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. Regional rules may apply. |
| 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.
