Medical check-ups in Germany

What medical check-ups are there in Germany?

Here's a breakdown of common medical check-ups you'll encounter in Germany:

1. General Health Check-up (Gesundheits-Check-Up or Check-Up 35):

• Purpose: This comprehensive screening aims to identify risks for common diseases like cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and kidney disease.
• Coverage:
  • Ages 18-34: Entitled to one general check-up during this period.
  • Ages 35+: Entitled to one check-up every three years.
• What it includes:
  • Detailed medical history and risk profile assessment.
  • Physical examination (e.g., height, weight, blood pressure, listening to heart and lungs, abdominal palpation).
  • Blood tests (e.g., cholesterol, blood sugar).
  • Urine tests (e.g., for protein, glucose).
  • Discussion with your general practitioner (Hausarzt) about findings and recommendations.
  • Since 2019, this check-up for those aged 35+ also includes one-time screening for hepatitis B and C.

2. Cancer Screenings (Krebsfrüherkennung):

Germany offers specific screenings for various cancers, often depending on age and gender:

• Skin Cancer Screening (Hautkrebs-Screening):
  • Ages 35+: A full-body skin examination by a dermatologist is covered every two years. Some Krankenkassen (health insurance funds) may cover this earlier, for example, from age 20.
• For Women:
  • Cervical Cancer Screening: Annual gynecological examination, including a Pap smear, for women aged 20 and older. From age 35, a smear test and HPV test are typically offered every three years.
  • Breast Cancer Screening:
    • Annual tactile examination of the breasts and lymph nodes, along with guidance on breast self-examination, for women aged 30 and older.
    • Mammography screening (X-ray examination of the breasts) every two years for women aged 50 to 69.
• For Men:
  • Prostate Cancer Screening: Annual examination (medical history, genital and tactile prostate examination, lymph node check, consultation) for men aged 45 and older.
• Colon Cancer Screening (Darmkrebsfrüherkennung):
  • Ages 50+:
    • Annual tactile examination of the rectum and a stool test for invisible blood.
    • Alternatively, two colonoscopies (bowel examinations) are covered, with the second one ten years after the first. If no colonoscopy is done, a stool test every two years is offered.

3. Dental Check-ups:

• Regular dental check-ups are covered, typically up to twice a year, for both children and adults. This also includes screening for gum disease.

4. Child and Adolescent Check-ups (U-Untersuchungen and J1-Untersuchung):

These are a series of important developmental and health check-ups for children from birth through adolescence:

• U1 to U9 (U-Untersuchungen): These refer to ten standardized check-ups for children from birth up to the age of 6, focusing on physical and mental development, vision, hearing, speech, and overall health. They are documented in a special "yellow booklet" (Kinder-Untersuchungsheft).
• J1-Untersuchung: A comprehensive check-up for adolescents typically between the ages of 12 and 14, assessing posture, blood pressure, thyroid, organs, and overall health.

5. Occupational Health Check-ups (Arbeitsmedizinische Vorsorge):

For certain professions or workplaces with specific risks, employers are mandated to offer or even require specific medical check-ups. These are overseen by company doctors (Betriebsarzt) and aim to prevent work-related illnesses and assess suitability for particular tasks. Examples include:

• Screen activities (e.g., computer work, with a focus on eye health).
• Activities involving hazardous substances.
• Work with a risk of falling.
• Activities with a risk of infection (e.g., healthcare professions).

Regular participation in these check-ups is strongly encouraged in Germany, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and overall health.

Benefits of private health insurance (PKV)

All public and private health insurance policies cover the cost of certain types of screening at minimum intervals – they are required to do so by law.

However, private health insurance often goes further. For example, at ottonova we have removed the age restrictions for statutory health screening and exclude screening costs from your annual deductible.