a health check-up last year, so I can skip this year.” However, diseases strike without warning, and most chronic or major illnesses show almost no early symptoms, making timely detection more important than anything else.
\nThe first step of a health check-up is precisely ‘checking whether you are eligible for a check-up this year.’ Since the general health check-ups and cancer screenings supported by the government determine eligible recipients based on age and birth year (even\/odd years), you must check in advance whether you can receive check-up benefits this year.
\nIf you are eligible but miss it, delay, and end up visiting the hospital at the end of the year, reservation waits may become lengthy, leading to an unfortunate situation where you cannot finish the tests within the year. In particular, due to the nature of national health check-ups where targets are divided by even and odd years, missing the timing may require you to wait for the next opportunity or incur out-of-pocket costs, making it necessary to develop a habit of checking in advance.
\nIn this posting, we will thoroughly organize everything from how to check your 2026 health check-up eligibility to the fasting times and preliminary precautions you must never miss, so please read until the end and smartly take care of your health!<\/p>\n

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Detailed Guide on How to Check 2026 Health Check-up Eligibility<\/h2>\n

Finding out whether you are eligible for a health check-up this year is simpler than you think. The National Health Insurance Service provides both PC and mobile services so that citizens can conveniently check their eligibility.
\nIf it feels difficult and complicated, choose the method that is more comfortable for you from the two options guided below and check in just 1 minute.<\/p>\n

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  1. Checking via PC (National Health Insurance Service Website)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This is the most standard and reliable way to check your entire history.<\/p>\n

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    1. Access the official National Health Insurance website: Search for ‘National Health Insurance’ on a portal site to access the official website.<\/li>\n
    2. Proceed with login: Complete the login through the top [Login] menu via simple authentication (Kakao, Naver, Toss, etc.) or a joint certificate. (Login is essential to look up personal information such as resident registration numbers.)<\/li>\n
    3. Go to the health check-up eligibility inquiry menu:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      From the main screen or top menu, click in order: [Health In] \u2794 [Health Check-up] \u2794 [Check-up Eligibility Inquiry].<\/p>\n

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      1. Check results: You can see at a glance the general health check-up and cancer screening items you are eligible for this year, along with any check-up history you haven’t received yet.<\/li>\n
      2. Checking conveniently on mobile (‘The Health Insurance’ App)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        If turning on the PC is cumbersome, you can use the smartphone app to quickly check anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\n

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        1. App installation and execution: Download and run the ‘The Health Insurance’ app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.<\/li>\n
        2. Simple login: Upon initial access, proceed to log in via financial certification or simple authentication.<\/li>\n
        3. Using the inquiry service:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Tap the [Health Check-up Eligibility Inquiry] icon on the home screen.<\/p>\n

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          1. Check results: You can check your eligibility for this year’s check-up, instructions on filling out the questionnaire, and designated check-up institutions near your home directly on the mobile screen.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            \ud83d\udca1 Precautions and Tips for Checking Eligibility
            \nCheck birth year: This year (2026) is for those born in even-numbered years to receive the general health check-up. (e.g., born in 1986, 1996, etc.) However, since non-office workers are included every year, it is recommended to check your workplace subscriber category together.
            \nWhat if the notice didn’t arrive? Even if you have not received the health check-up notification mail, you can receive the check-up without any issues if you are found to be eligible through the two methods above (website or app).
            \nIf you have successfully completed checking your eligibility, the next step is to check the items for accurate testing and thorough fasting times. Please be sure to check the following content!<\/p>\n

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            Checkup Content and Target Guide by Examination Item<\/h2>\n

            Once you have finished checking your health check-up eligibility, you should now carefully look over what tests you will receive by item. National health check-ups are largely divided into the ‘general health check-up’ received by all eligible people in common and ‘national cancer screenings’ added according to age and gender.
            \nShall we find out in detail what each test contains?<\/p>\n

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            1. General Health Check-up (Common Examination Items)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              The general health check-up is a basic examination to early detect and manage common chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. They are divided into 1st and 2nd (confirmation test) phases depending on age and gender.
              \nBasic questionnaire and physical examination:
              \nQuestionnaire (smoking, drinking, past medical history, etc.) and medical examination
              \nHeight, weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) measurement
              \nVision and hearing tests
              \nBlood test (metabolic syndrome and organ function):
              \nBlood sugar test: Screening for diabetes through fasting blood sugar
              \nLiver function test: Checking liver health through AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), and gamma-GTP (\u03b3-GTP)
              \nKidney and anemia test: Serum creatinine, e-GFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), and hemoglobin tests
              \nUrine test: Checking for kidney diseases such as proteinuria
              \nChest X-ray: Checking for tuberculosis, lung disease, and cardiac enlargement<\/p>\n

