Health Check-ups, Screenings & Preventative Care in Germany

Taking care of your health doesn’t have to wait until something goes wrong.

In Germany, regular check-ups and screenings are integrated into the healthcare system to help detect issues early and, in many cases, prevent them altogether.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What health check-ups and screenings are available in Germany
Which services are covered by public and private insurance
When you’re entitled to specific exams based on your age or health profile
How to access STI testing, vaccinations, and pediatric care
And our best tips for making the most of preventative care, at little or no cost to you

By the end, you’ll know exactly what Germany’s health system offers to help you stay healthy before symptoms ever show up.

How health checkups and screenings work in Germany

Preventive care is both accessible and affordable under the German healthcare system.

If you’re covered by public health insurance (also known as statutory insurance or GKV), most preventive services are typically free. This is based on §25 of the Social Code Book V, which obliges public insurers to offer screenings and vaccinations at regular intervals.

Unlike many specialist treatments, most preventive services do not require a referral. You can schedule appointments directly with the appropriate doctors, depending on the type of check-up you need.

If you’re with private health insurance (PKV), coverage depends on your plan:

Most private policies mirror or exceed public insurance when it comes to preventive screenings
However, you’ll need to pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement
Some plans may offer more frequent screenings or access to additional preventive services

In this article, we’ll focus on Feather’s private plans and their coverage. If you’re insured elsewhere, this guide is a good starting point, but it’s best to confirm with your provider to avoid any surprises.

What preventative care does public health insurance cover?

Below is a breakdown of what preventative care services you’re entitled to under public insurance.

Health checkups available on public health insurance

If you’re between 18 and 34, you’re entitled to a one-time general check-up with your doctor. It’s a chance to receive a basic health screening and identify any early signs of potential health issues, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels.

If your doctor recommends regular monitoring, you may be eligible for a €35 reimbursement every three years for follow-up check-ups.

From the age of 35, public insurance covers a comprehensive health check-up every three years. This includes:

a physical exam
lab tests (blood sugar, cholesterol)
a conversation about your health habits and risks

Your doctor may also check for signs of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney conditions.

Public insurance may reimburse a sports medical examination and consultation every 24 months. This check-up helps you assess your physical readiness, especially if you’re starting a new activity or have pre-existing health concerns. The extent of coverage depends on your insurer, so it’s worth asking in advance.

Cancer screenings available on public health insurance

Preventative cancer screenings in Germany are free at regular intervals based on your age and gender.

Here’s an overview of what’s covered, when, and how often:

Screening type	Who it’s for	How often it’s covered	What’s included
Skin cancer	Everyone, from age 20	Every 2 years	Full-body check by a dermatologist or trained GP. Learn more about dermatology in Germany
Cervical cancer	Women, from age 20	Yearly (20–34), then every 3 years from 35	Includes pelvic exam, pap smear, and HPV test from age 35.
Gynecological exam	Women, from age 20	Yearly	Annual check of genital area. From age 30, adds breast and lymph node exam.
Breast cancer	Women aged between 50–75	Every 2 years	Mammogram screening with official invitation from test center. If you’re over 70 years old, you must schedule it yourself.
Colon cancer	Men and women, from age 50	Once, then you can repeat after 10 years	Colonoscopy (entitled to two total).

STD & STI screenings on public health insurance

Germany’s public health insurance system covers sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests, but only in specific situations.

Routine screening (for peace of mind) isn’t included. Instead, public insurance covers STI or STD testing if you’re showing symptoms, or your doctor believes there’s a clear reason to test (e.g., confirmed exposure).

There is one exception: women under 26 can get one free Chlamydia test per year.

What to do if you want routine screening

Even if you don’t meet the coverage criteria, you still have options:

Local health departments: Many offer free or low-cost STI tests (check your city’s Gesundheitsamt).
Home testing with S.A.M. Health: Convenient and discreet. Packages start around €60.

If you’re sexually active with new partners or part of a high-risk group, consider testing once or twice a year—even if it means paying out of pocket.

Learn more about STI and STD testing in Germany.

Vaccinations available on public health insurance

Vaccines in Germany are recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). Public health insurance covers those who are considered medically necessary, based on your age, job, or health status.

