Health check ups, screenings and preventative care on Private Health Insurance in Germany #

Private health insurance (PKV) in Germany offers flexible and broad preventive coverage. You often get earlier screenings, advanced diagnostics, and digital health tools.

This guide explains what PKV typically covers and how to use those benefits.

What preventative care does private health insurance cover? #

Private health insurance in Germany generally offers broader preventive care coverage than public insurance but the details depend on your provider and plan. If you’re privately insured, here’s what you can typically expect and why it’s worth making the most of these benefits:

What to know before you start #

• Check-ups don’t affect your bonus. If your plan offers cashback or no-claims, using preventive benefits won’t reduce it.
• Flexible scheduling. Unlike GKV, PKV doesn’t fix strict intervals. If a check is medically reasonable, plans usually cover it.
• Easy pre-approval. Not sure what’s included? Contact your insurer. Many providers confirm coverage in advance.

Health checkups available on private health insurance #

Private health insurance plans often include a wide range of preventive check-ups. The exact services depend on your policy, but here’s an overview of what may be included:

• General Health: Review of medical history, physical examination, blood pressure check, and consultation.
• Blood & Urine Tests: Tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function (creatinine), and urine analysis.
• Cardiovascular Health: ECG (electrocardiogram) and assessment of your cardiovascular risk.
• Kidney Health: Ultrasound of the kidneys and creatinine testing to monitor kidney function.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Consultation and bone density testing (via ultrasound or densitometry).
• Colorectal Health: Fecal occult blood test or colonoscopy (including preparation and sedation if needed).
• Aortic Screening (Men): Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Cancer screenings available on private health insurance #

Private health insurance often includes comprehensive cancer screenings, sometimes with earlier or more advanced options than those offered through public coverage.

• All adults: Skin cancer screening – full-body exam and consultation.
• Men: Prostate screening – may include PSA, PCA-3, prostate massage, and urological exam.
• Women:
  • Breast screening – palpation, consultation, mammography, and ultrasound.
  • Cervical screening – Pap smear and HPV test.
  • Ovarian screening – vaginal ultrasound and colposcopy.

STD & STI Screenings Covered by Private Health Insurance #

Private health insurance generally covers a wider range of STI screenings than public insurance — often without requiring symptoms or specific risk factors.

If you’re sexually active or just want regular peace of mind, your plan may include the following tests:

• Chlamydia: PCR test or rapid urine test.
• HIV: Search and confirmation tests.
• Syphilis (Lues): Search and confirmation tests.
• Hepatitis B & C: One-time screening available from age 3 (may be repeated if medically indicated).
• Pregnancy-related Screenings: Tests for toxoplasmosis, CMV (cytomegalovirus), herpes simplex, varicella, hepatitis A and C, and parvovirus.

Vaccinations Covered by Private Health Insurance #

Most private health insurance plans follow the vaccination recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) the same as public insurance.

This means your plan typically covers all standard vaccines, including those for:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Influenza (flu)
• HPV (human papillomavirus)
• COVID-19
• Pneumococcal and hepatitis vaccinations

Depending on your policy, private insurance may also cover additional or travel-related vaccines, such as:

• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Coverage and reimbursement amounts can vary, so it’s always best to check with your insurer before booking.

Preventive Care for Children and Adolescents Covered by Private Health Insurance #

Private health insurance builds on the standard U1–J2 child examinations and often includes additional screenings to detect rare metabolic, genetic, and developmental conditions early.

• Newborn Screenings: Blood spot test for more than 10 metabolic or genetic disorders (e.g., PKU, MCAD, GA I).
• Cystic Fibrosis Screening: Trypsin and PAP test to detect cystic fibrosis in newborns.
• Hip Screening: Hip ultrasound, often including duplex imaging for more detailed assessment.
• Hearing & Heart Checks: Otoacoustic emissions test (for hearing) and pulse oximetry (for congenital heart defects).
• Routine Child Exams: U1–U12 and J1–J2 early disease detection and developmental monitoring.

Health Courses and Digital Programs Covered by Private Health Insurance #

Private insurance also covers certified health apps and digital programs designed to support your physical and mental well-being.

• Certified apps (DiGA-approved): 100% covered.
• Non-certified apps: 80% covered (up to €1,600) with Feather’s pre-approval.

You can explore the DiGA app directory to find certified health programs that align with your goals whether it’s stress management, fitness, or mental health support.

How to schedule a preventive appointment #

1. Find an English-speaking doctor: use Doctena or Doctolib, or ask your insurer.
2. Book online or by phone: state the specific check-up you want.
3. Bring your health card (eGK): required for GKV billing.

Check out our detailed guides on How to find Hausarzt in Germany

Conclusion #

PKV gives you flexible, comprehensive preventive care from advanced screenings to digital health tools. Use these benefits early and often to stay ahead of problems.

Checkout our detailed guide on Preventive checkup on Publich health insurance