I consider that ice checks are essential for all flights in visible moisture regardless of the aircraft equipment.
From experience, the first icing check is completed immediately on entering visible moisture. Note I said visible moisture and not cloud. The check is that the pitot heat is on, what the OAT is and if there is any ice forming.
Pilots on the IMC course seem to be taught that they will only get ice build-up in cloud at sub zero OAT. Not true.
It is in fact possible to pick up severe ice on the airframe while flying in VMC.
It is also possible to pick up ice on the airframe when the OAT is positive.
Regards,
DFC