If you live in Germany, you may hear the words Vorsorgeuntersuchung, Früherkennung or simply Check-up. They all relate to preventive care, but they do not necessarily describe the same benefit—and not every test offered at a medical practice is automatically covered by health insurance.
In this guide, we explain the main preventive check-ups available in Germany, the age limits that apply under statutory health insurance (GKV), and what to check if you have private health insurance (PKV).
GKV preventive check-ups at a glance
The following overview reflects the nationwide statutory programme as of September 2026. Individual medical risk, symptoms or family history can justify different diagnostic care; speak to your doctor rather than waiting for a screening date if you have concerns.
| Preventive service | Eligibility | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| General health check-up | Age 18–34 | Once |
| General health check-up | Age 35+ | Every 3 years |
| Skin cancer screening | Women and men, age 35+ | Every 2 years |
| Cervical cancer screening | Women, age 20+ | Age-dependent programme |
| Clinical breast examination | Women, age 30+ | Annually |
| Mammography screening | Women, age 50–75 | Every 2 years |
| Prostate and genital examination | Men, age 45+ | Annually |
| Colorectal cancer screening | Women and men, age 50+ | Stool test every 2 years or colonoscopy twice, 10 years apart |
| Abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound | Men, age 65+ | Once |
| Lung cancer screening (LDCT) | Eligible current/former heavy smokers, age 50–75 | Every 12 months |
| Dental check-up | Adults, age 18+ | Once per calendar half-year |
The general health check-up
Statutory insurance covers one general check-up between ages 18 and 34, then one every three years from age 35. It includes your medical history, a physical examination, blood pressure, vaccination-status review and an assessment of relevant cardiovascular and cancer risk factors.
From age 35, urine, blood glucose and cholesterol tests are also included. Laboratory tests for 18- to 34-year-olds are generally included only where risk factors are present. From age 35, you can also receive a one-time hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening as part of the check-up. See the official G-BA check-up information.
Cancer screening in Germany
Skin cancer
Women and men aged 35 and over are entitled to a full-body visual skin examination every two years. Some statutory insurers voluntarily offer screening at a younger age, but that is not part of the uniform nationwide minimum.
Cervical cancer
Women aged 20 to 34 can receive an annual clinical examination and Pap smear. From age 35, the organised programme provides combined HPV and cytology testing every three years, together with the clinical examination. Eligible patients can use the benefit within the programme intervals even if an invitation has not arrived.
Breast cancer
Women aged 30 and over are entitled to an annual clinical breast and lymph-node examination. In addition, mammography screening is offered every two years from age 50 through age 75. Women aged 70 to 75 have been eligible since July 2024; invitation procedures have been introduced gradually.
Prostate cancer
Men aged 45 and over are entitled to an annual examination of the prostate, external genital area and regional lymph nodes. The statutory screening examination does not routinely include a PSA blood test.
Colorectal cancer
Since April 2025, the same rules apply to women and men from age 50. You may choose an immunological stool test every two years or up to two screening colonoscopies at least ten years apart. A positive stool test is followed by a diagnostic colonoscopy. The Federal Ministry of Health overview lists the nationwide cancer-screening benefits.
Lung cancer screening for people with a heavy smoking history
Since April 2026, eligible statutory members aged 50 to 75 can receive a low-dose CT every 12 months. Eligibility is not based on age alone: it requires at least 25 years of smoking and at least 15 pack-years; smoking must be current or any breaks within that period must not exceed ten years. A participating doctor confirms eligibility and explains the potential benefits and harms before referral. Full criteria are available from the G-BA lung cancer programme.
Dental preventive care—and where PZR fits in
For adults aged 18 and over, GKV covers a dental check-up once per calendar half-year. The examination can include oral-hygiene advice, risk-reduction guidance and, where appropriate, the removal of hard deposits. Regular examinations can also be documented in the dental bonus booklet, which may increase the fixed GKV subsidy if you later need dental prostheses.
