Research shows more people know their pet’s birthday than their cholesterol levels, despite being aware of the importance of regular health checks

February 2026: Despite the majority of the population acknowledging the importance of regularly tracking health metrics, people are more aware of details like their pet’s birthdays (58%) and Netflix PINs (58%) than knowing their cholesterol (47%), blood sugar (40%) or resting heart rate (38%), according to new research commissioned by Irish Life Health. These findings come as Irish Life Health continues to record a steady increase in cardiovascular related claims, including amongst younger members. Health screening is the foundation of good health and is critical to supporting early detection and prevention.

The research indicates that people can recite certain numerical details from memory yet often draw a blank when it comes to their own health indicators. The majority of people can seamlessly recall everyday items like their mobile number (96%) and ATM pin code (95%). However, strikingly, people were shown to be more aware of their car registration (72%), Netflix PIN (58%), and even their pet’s birthday (58%) than their key health numbers, such as cholesterol (47%) or blood sugar levels (40%).

The research is released in conjunction with the launch of Irish Life Heath’s Essential Health Check, an at-home blood test kit that makes it easy for people to measure key health markers in a convenient, timely, and affordable way. A clinician reviews both the blood test results and a lifestyle assessment, and customers receive personalised insights and recommendations through an interactive dashboard, along with expert support to help them build a tailored health action plan.

The research findings highlight how disconnected people can be from the information that matters most for their long-term wellbeing; blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, blood sugar - which are the foundation of good health and wellbeing. This reinforces the need to make health awareness and routine screening as familiar and accessible as the details relied upon every day.

While the vast majority of people know the importance of health screening, less than half of those surveyed had had a health check-up in the last 12 months. Those under 35 are most engaged (74%) as they tend to take a self-directed approach, focusing on key health markers such as calories and step counts to optimise overall health, fitness and performance. People over 55 closely follow (72%), with 1 in 5 tracking their health in tandem with healthcare professionals. However, 35–54-year-olds emerged as the least proactive with their health (62%), prefer simpler health routines and are less likely to regularly track their health.

GP and Chief Medical Officer at Inuvi, Dr. Nisa Aslam, who has collaborated with Irish Life Health to deliver the Essential Health Check said: “Rates of heart disease and related metabolic conditions are rising fast, including among younger people. The challenge is that in the early stages these conditions are silent, so people are often unaware of their risk and don’t take action until it’s too late. Irish Life Health’s Essential Health Check makes health screening more accessible, convenient and reliable, allowing people to take preventative steps and take full control of their health - particularly from mid-life onwards, when proactive screening becomes increasingly important.”

Behaviour Change Specialist, Dr. Heather McKee said: “As a nation, we are pretty proactive when it comes to monitoring things like steps and sleep on our wearables, and tracking your health numbers can create awareness, but awareness alone doesn’t change behaviour. What makes this new Essential Health Check service different is that it bridges the gap between ‘knowing’ and ‘doing’: it highlights what matters most for you, reduces overwhelm, and provides clear, tailored guidance on where to start. That clarity removes one of the biggest barriers to action - uncertainty - and helps people build healthier habits they can sustain.”

Cost remains the biggest barrier to seeking routine health checks (34%), followed by a widespread perception among many people that they feel healthy and therefore don’t need to be tested (22%). Access also continues to be a challenge, with difficulty securing appointments and long waiting times preventing 19% of respondents from attending health checks, while a similar number cite busy schedules as a deterrent. Worryingly, the fear of receiving potentially worrying results plays a significant role in up to 15% of people delaying preventative action.

Ann Marie Nestor, Managing Director of Irish Life Health, said: “We know two of the biggest barriers preventing people from carrying out routine health checks is cost and access. Many people struggle to get GP appointments or are constrained by work, caring responsibilities or time. Our new Essential Health Check seeks to remove these barriers, enabling people to conduct a convenient and affordable at home blood test to proactively monitor key health indicators and, ultimately, take control of their health.”

For further information, please contact:

James Nolan, Drury 0860892395 / james.nolan@drury.ie

Molly Donovan, Drury 083 839 1712 / molly.donovan@drury.ie

The research was conducted by RED C, using its online omnibus, the RED Line.

1010 respondents took part with fieldwork taking place from the 21^st - 26^th of November 2025. Data was weighted across gender, age, region and social class so as to ensure a nationally representative sample based on latest CSO projections.

About Essential Health Check

Irish Life Health’s Essential Health Check - an at-home blood test and lifestyle assessment - no clinic visit needed. Essential Health Check unlocks insights into your metabolic health by measuring key blood markers and assessing important lifestyle factors. With the guidance of expert clinicians, you’ll gain the insights you need to make informed decisions for a healthier future.

The Essential Health Check kit is available to all Irish Life Health members at a cost of €50 per kit. It includes:

• A simple at-home blood test that measures key indicators of metabolic and heart health, including blood sugar levels
• A lifestyle assessment to understand how factors like sleep, activity, and nutrition impact your overall health
• A convenient at-home blood pressure and pulse reading with the Lifelight app (medically certified technology that works using just a smartphone - no hardware, cuff or calibration needed).
• Personalised health insights - a clinician will review the blood and lifestyle assessment, providing members with a personalised health report and easy-to-understand results.
• Expert support to discuss results with an expert clinician who will guide on next steps.
• A tailored plan of action with a customised plan to help members take control of their health and wellbeing.

About Irish Life

Irish Life is one of Ireland’s leading financial services groups, now taking care of over 1.6 million customers. We help people to improve their financial, physical and mental wellbeing – helping to build better lives today and better futures. 

We are part of the Great-West Lifeco group of companies, one of the world’s leading life assurance organisations. Great-West Lifeco and its subsidiaries have total client assets of CAD$3.3 trillion* and are members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies.

Irish Life delivers innovative solutions for personal and corporate customers, backed by the highest standards of service. And as part of Great-West Lifeco, we have access to experience and expertise on a global scale, so we can continuously enhance our leading range of services and solutions.

*as at 30 September 2025