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ΕλληνικάWhy Preventive Care?
Vorsorgeuntersuchungen (also called early detection screenings) help identify diseases early — often before symptoms appear. Many diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure) are more treatable in their early stages.
In Germany, many Vorsorgeuntersuchungen are fully covered by health insurance — you don't have to pay any co-payments. Yet many people don't take advantage of preventive care — a big mistake!
Preventive Care for Adults
Gesundheits-Check-up (from age 35)
- Every 3 years from age 35 (between 18 and 35: once)
- Free (insurance benefit)
- What is included?
- Full-body examination
- Blood pressure measurement
- Blood test (cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney values)
- Urine test
- Screening for hepatitis B and C (once from age 35)
- Counseling on risk factors (smoking, overweight, lack of exercise)
Skin Cancer Screening (from age 35)
- Every 2 years from age 35
- Free (insurance benefit)
- Doctor examines entire skin for suspicious moles and changes
- At dermatologist or general practitioner (with qualification)
Dental Preventive Care (all ages)
- 2× per year — dental check-up
- 1× per year — tartar removal
- Free (insurance benefit)
- Bonus booklet — get it stamped to increase denture subsidy!
Cancer Screening
For Women
| Age | Screening | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| From 20 | Cervical smear (Pap test) | Annually (20–34: cytological smear; from 35: every 3 years combined with HPV test) |
| From 30 | Breast examination (palpation) | Annually |
| From 50 | Mammography (breast cancer screening) | Every 2 years (50–75) |
| From 50 | Colorectal cancer screening (stool test) | Annually (50–54), then every 2 years or colonoscopy |
| From 55 | Colonoscopy | 2× at 10-year intervals |
For Men
| Age | Screening | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| From 45 | Prostate/genital examination | Annually |
| From 50 | Colorectal cancer screening (stool test) | Every 2 years or colonoscopy from age 50 |
| From 50 | Colonoscopy | 2× at 10-year intervals |
| From 65 | Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening | Once (ultrasound) |
For Everyone
| Age | Screening | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| From 35 | Skin cancer screening | Every 2 years |
| From 35 | Gesundheits-Check-up | Every 3 years |
| From 50 | Colorectal cancer screening | Annually/every 2 years (stool test) |
Preventive Care for Children (U-Untersuchungen)
U-Untersuchungen (U1 through U9 and J1/J2) are the most important preventive program for children:
| Screening | Age | What is checked? |
|---|---|---|
| U1 | Immediately after birth | Vital signs, reflexes, birth defects |
| U2 | Days 3–10 of life | Organ function, metabolic screening, hearing test |
| U3 | Weeks 4–5 of life | Hip ultrasound, reflexes, weight |
| U4 | Months 3–4 of life | Motor skills, vision, hearing, vaccinations |
| U5 | Months 6–7 of life | Motor skills, grasping, turning, interaction |
| U6 | Months 10–12 of life | Standing, first words, vaccinations |
| U7 | Months 21–24 of life | Speech, walking, social behavior |
| U7a | Months 34–36 of life | Speech, vision, allergies |
| U8 | Months 46–48 of life | Fine motor skills, speech, social behavior |
| U9 | Months 60–64 of life | School readiness, speech, coordination |
| J1 | Ages 12–14 | Puberty development, vaccinations, mental health |
| J2 | Ages 16–17 | Development, career orientation, health behaviors |
Are U-Untersuchungen Mandatory?
- In Bavaria, Hessen, and Baden-Württemberg they are mandatory — if missed, youth welfare will be notified
- In other federal states: strongly recommended, but not legally mandatory
- All U-Untersuchungen are free (insurance benefit)
Vaccinations — Recommendations
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends the following vaccinations for adults:
| Vaccination | For whom? | Booster |
|---|---|---|
| Tetanus | Everyone | Every 10 years |
| Diphtheria | Everyone | Every 10 years |
| Pertussis | Everyone (once as adult) | Once |
| Flu (Influenza) | From 60, chronically ill, pregnant women | Annually |
| COVID-19 | Everyone (recommendations vary) | Per STIKO recommendation |
| Pneumococcal | From 60 or with pre-existing conditions | Once |
| Shingles (Herpes Zoster) | From 60 (from 50 with pre-existing conditions) | 2 doses |
Costs: Recommended vaccinations are free (insurance benefit). Travel vaccinations are often not covered (some insurers refund voluntarily).
Pregnancy Preventive Care
Pregnant women are entitled to comprehensive preventive care:
- 10–12 preventive examinations during pregnancy
- 3 ultrasound examinations (around weeks 10, 20, and 30 of pregnancy)
- Blood tests (blood type, measles, HIV, hepatitis)
- Maternity passport — documents all examinations
- All free (insurance benefit)
Costs — What Does Insurance Cover and What Doesn't?
Free (Insurance Benefit)
- All Vorsorgeuntersuchungen mentioned above
- U-Untersuchungen for children
- Recommended vaccinations
- Pregnancy preventive care
- Cancer screening
Paid Out-of-Pocket (IGeL — Individual Health Services)
Some doctors offer additional screenings that you must pay for:
- PSA test (prostate cancer) — approx. 25–50 € (benefit disputed)
- Additional ultrasounds
- Eye pressure measurement (glaucoma prevention) — approx. 20–40 €
- Additional blood tests (vitamins, thyroid)
Tip: Always ask if a screening is an insurance benefit or IGeL before agreeing. Don't let yourself be pressured into paid screenings.
Tips for Foreigners
- Yellow booklet for children — you receive it at U1, bring it to every screening
- Bonus booklet at the dentist — get it stamped from your first day in Germany
- Bring vaccination records — if you have them from your home country, the doctor can update missing vaccinations
- Make appointments — participate in preventive care even without complaints
- Don't delay cancer screening — it can save your life
- All screenings are confidential — doctors are bound by professional secrecy
Status: March 2026. All information without warranty.