A professional dental cleaning—professionelle Zahnreinigung or PZR—goes beyond the standard check-up and is not a uniform statutory GKV benefit. Many insurers nevertheless contribute voluntarily through an additional benefit, bonus programme or selected dental practice. Ask your insurer about the amount, interval and any provider restrictions before booking. Do not confuse PZR with the removal of hard tartar included under the statutory rules. The official baseline is set out in the BMG dental prevention overview.
Vaccinations as preventive care
Vaccinations recommended for the relevant person or risk group and included in the G-BA Vaccination Directive are part of statutory coverage. Recommendations depend on age, previous vaccinations, pregnancy, occupation, underlying conditions and other risks. Your doctor can check your vaccination record during the general health check-up.
Travel vaccinations for a private trip are not automatically part of the nationwide statutory benefit catalogue, although many GKV providers cover some of them voluntarily. Occupationally required vaccinations may be the responsibility of another payer. Check both the current recommendation and reimbursement before vaccination; the Federal Ministry of Health explains how STIKO recommendations become GKV benefits.
Preventive check-ups for children and teenagers
GKV covers the U1 to U9 child examinations and the J1 adolescent examination, alongside newborn screening and age-specific dental prevention. J1 is generally scheduled at age 13 to 14. Timing windows matter, so parents arriving from abroad should show the paediatrician the child's medical and vaccination records.
Extra services: voluntary GKV benefits and IGeL
There is an important difference between the statutory minimum and optional extras. A GKV provider may voluntarily fund services such as PZR, younger-age skin checks or certain travel vaccinations. A practice may also offer Individuelle Gesundheitsleistungen (IGeL), which you pay for yourself unless your insurer confirms reimbursement.
Before agreeing to an extra test, ask why it is recommended, what evidence supports it, what it costs and whether your insurer will pay. Symptoms and medically necessary diagnostic investigations are different from screening offered to people without symptoms.
Does private health insurance cover preventive care?
There is no single preventive-care catalogue shared by every private health insurance policy. PKV benefits are tariff-specific. A plan may follow the statutory programme, cover additional examinations or apply its own limits, intervals and eligibility rules. Dental cleaning, vaccinations and check-ups may also be treated differently from one tariff to another.
That is why we recommend reviewing the policy terms—not just the headline price—when choosing an insurer. It is also worth checking whether preventive invoices affect your deductible or premium refund and whether additional services billed at the same appointment are treated separately. If you are still weighing the two systems generally, our guide to GKV vs. PKV explains how they differ.
At Insurance for Expats, we help internationals compare suitable insurers and tariff conditions, including the details that can matter over the long term.
How to book a preventive check-up
- Check your age, interval and any risk-based eligibility.
- Contact the appropriate GP, gynaecologist, dermatologist, urologist, dentist or participating screening provider.
- Say that you want the statutory screening—for example, a Gesundheitsuntersuchung or Hautkrebsscreening.
- Ask in advance whether any proposed extra is an IGeL or other self-pay service.
- If you have PKV, check the exact tariff terms and reimbursement process.
Frequently asked questions
Are preventive check-ups mandatory in Germany?
No. The programmes described here are generally insurance entitlements, not compulsory examinations. Individual rules outside health insurance can apply in specific settings, such as occupational health.
Are statutory preventive examinations free?
If you are eligible and the examination is part of the GKV programme, the insurer generally covers it without a co-payment. Optional extras may be self-funded.
Is PZR covered by GKV?
Not as a uniform nationwide statutory benefit. Some GKV providers pay a contribution or offer it as an optional extra, so check directly with your insurer.
Does PKV always cover more than GKV?
No. Coverage depends on the exact policy. A good tariff may provide broader benefits, but assumptions are no substitute for reviewing the insurance conditions.
Choosing health insurance in Germany? Run our free online check to see which type of cover fits your situation — and if it makes sense to talk it through afterwards, we'll set up a personal call to compare GKV and PKV options, including preventive-care, dental and vaccination benefits.
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