Discover the Fast and Free Health Check Experience That Everyone’s Talking About

In Moscow's parks, the 'Healthy Moscow' pavilions have opened their doors. Our editorial team decided to try it out and share an honest review of the free health screenings offered.

Many of us tend to postpone health concerns, avoiding appointments due to long waits, busy schedules, or work commitments. We’re no different. That’s why our team tested the summer 'Healthy Moscow' pavilion service. Three editors, three perspectives. Here’s how you can get a free health check, what to expect inside these modern pavilions, and how it differs from traditional clinic screenings.

Olga Vorontseva, Editor-in-Chief:

They say you can guess your age by singing the hit song 'Poplar Fluff, Heat, July' correctly, but there’s some truth in that. For me, the real age test was hearing about a free full-body health check nearby and immediately googling the closest 'health pavilion.' As of May 11, 46 such points opened across Moscow as part of the 'Healthy Moscow' initiative. By 10 a.m. on the opening day, I was at Lianozovsky Park with my passport and insurance card, eager to be among the first to undergo the free screening. At 38, I have much to protect!

Seriously though, I had a similar screening at this pavilion three years ago and appreciated the pace and quality. However, after the pandemic, recovering from COVID-19, and enduring years of stress, I decided it was time for another checkup.

Last time, the entire exam, including tests, took only 1.5 hours, and I wasn’t planning to spend more this time. The staff at the health pavilion worked seamlessly, ensuring I wasn’t kept waiting. They noted that the pavilion’s checkup is more extensive than the federal screening standard, with optional additional procedures like ultrasound available onsite—no appointments or queues needed.

While filling out my questionnaire, a doctor explained that if any abnormalities were detected, telemedicine specialists would contact me, provide health advice, and schedule consultations with specialists if necessary.

Starting off, I quickly completed a health questionnaire on an interactive kiosk, answering about 50 questions on lifestyle and family history. The process was straightforward and non-judgmental, as a robot doesn’t judge smoking habits or dietary preferences. Then, I barely had time to check my emails before being called for the medical exam. The pavilion’s internal workflow is impressively efficient.

Inside, two friendly doctors greeted me, reminiscent of a medical drama. They quickly measured my height, weight, and blood pressure (with a light joke about a famous cosmonaut), took an electrocardiogram, and performed a finger-prick blood test for cholesterol and glucose. The spirometry test was a standout—it assesses lung function, especially important for those recovering from COVID-19. My results were normal, but the doctors recommended breathing exercises.

“It’s great to be young!” the doctors concluded, as a nostalgic tune from the band 'Ivanushki International' played in my head.

Next, I met a general practitioner who reviewed my data on a computer, discussed any concerns, and advised cutting back on coffee and getting more sleep.

“Would you like a chest X-ray for peace of mind? You haven’t had one in two years,” the doctor asked. But a work call interrupted, so I postponed it for another day.

“You can come any day without waiting to do blood chemistry tests and schedule an X-ray at the clinic. It’s quick!” the therapist added.

Before leaving, I stopped by the procedure room to have blood drawn for six key indicators.

“Your results will be available in your electronic medical record,” they called after me. No need for a second visit—fantastic!

Leaving the pavilion, I checked the time: 1 hour 35 minutes. It could have been even faster if I had filled out the health questionnaire online beforehand. Overall, this pavilion checkup outshines traditional clinic screenings in speed and convenience. If you’ve been thinking about a health check, now’s the perfect time—consider this your sign.

Varvara Teplova, Deputy Editor-in-Chief:

I’ll start with a confession—I rarely visit doctors. I’m fortunate to be healthy, and even COVID-19 seemed to skip me (probably). But neglecting annual checkups doesn’t earn me any health points.

There’s always a thousand reasons not to go—workload, oversleeping, rushing around. It’s embarrassing but true—I’ve been ignoring my health.

Thanks to my colleagues inviting me to join their pavilion checkup and share impressions, I couldn’t back out. Plus, a morning stroll in Gorky Park, heading to the big white tent, was quite enjoyable.

The experience was pleasant, although some health concerns were confirmed.

Important note: If you live in Moscow but your insurance isn’t Moscow-based, you can’t be screened here. I saw several people turned away. The registration staff explained they can’t enter test data into the electronic medical record without a Moscow policy, and some tests depend on these results.

Fortunately, this is fixable. Contact your insurer to switch your policy region to Moscow and register with a city clinic—usually a one or two-day process.

This is essential because clinic visits take longer, whereas 'Healthy Moscow' operates quickly and efficiently. We all finished within 90 minutes—often faster than a long coffee chat with friends.

I especially appreciated the young staff—they joked when appropriate, encouraged patients, and expertly handled modern equipment. For example, I met smart scales that measure body water percentage (mine was normal), dry mass, visceral fat (which I need to work on), bone mass (yes, really!), and metabolic age.

In the first room, besides measuring height, weight, and waist circumference, they took blood to check cholesterol and glucose—time to cut back on sweets.

Then, the therapist complimented my strong heart and clear lungs, followed by a thyroid ultrasound.

I received recommendations and a follow-up plan. I promise not to delay further checkups. My metabolic age (the minimal calories my body needs at rest) was higher than ideal—a wake-up call at 36.

Anya Apalina, Senior Editor:

Here’s my profile: 30 years old, two kids, constant stress, working around the clock, poor sleep, and eating on the run.

Goal: live a happy life to 85 (or maybe 100).

Solution? Obviously, monitor health, never miss checkups, and follow doctors’ advice. But I struggle with this.

I usually visit doctors only when serious issues arise that can’t be ignored. My last clinic visits, two days in a row, were so frustrating due to waiting times that I gave up on regular appointments.

So when I heard about the chance to see all specialists in one go, I thought: if this isn’t a sign, it’s at least a magical push.

By 10 a.m. at the 'Nadezhda' park pavilion, the crowd was eager to get their checkups done quickly. Administrators handed out questionnaires and managed the flow to avoid overcrowding. The organization was flawless, with friendly staff monitoring both inside and outside.

My first stop was the pre-doctor exam: sugar, cholesterol—tests I’d long ignored. The results showed I had nothing to fear. Then came the therapist, who deserves a special mention. Out of about six therapists I’ve seen in my life, this was the first I genuinely liked. Patiently answering my hypochondriac questions, the doctor interpreted my results and forecasted health risks for the next decade, considering heredity, body metrics, lifestyle, and symptoms. After detailed recommendations and answering my many questions, I was sent for further tests.

Next was an ultrasound of my thyroid and abdominal organs. During the scan, I chatted with the cheerful technician about her pavilion experience and her kids. This warm atmosphere sets the pavilion apart from typical clinics. Whether it’s the environment or the smooth organization, the doctors were not only skilled but also genuinely kind—something not always found in healthcare.

“It’s a new experience, and those are always met with enthusiasm,” the doctor explained.

Finally, I was guided to blood tests. The nurse asked me to take a deep breath and close my eyes—a touching approach I hadn’t seen before with adults.

In just 90 minutes, I learned a lot about myself and realized that fearing doctors is unnecessary, my health isn’t neglected, but dedicating time to self-care is essential.

So grab your passport, your Moscow insurance card (or note the number—you can provide it at registration), set aside 1.5 to 2 hours, and take care of yourself.

Photos: Anna Apalina, Olga Vorontseva, Varvara Teplova / Woman.ru

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