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              1. National Cancer Screening Items (Age- and Gender-Tailored Examinations)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                To early detect cancer, which is the number one cause of death in South Korea, cancer screening is supported free of charge (or with a 10% copayment) for those who fall into specific ages and cycles.
                \nStomach cancer screening:
                \nTarget: Men and women aged 40 and over (2-year cycle)
                \nTest method: Gastroscopy (Upper gastrointestinal series is optional upon personal request)
                \nColorectal cancer screening:
                \nTarget: Men and women aged 50 and over (Annually)
                \nTest method: Fecal occult blood test (stool test) conducted first \u2794 Colonoscopy conducted if abnormal findings are found
                \nLiver cancer screening:
                \nTarget: High-risk groups among men and women aged 40 and over (2 times a year cycle in the first\/second half)
                \nTest method: Liver ultrasound + Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) blood test
                \nBreast cancer screening:
                \nTarget: Women aged 40 and over (2-year cycle)
                \nTest method: Mammography (X-ray)
                \nCervical cancer screening:
                \nTarget: Women aged 20 and over (2-year cycle)
                \nTest method: Cervical cytology test
                \n\ud83d\udca1 Things to Keep in Mind When Checking Health Check-up Items
                \nIn the case of cancer screening, you must check in advance through the inquiry service guided earlier whether you are included in the target for that year.
                \nIf precision tests such as endoscopy or ultrasound are included, reservations may close faster than general tests, so it is recommended to hurry if you are eligible.
                \nTo obtain accurate and reliable check-up results, it is as important to perfectly follow the fasting times and precautions before the check-up as the examination items themselves. In the next table of contents, we will completely organize the fasting tips that you are most likely to confuse!<\/p>\n

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                The Most Important and Confusing ‘Fasting Time’ and Preliminary Precautions Total Summary<\/h2>\n

                The step that requires the most effort to obtain accurate health check-up results is ‘preliminary preparation.’ No matter how good the equipment is for the examination, if you do not follow the diet or fasting time of the previous day, the blood test values may be distorted, leading to a re-examination or misdiagnosis.
                \nWe will neatly organize the fasting time and medication guidelines that people are most confused about.<\/p>\n

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                1. ‘Fasting Time’ Guide for Maintaining a Thorough Empty Stomach<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  For accurate physical examinations such as blood tests and gastroscopy, the stomach must be completely emptied of food.
                  \nDinner the day before the check-up:
                  \nIt is best to finish dinner lightly and with easily digestible food preferably before 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
                  \nGreedy or irritating foods and overeating are strictly prohibited.
                  \nFasting time (at least 8 to 12 hours or more):
                  \nYou must maintain an empty stomach for at least 8 hours to usually 12 hours or more based on the check-up start time. (e.g., if the check-up is at 9:00 AM, complete prohibition of food intake from 9:00 PM the previous day)
                  \nStrictly prohibited items (including water):
                  \nAll liquids such as water, coffee, tea, milk, and juice.
                  \nGum, candy, cigarettes (nicotine), etc. also stimulate gastric acid secretion and bowel movement, so they must be strictly avoided on the morning of the check-up.
                  \nHowever, if your throat is so dry that you cannot endure it, a small amount of water (less than half a paper cup) is sometimes permitted, but it is safest not to touch it until just before the check-up for accurate testing.<\/p>\n

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                  1. What should I do about the medications I am taking? (Situation-specific coping)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    If you have regular medications that you must take every day, handling them on the morning of the check-up is the trickiest. Rather than unconditionally not taking them, the response differs depending on the type of medication.
                    \nBlood pressure medication:
                    \nIt is common to take blood pressure medication around 6:00 AM on the day of the check-up with a minimum amount of water. If you take a check-up with high blood pressure, cerebral hemorrhage or cardiovascular risks may occur, and blood pressure measurement values may rise, making a normal check-up difficult. (However, if there are special examinations such as a colonoscopy, you must follow the hospital’s instructions.)
                    \nDiabetes medication and insulin injection:
                    \nDo not take (administer) them at all on the morning of the check-up. Taking diabetes medication or injecting insulin in a fasting state can cause hypoglycemic shock, so you must stop it.
                    \nOther medications (supplements, aspirin, anticoagulants, etc.):
                    \nIt is recommended to stop vitamins or general supplements from the day before the check-up. In particular, if you are taking anticoagulants that thin the blood (aspirin, warfarin, etc.) or anti-inflammatory painkillers, they can affect hemostasis during an endoscopic biopsy, so a preliminary consultation with your doctor from a week before the check-up is essential.<\/p>\n

