diff --git a/testing/language_helpers.py b/testing/language_helpers.py
index b20803bc..b9c53840 100644
--- a/testing/language_helpers.py
+++ b/testing/language_helpers.py
@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@ def run_language(
     version = version or language.get_default_version()
 
     language.install_environment(prefix, version, deps)
+    health_error = language.health_check(prefix, version)
+    assert health_error is None, health_error
     with language.in_env(prefix, version):
         ret, out = language.run_hook(
             prefix,