Medical examination in 2026: which examinations are included, and who can pass

In 2026, the medical examination program in Russia will undergo a number of changes: for the first time, screenings for viral hepatitis and additional tests aimed at assessing reproductive health will be included in the list of mandatory examinations. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

What will change in medical examinations in 2026

In 2026, the medical examination procedure, regulated by the order of the Ministry of Health No. 404n, will retain its basic structure, but will receive a number of significant clarifications and additions aimed at early diagnosis of infectious and reproductive diseases, as well as increasing the availability of services for low-mobility groups of the population.

One of the key innovations was the systematic introduction of screening for viral hepatitis, in particular hepatitis C, as part of mandatory medical examinations for certain age groups. This will allow the infection to be detected at an earlier stage and patients to be referred for timely treatment and follow-up.

Dmitry Demidik, Chief physician of the Health Strategy clinic network, internist, said that accessibility guidelines for sedentary, low-mobility citizens have been strengthened and a separate regulation is being created for the disabled.

"That is, the doctor can go to the house, take all the necessary tests, conduct an examination, or patients are delivered directly to the clinic," the expert said.

In addition, the program includes an expanded block on reproductive health: human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and liquid cytology in women in the appropriate age groups have appeared on the list. Such measures are explained by the need to strengthen the prevention of diseases affecting fertility and cancer risks of reproductive organs.

Who gets a free checkup

Medical examination according to the rules established by Order No. 404n is available to all Russian citizens insured in the compulsory medical insurance system (CHI).

"All citizens of the Russian Federation who have a compulsory medical insurance policy have the right to undergo medical examinations free of charge. If a person does not get to the specified year of birth for medical examination, then he can undergo a comprehensive preventive examination, which is also included in the list of basic examinations. Basic medical examination studies include a wide range of services. They depend directly on age and gender," the doctor explained.

The standard medical examination covers the adult population aged 18 and over; for people aged 18-39, the complex is carried out every three years, for citizens aged 40 and over — annually. The Ministry of Health annually publishes lists of the years of birth eligible for medical examination in the current year, which facilitates the recording and planning of visits. At the same time, if a person does not fall under the mass campaign according to the age criterion this year, he can still undergo an in-depth preventive comprehensive examination within the framework of compulsory medical insurance.

How the medical examination takes place: the procedure and stages

Medical examination is carried out in two stages. The first stage involves collecting anamnesis and risk factors, a general clinical examination, measurements of anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference), blood pressure measurement, glucose and lipid profile examination, and, if necessary, a general blood test (usually for people over 40 years old).

Instrumental examinations of the first stage include fluorography (regularity — once every two years under standard conditions, more often for high-risk groups), electrocardiogram and measurement of intraocular pressure.

Based on the results of the first stage, the doctor determines the need for referral to the second (in-depth) stage, where specialized specialists are consulted, additional laboratory and instrumental studies are performed, including cancer screenings according to indications.

In 2026, screening for hepatitis C virus antibodies for citizens aged 25 and over was officially included in the basic set of studies with a frequency of once every ten years; this addition is already reflected in the latest editions of regulatory documents and clarifications from relevant departments.

Age-related cancer screenings are provided for women: mammography in older age groups and, if indicated, ultrasound of the mammary glands; a test for hidden blood in the stool is also performed. For men after 45 years of age, prostate cancer (PSA) screening is provided with a recommended frequency of 3-5 years, depending on the risk.

How to prepare and what documents are needed

To undergo a medical examination, the patient must have with him an identity document (passport), an MHI policy and an SNILS; in some cases, a referral from a local doctor, if required by a regional health organization.

It is recommended to make an appointment for an examination in advance through the contact center of the attached polyclinic or through electronic services (the portal of public services, services of regional ministries of health) in order to receive an itinerary and a schedule of procedures for the first stage.

Before taking tests, you should follow the general rules of preparation: on an empty stomach for biochemical blood tests, if necessary, refrain from intense physical exertion and alcohol the day before. Informed medical organizations usually publish detailed instructions on their websites.

Medical specialists emphasize that the purpose of medical examinations is the early detection of diseases and risk factors, which makes it possible to move from treating an already occurring event to its prevention.

Regular preventive examinations contribute to the more frequent detection of oncological diseases at early stages, the identification of predictors of cardiovascular disasters and the timely initiation of measures to modify risk factors.

Doctors strongly recommend that you do not ignore invitations to medical examinations and, if indicated, undergo in-depth examinations.

The order of medical examination is still fixed by the order of the Ministry of Health No. 404n with subsequent amendments and revisions; the official texts and editions are available in the register of regulations.

The regions retain the right to establish additional support measures and expand the list of surveys within their own territorial program of state guarantees, while the basic state standards remain uniform throughout the country.