The most common men’s health issues

It’s a familiar story: putting off check-ups, ignoring symptoms, or assuming “she’ll be right”. For many men, seeking medical help still carries a stigma—one tied to ideas of toughness or independence.

But maintaining good health isn’t about being bulletproof, it’s about being proactive.

So, what should men be looking out for as they age, and how can you take control of your health before issues become serious? We spoke to Radeyan Sazzad, Head of Strategic Enablement at Australian Unity to find out more.

How to build a preventative health plan as you age

When it comes to anything health-related, prevention beats cure every time. And the earlier you start, the easier it is to stay ahead of potential issues.

Unfortunately, many men only engage with the healthcare system when something goes wrong. But starting to get regular check-ups when you’re younger can help normalise the process, and reduce anxiety about unexpected issues later.

“If you start seeing your GP in your 30s or early 40s, it becomes routine and less scary,” says Radeyan. “You also build that trust and holistic understanding of your health, which is vital.”

The first thing your GP might want to understand is your family history and personal risk factors. For example, do heart disease, diabetes, or prostate issues run in your family? If so, make sure to flag it.

“Understanding your risk profile is key to knowing what you need to monitor earlier,” says Radeyan. “Once you’ve established what that looks like, being proactive about screening is critical.”

Making health checks a regular habit—rather than as a last resort—can take the fear out of the unknown. A simple, decade-by-decade plan can also help you stay in control without overthinking it:

• In your 40s: Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, skin and mental health.

• In your 50s: Add prostate health, bowel screening and eye health checks.

• From your 60s onwards: Add bone density and hearing checks.

Set reminders for annual or bi-annual reviews, and consider using apps or a personal health record to track your results.

The most common men’s health challenges

So what are the most common issues? According to Radeyan, the data shows a clear picture of the conditions that commonly affect men, particularly as they move into midlife and beyond.

These are the top five most common health issues for men:

1. Heart health

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in Australian men, with family history, diet, exercise, stress and lifestyle all playing a role.

In fact, heart disease is twice as likely to strike men than women, and symptoms can be harder to detect. Often, they don’t appear until the condition is advanced.

“Personally, I know cardiac disease is common in my family, so it’s something I proactively manage—even though it’s not yet a problem for me,” says Radeyan.

Regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol monitoring and heart health screenings can all help to detect men’s health problems early.

2. Mental health

Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, yet they are significantly affected by conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders.

“We’re seeing more men open up about their mental health, which is a positive shift,” says Radeyan. “But there’s still a way to go. The stigma needs to break down, and part of that is ensuring that care is judgment-free and holistic.”

Depending on their level of cover Australian Unity members can access services such as psychology, counselling, hospital-based mental health support, and programs like MindStep, which provides cognitive behavioural therapy for people experiencing low to moderate stress or anxiety.

“It’s not about waiting until things get serious,” says Radeyan. “It’s about accessing support early, so you have the tools to manage what life throws at you.”

3. Prostate and urological health

Prostate issues, including benign enlargement and prostate cancer, are common in men over 50. But early detection significantly improves outcomes.

“Prostate and kidney surgeries are among the more frequent claims we see for male members,” notes Radeyan. “And these are areas where knowing your risk and having appropriate cover can make a big difference.”

Routine check-ups, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and early referrals can help catch potential issues before they become critical. It’s also important to have honest conversations with your GP about any symptoms you might be experiencing, even if you feel uncomfortable bringing them up.

4. Diabetes and metabolic health

Type 2 diabetes is slowly increasing among men over 40, and is often linked to weight, diet and inactivity. Left unchecked, it can affect almost every part of the body, from eyesight and kidney function to cardiovascular health.

“Preventative screenings can flag blood sugar issues early,” says Radeyan. “As always, it’s not just about one health issue—it’s about how interconnected these conditions are.”

Making lifestyle changes in your 40s or 50s, along with having a good, trusting relationship with a regular GP, can help you stay on top of your metabolic health long term.

5. Orthopaedic health

Joint replacements, back surgery and other musculoskeletal procedures are among the most common hospital claims for Australian Unity’s male members.

“Orthopaedic procedures are right at the top of the list,” says Radeyan. “So if you’re dealing with ongoing pain or injury—especially from sport, physical work or aging—it’s worth checking what your cover includes.”

Joint pain might feel like a normal part of aging, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. Addressing issues early is key—and that’s where allied health services, such as physiotherapy, myotherapy and osteopathy, can really help.

The role of health insurance in men’s health

Private health insurance can play a powerful role in supporting men’s health—not just during emergencies, but in prevention and early intervention too.

But as Radeyan points out, as your life changes, so should your cover.

“Your needs change over time,” he says about healthcare for men in Australia. “What’s important in your 30s—like sports injury cover—might give way to cardiac or urology support in your 50s or 60s. The key is knowing what you’re covered for, and whether it aligns with your future risks.”

Many hospital policies cover common male surgeries and treatments, including orthopaedics, cardiac care and prostate-related procedures. Extras cover can help too—especially for mental health, physio and chiropractic services, or chronic condition management.

Australian Unity also offers personalised cover reviews to help members make informed choices.

“We want our members to feel confident that their cover reflects their life stage and health goals,” Radeyan says. “So we offer support to help you make sure your policy fits your risk profile—and that it’s ready to support you if and when you need it.”

Your health, your way: why trust in your care team matters

One of the most underrated aspects of health is trust, especially when it comes to the people who care for you. Whether it’s your GP, psychologist, physio or another specialist, strong relationships lead to better care and better outcomes.

“Trust is vital,” says Radeyan. “When you feel safe and supported, you’re more likely to stay on track with treatment, speak up about concerns and take action early.”

This is especially important for men, who may not always feel comfortable opening up, particularly about mental health, sexual health or emotional wellbeing. That’s why continuity matters—because seeing the same provider regularly builds familiarity and comfort.

Can’t find the right fit on the first try? That’s okay. Keep looking.

Because real wellbeing starts with real connection.