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                    1. Special Precautions for Women’s Check-ups<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      When menstruating:
                      \nBlood may mix into the results of a cervical cancer test or urine test, making accurate reading difficult. It is best to receive the check-up 2 to 3 days after the period ends. If it is unavoidable to change the schedule, make sure to notify the check-up institution in advance.
                      \nWhen pregnant or if there is a possibility of pregnancy:
                      \nRadiation tests such as X-rays (chest radiography, mammography), CT, endometrial tests, and sedatives (sleep inducers) administered during upper and lower endoscopies can have a fatal effect on the fetus. If there is even the slightest possibility of pregnancy, you must notify the medical staff before the check-up to exclude or postpone the relevant tests.
                      \n\ud83d\udca1 Visual Prompt Recommendation (16:9 Landscape):
                      \n\u201cA minimalist flat lay style depicting a morning routine before a health check-up, a glass of water, a digital clock showing early morning time, a clean medical notebook and pen, soft warm morning sunlight, professional and clean aesthetic, no Korean text, 16:9 aspect ratio\u201d<\/p>\n

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                      Health Check-up Reservation and Tips for Finding Check-up Institutions<\/h2>\n

                      If you have thoroughly mastered everything from checking your health check-up eligibility to preparing in advance for fasting, it is now time to reserve a hospital where you will actually take the examination. However, every year in the second half of the year (especially from October to December), people flocking to get check-ups all at once makes booking on your desired date as difficult as plucking a star from the sky.
                      \nWe have summarized reservation tips that will save you time and effort and allow you to complete your check-up most comfortably.<\/p>\n

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                      1. How to Find the Perfect Check-up Institution for You<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        National health check-ups cannot be taken at just any hospital, but only at ‘health check-up institutions’ designated by the National Health Insurance Service.
                        \nUsing the National Health Insurance website\/app:
                        \nUse the [Health Check-up] \u2794 [Find Health Check-up Institution] menu on the official health insurance website or the ‘The Health Insurance’ app.
                        \nBy setting your place of residence (city\/county\/district and neighborhood), you can accurately check the list of designated hospitals and clinics located near your home.
                        \nBe sure to check whether each check-up item is designated:
                        \nNot all hospitals handle all cancer screening items such as stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. For example, since there are small hospitals without gastroscopy or mammography equipment, you must filter and search for institutions where the specific cancer screening items you need to take are available so you don’t waste footwork going back and forth.<\/p>\n

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                        1. When is the Best Time to Make a Reservation? (Timing-based Strategy)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          Reserving in the first half of the year (March to June) is the truth:
                          \nMany people try to get check-ups close to the end of the year (November to December), but at this time, reservation waits alone take several weeks and the inside of the hospital is very crowded.
                          \nOn the other hand, the first half of the year is relatively relaxed, allowing you to comfortably book on your desired date and time slot, and you can receive your results much faster.
                          \nIf you are an office worker eligible for a health check-up:
                          \nIt is wise to coordinate your schedule in advance by avoiding the busy period for office workers in the second half of the year, right before the early summer vacation season, or months with many public holidays.<\/p>\n

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                          1. Checklist to Verify When Booking a Check-up<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                            Differences between general hospitals and regular neighborhood internal medicine clinics:
                            \nLarge general hospitals have the advantage of being able to safely receive various examinations all at once, but reservation competition is fierce, and costs or waiting times can be long.
                            \nIf you choose a clean, mid-sized general check-up designated clinic, you can receive relatively fast reservations and friendly service, so choose according to your own style.
                            \nSaturday and weekday morning reservation tips:
                            \nSince office workers prefer Saturday check-ups, Saturday reservations are often closed months in advance. If you want a Saturday check-up, you must check for remaining seats by phone or online at least one to two months in advance.
                            \n\ud83d\udca1 Visual Prompt Recommendation (16:9 Landscape):
                            \n\u201cA modern and bright medical check-up center waiting area, clean interior design, a digital booking kiosk or a smartphone displaying a calendar schedule, soft natural lighting, professional and welcoming atmosphere, no Korean text, 16:9 aspect ratio\u201d<\/p>\n

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                            Conclusion: The Easiest First Step to Protect Your Health<\/h2>\n

                            So far, we have thoroughly looked into everything from checking your 2026 health check-up eligibility to item-by-item contents, easily confusing fasting times and preliminary precautions, and leisurely reservation tips.
                            \nA health check-up is not simply a procedure to find disease, but the surest and wisest way to listen to the signals your body sends and prevent upcoming risks in advance. If you have been delaying this year’s check-up because you are busy or out of a sense of bother, why not take some time this weekend to start checking your eligibility first?
                            \nSmall interest and practice gather to create a healthy and vibrant daily life. We cheer for you to successfully finish your check-up with reference to the contents organized today, and to always spend a healthy and peaceful day!
                            \n\ud83d\udca1 Visual Prompt Recommendation (16:9 Landscape):
                            \n\u201cA vibrant and healthy lifestyle concept, a person smiling warmly while holding a cup of fresh green tea near a sunny window, lush indoor plants, a peaceful and positive atmosphere, professional and clean aesthetic, no Korean text, 16:9 aspect ratio\u201d<\/p>\n

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