Here’s a quick summary of the key vaccines and when they’re offered:

Vaccine	Who it’s for	How often	Note
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis	All adults	Every 10 years	Often combined as a 3-in-1 booster
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)	Unvaccinated adults born after 1970	1–2 doses	Catch-up is strongly encouraged
HPV	All genders, ages 9–14	2 doses	Best if completed before sexual activity
Flu (Influenza)	Age 60+ or risk group	Every autumn	Covered for the elderly and chronically ill
COVID-19 booster	60+, chronically ill	As recommended	Autumn 2025 booster expected
Pneumococcal	Age 60+	One-time or periodic	Depends on the risk profile
Travel vaccines	Varies	As needed	If STIKO-recommended, costs around €5–€10

Learn more about vaccination in Germany.

Dental prevention and screenings on public health insurance

Dental care is one of the few areas where public insurance offers regular, structured prevention, along with long-term benefits if you remain consistent.

Here’s what’s covered when it comes to dental:

Service	How often	Cost	Note
Basic dental check-up	Twice a year (at least 4 months apart)	Covered	Keep your Bonusheft stamped for better benefits
Tartar (calculus) removal	Once per year	Covered	Usually done during your check-up
Periodontitis screening	Every 2 years	Covered	Checks for early gum disease

If you regularly visit the dentist and keep your bonus booklet (Bonusheft) up to date, you’ll get a higher reimbursement rate for dental treatments like crowns or bridges:

5 years of stamps → 70% coverage (instead of 60%)
10 years of stamps → 75% coverage

That’s a major difference if you ever need expensive dental work.

However, even with a booklet, public insurance only goes so far. Cosmetic cleanings, orthodontics, and many restorative treatments aren’t fully covered.

For more comprehensive protection, a supplementary dental plan can provide additional benefits.

Learn about how dental insurance works in Germany.

Health courses covered by public health insurance

Preventive care in Germany extends beyond medical check-ups; it also includes programs designed to reduce lifestyle-related health risks.

These services, referred to as Präventionskurse (prevention courses), help you take proactive steps in areas such as smoking cessation, nutrition, stress management, and mental well-being.

Under §20 SGB V, public health insurers support certified prevention programs that meet specific quality standards. Depending on the insurer and course, you may be reimbursed up to 80–100 € per course, sometimes twice per year.

Common reimbursable programs include:

Category	Example Programs	Typical Cost Covered
Smoking cessation	Group therapy, behavioral training	Up to 100 €
Nutrition	Healthy eating classes for overweight, diabetic risk	~80 €
Exercise	Back pain prevention, Nordic walking	~80–100 €
Stress reduction	Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), autogenic training	~75 €
Mental health	Burnout prevention workshops, resilience coaching	Varies

These programs are not limited to diagnosed conditions. They’re preventive, intended for those at risk or wanting to build healthier habits before problems develop.

To enroll in certified courses, simply:

Contact your Krankenkasse: Most insurers have searchable directories available on their websites or mobile apps. Look for terms like Gesundheitskurse or Präventionskurse.
Use the ZPP (Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention) database to find approved courses in your area.
Get a GP referral: Not required, but your doctor may suggest programs based on a check-up or health risk.

To get reimbursed, you must:

Choose a ZPP-certified course (or one approved by your insurer).
Attend at least 80% of sessions.
Submit your receipt and participation certificate to your health insurance.

Preventive care for children and adolescents on public health insurance

If you’re a parent, your child’s early years will include a series of structured medical check-ups, designed to track development, offer vaccines, and flag potential concerns early.

These exams are known as U1 to U9 and J1, and they’re either mandatory or strongly recommended under public health insurance.

Each exam is scheduled for a specific age range and focuses on different areas of development:

Exam	Age range	What’s checked
U1–U2	Birth to 10 days	Vital signs, reflexes, and early screening (e.g., hearing test)
U3	4–5 weeks	Hip ultrasound, feeding, and weight gain
U4–U6	3 months to 1 year	Motor skills, vision, physical development, and vaccinations
U7–U9	2 to 5 years	Language development, social behavior, coordination
J1	12 to 14 years	Puberty development, mental health, lifestyle habits (e.g., screen time)

Learn more about pediatric care in Germany.

What preventative care does private health insurance cover?

