Medical emergency? Call 912 (SAMU ambulance, free) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. A check-up is for people who feel well. Chest pain, stroke signs or sudden severe symptoms need emergency care now. Kigali Clinics is a booking service, not a clinic, and does not give medical advice.
A health check-up in Kigali is a simple way to find problems before they cause symptoms. Kigali Clinics helps you book a check-up at a licensed private clinic, whether you want a quick blood pressure and blood sugar check, a full package with blood tests and an ECG, a pre-employment medical or check-ups for a whole team. Tell us what you need and we find a clinic that offers it.
Why bother when you feel fine? Because several common conditions are silent. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.4 billion adults aged 30 to 79 had high blood pressure in 2024, about a third of that age group, and that around 44% of them did not know it. WHO's advice is simple: the only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked.
What a check-up can include
| Check | What it looks for |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | High blood pressure (hypertension) |
| Height, weight and waist | Body mass index (BMI) and weight-related risk |
| Blood sugar (glucose or HbA1c) | Diabetes or pre-diabetes |
| Cholesterol (lipid profile) | Raised cholesterol and heart disease risk |
| Full blood count | Anaemia and some infections |
| Kidney and liver tests | How these organs are working |
| Urine test | Kidney problems, infection, sugar in urine |
| ECG | Heart rhythm and some heart problems |
| Eye check | Vision and eye health |
| Dental check | Teeth and gum health |
Basic check-ups usually cover the first four. Larger packages add more tests. More tests are not always better: a good clinic will discuss which checks make sense for your age, sex, family history and lifestyle.
Who should consider a check-up
- Adults over 40, especially if you have not had blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol checked recently. England's NHS Health Check, for example, is offered to adults aged 40 to 74 every 5 years.
- People with a family history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Anyone who smokes, is overweight, or gets little physical activity.
- People starting a new job that requires a medical certificate.
- Employers who want to offer staff a check-up.
Why blood sugar matters too
WHO reports that 14% of adults aged 18 and over were living with diabetes in 2022, up from 7% in 1990. WHO notes that early diagnosis can be achieved through relatively inexpensive blood glucose testing. Untreated diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, so finding it early really matters. If you already have diabetes, ask about regular checks with an eye clinic as well.
How to prepare
- Ask about fasting. Some blood tests need you to avoid food for several hours. The clinic will tell you.
- Bring a list of medicines and any previous results.
- Know your family history: heart disease, diabetes, stroke or cancer in parents, brothers or sisters.
- Wear comfortable clothes with sleeves that roll up easily for blood pressure and blood tests.
- Plan your morning. Fasting tests are often done early, so check the clinic's hours and leave time for traffic.
After your check-up
Make sure you understand:
- what each result means and whether it is normal for you;
- whether anything needs a repeat test or follow-up, and when;
- how you will receive results that are not ready on the day;
- what you can do now, for example changes to diet, activity or smoking.
WHO advice for lowering diabetes risk includes keeping a healthy body weight, doing at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, eating a healthy diet low in sugar and saturated fat, and not smoking. A brisk walk on the quieter streets of neighbourhoods such as Kimihurura or Nyarutarama is an easy way to build activity into your week.
If a result needs follow-up, a general practitioner can review it, start treatment and refer you if needed.
Paying for a check-up
- RSSB medical scheme. RSSB lists a comprehensive medical check-up among its covered services, with RSSB paying 85% and the member 15% at contracted facilities. Ask about any conditions that apply.
- Private insurance. Check your policy schedule to see whether a check-up benefit is included.
- Employer-paid. Ask HR whether your employer arranges check-ups for staff.
- Self-pay. Prices depend on the tests. Contact us for a current quote.
Read our health insurance guide for more on cover in Rwanda.
Check-ups for teams and employers
Many organisations in Kigali offer staff health checks as part of their benefits. If you are arranging check-ups for a group, tell us in the form or by message:
- how many people need a check-up;
- which tests your organisation wants included;
- whether staff will go to the clinic or you would like the clinic to suggest another arrangement;
- your preferred dates and times, such as early mornings for fasting tests;
- how the check-ups will be paid for, for example through RSSB, a private insurer or directly by the company.
We look for a clinic that can handle the group and confirm the arrangements with you. Each person's results should go to them privately.
Book your check-up
Use the form on this page, choose "Health check-up", and tell us which tests you want or simply "basic check-up". Add your preferred area, such as Kacyiru, Remera or the city centre, and a date. For family members, you can also book a dentist visit.
Frequently asked questions
What does a general health check-up include?
It varies by clinic and package, but a basic check-up usually includes a talk about your health and lifestyle, height, weight and waist measurement, blood pressure, and blood tests such as blood sugar and cholesterol. Some packages add urine tests, an ECG, eye checks or screening tests.
How often should I have a check-up?
There is no single rule. As one example, England's NHS Health Check is offered to adults aged 40 to 74 without certain existing conditions every 5 years. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes or other risks, your doctor will usually suggest more frequent reviews.
Do I need to fast before my check-up?
Some blood tests, such as certain blood sugar or cholesterol tests, may need you to avoid food for several hours beforehand. Ask the clinic when you book. We pass on any instructions the clinic gives us when we confirm your appointment.
Does RSSB cover a medical check-up?
RSSB lists a comprehensive medical check-up among the services covered by its medical scheme, with RSSB paying 85% and the member 15% at accredited facilities contracted with RSSB. Ask RSSB or the clinic about any eligibility conditions before booking.
Can you book check-ups for employees?
Yes. Tell us how many people need a check-up, what tests your company wants and your preferred dates in the form or by contacting us. We look for a clinic that can handle the group and confirm the arrangements with you.
What happens if a result is abnormal?
The clinic's doctor explains your results and what they mean. An abnormal result often needs a repeat test or a follow-up visit, and sometimes a referral to a specialist. Make sure you know how you will receive your results before you leave the clinic.
How much does a health check-up cost in Kigali?
It depends on which tests are included, from a simple blood pressure and blood sugar check to a full package with an ECG and imaging. Contact us for a current quote and tell us which tests you want.