Full Body Checkups vs. Annual Physicals: Which Is Right for You?
In today’s fast-paced world, keeping up with your health isn’t optional — it’s essential. Many people assume their annual physical covers everything, but if you’ve ever searched “full body checkup,” you’ve probably seen packages promising more comprehensive screenings and deeper insights.
Understanding how these approaches differ — and how the VWell™ Trip from VacayWellness redefines what a complete medical checkup can be — helps you choose the option that fits your life, coverage, and goals.
Quick Comparison: Full Body Checkups, Annual Physicals and the VWell Trip, what's the difference.
Preventive healthcare can take many forms, ranging from a quick annual physical to a full-body diagnostic experience abroad. The table below compares three common levels of preventive care — the standard U.S. Annual Physical, a Traditional Full Body Checkup, and the VWell™ Trip by VacayWellness — highlighting how each differs in scope, cost, and ideal patient profile.
| Three Levels of Preventive Care | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive Approach | Typical Location | Scope | Cost | Who It’s For |
| 1. US Annual Physical | U.S. primary-care office | Basic exam + limited labs | Usually insurance-covered | Routine yearly checkup |
| 2. Traditional Full Body Checkup | Specialty U.S. clinics | Broader diagnostics, imaging, etc. | $1,000–$5,000+ | Those wanting deeper insights into health |
| 3. VWell™ Trip (by VacayWellness) |
JCI-accredited international hospital | Coordinated medical exam, broad labs, diagnostics, dental, vision, follow-up, and optional vacation services | About half U.S. cost | Insured, uninsured, HDHP, self-employed, etc. — healthy patients seeking complete preventive care & more value for their money |
What Is an Annual Physical?
The annual physical is the foundation of preventive medicine in the U.S. It’s usually performed by your primary care provider and focuses on evaluating your overall health and identifying common risk factors.
Typical components include:
Review of your medical history and medications
Basic lab work (cholesterol, glucose, blood count)
Vital signs and general physical exam
Age-appropriate preventive screenings (Pap smears, mammograms, colonoscopies)
For those with traditional insurance, an annual physical is often covered. But if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) or are self-employed and uninsured, the reality can be very different. Routine visits may lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses for labs, imaging, or follow-up tests — often totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars before you meet your deductible. That’s why more people are exploring alternatives like the VWell™ Trip, which offers transparent, upfront pricing and comprehensive medical care without hidden costs.
Key takeaway: Your annual physical provides a snapshot of your health — but it may not give you the full picture or fit your budget.
What Is a Full Body Checkup?
A full body checkup (sometimes called a comprehensive health screening or executive exam) takes a deeper look at your overall health. It’s designed to detect potential issues early, often covering multiple organ systems in a single visit.
Common inclusions:
Expanded blood panels (thyroid, vitamin, and hormone testing)
Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, or MRI)
ECG or echocardiogram for heart health
Dental and vision screening
Lifestyle assessments (nutrition, stress, sleep)
Key takeaway: Full body checkups offer more data, to give you a better picture of your health.
How VacayWellness Redefines the Full Body Checkup
At VacayWellness, we’ve reimagined what a full body checkup should be — comprehensive, evidence-based, and stress-free.
The VWell™ Trip
Each VWell™ Trip centers on preventive medical care performed by licensed professionals at Joint Commission International (JCI)–accredited hospitals. These facilities meet the same rigorous quality standards used to accredit top U.S. hospitals.
The experience can serve as a supplement to your existing annual physical — or for those paying cash, using a high-deductible plan, or uninsured, it can be a complete replacement, offering all the key components of a yearly exam in one coordinated trip.
What’s Included on a VWell™ Trip
Your VWell™ Trip delivers a full, coordinated schedule of physician-led medical evaluations and diagnostic testing, typically including:
Comprehensive laboratory testing: blood count, cholesterol, liver and kidney panels, thyroid and hormone levels, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes screening, and more
Imaging diagnostics: chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and other imaging
Cardiac evaluations: ECG (electrocardiogram), echocardiogram, or stress testing
Dental evaluation and cleaning by licensed dental professionals
Vision screening: ocular health exam and prescription update
Full physical examination: system-by-system review by a primary care physician
Screenings: gynecologic or prostate screening
Personalized medical consultation: interpretation of results and preventive care planning
Virtual follow-up: review findings with your physician once you’re home
Every appointment is pre-scheduled to reduce wait times and maximize efficiency. You’ll also receive clear, itemized documentation separating medical and non-medical services — ensuring transparency and simplifying HSA/FSA reimbursement for eligible portions.
👉 Learn more about the documentation process with VacayWellness
Optional Wellness Add-Ons
After completing your medical services, you may choose to enjoy optional non-medical wellness activities — such as yoga, spa treatments, or local excursions. These are completely optional and not part of the medical package, but many guests appreciate the opportunity to relax post-checkup and explore a new country.
Why It’s More Accessible
For many people in the U.S., even basic preventive care can come with surprise bills or unpredictable costs — especially for those uninsured, with high deductibles, or those wanting additional testing that insurance won’t cover.
VacayWellness eliminates that uncertainty. With bundled pricing, accredited hospitals, and upfront transparency, you know exactly what your care will cost before you travel.
“The VWell™ Trip gives you access to preventive healthcare designed around you.”
Final Thought
Your health deserves more than a quick annual check-in. Whether you’re insured, uninsured, navigating high out-of-pocket costs, tired of the US healthcare system, or just want more value for your money, you deserve access to comprehensive, physician-supervised preventive care that’s transparent, affordable, and tailored to you.
The VWell™ Trip combines the clinical rigor of accredited hospitals with the simplicity of one coordinated, comprehensive experience — helping you take control of your health, wherever you are.
👉 Learn more about scheduling your comprehensive preventive checkup with VacayWellness.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or medical advice. Always consult your HSA or FSA administrator, tax professional, and healthcare provider to confirm eligibility for reimbursement and compliance with IRS Publication 502. VacayWellness provides coordination for preventive medical services performed by licensed providers; any leisure or wellness activities are optional and not eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement.
Further Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at the contact form linked below if you have any questions. For more details, visit our website and start planning your VWell™ Trip today.