Private health insurance in Germany often includes broader preventative care coverage than public plans, but with one major caveat: benefits vary depending on your provider and plan.

That said, if you’re insured through a private provider, here’s what you can typically expect—and why you should take full advantage of it.

Good to know before you start

Check-ups won’t reduce your bonus: If your plan includes a cashback or no-claims bonus, using your preventative benefits won’t affect it. There’s no penalty for looking after your health.
No strict frequency rules: Unlike the public system, private insurance doesn’t lock you into exact intervals. If the exam is medically reasonable, it’s usually covered.
Pre-approval is easy: If you’re unsure about what’s included or how often you can go, just contact your insurer. Feather, for example, can help pre-approve check-ups and tests.

Health checkups available on private health insurance

Here’s a summary of the general preventative services that may be included in your private plan:

Check-up category	What’s included
General health	Medical history, physical exam, blood pressure, consultation
Blood & urine tests	Cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function (creatinine), and urine analysis
Cardiovascular	ECG (electrocardiogram), cardiovascular risk assessment
Kidney health	Ultrasound of the kidneys, creatinine testing
Osteoporosis screening	Consultation, ultrasound, or densitometry of bone density
Colorectal health	Fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy (with prep and sedation)
Aortic screening (men)	Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm

Cancer screenings available on private health insurance

Your private plan may also include gender-specific cancer screenings, often with more advanced or earlier-stage options than public coverage.

All adults are entitled to skin cancer screenings, including a full-body skin exam and consultation.

Men are entitled to prostate cancer screenings, including PSA and PCA-3 blood tests, prostate massage, and urological exam.

Women may receive:

Breast cancer screening, which includes palpation, consultation, mammography, and ultrasound.
Cervical cancer screenings, including Pap smear and HPV testing
Ovarian cancer screenings, including vaginal ultrasound and colposcopy.

STD & STI screenings on private health insurance

Private health insurance covers a broader range of STI screenings than the public system, and often without needing symptoms or special risk factors.

If you’re sexually active or simply want regular peace of mind, your plan likely includes the tests below:

Test type	What’s included
Chlamydia	PCR test or rapid urine test
HIV	Search and confirmation tests
Syphilis (Lues)	Search and confirmation
Hepatitis B & C	One-time screening available from age 3
Pregnancy-related screenings	Toxoplasmosis, CMV, herpes simplex, varicella, hepatitis A/C, parvovirus

Vaccinations available on private health insurance

Most private plans follow STIKO guidelines, just like public insurance. For details, check the section above or our guide to vaccinations in Germany.

Preventive care for children and adolescents on private health insurance

Private insurance builds upon the standard U1–J2 child exams and includes additional screenings for rare metabolic and developmental conditions.

Category	What’s included
Newborn screenings	Blood spot test for over 10 metabolic/genetic disorders (e.g., PKU, MCAD, GA I)
Cystic fibrosis screening	Trypsin and PAP test
Hip screening	Hip ultrasound, with duplex imaging surcharge
Hearing & heart checks	Otoacoustic emissions and pulse oximetry
Routine child exams	U1–U12, J1, J2 early disease detection

Health courses covered by private health insurance

Private insurance with Feather also includes coverage for certified health apps and programs designed to improve well-being, whether physical or mental.

Certified apps are covered at 100%, while non-certified apps are 80% covered (up to €1,600) with Feather’s pre-approval.

Explore the DiGA app directory to find certified programs that match your goals.

How to schedule a preventive appointment

Here’s a quick look at how to book a check-up in Germany:

Find an English-speaking doctor: Use tools like Doctena or ask your insurer for a list.
Book online or by phone: Mention the specific check-up you’d like to undergo
Bring your health card (eGK): Required for billing if you’re publicly insured.

Need help with the process? Read our guides:

Conclusion

Preventive care in Germany isn’t just a nice-to-have.

It’s a built-in part of the healthcare system that’s accessible, affordable, and often fully covered. Whether you’re due for a cancer screening, curious about STI testing, or looking into mental health programs, knowing what you’re entitled to can help you take proactive steps without second-guessing.

Staying ahead of your health means fewer surprises later and more confidence in your everyday life.

If you’re new to Germany or considering changing your health insurance, it’s worth comparing your options to determine what kind of preventive coverage you can rely on.