Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease or heart problems - all of these illnesses can be combated if they are recognised early. People with statutory health insurance are therefore entitled to a regular health check-up, which is paid for by the health insurance company.

The aim of the check-up is to identify health risks and pre-existing conditions and to recognise and combat illnesses as early as possible.

18-34 years

Between the ages of 18 and 34, the health insurance fund pays for a one-off health check-up. The following examinations are carried out:

• Taking a medical history, questions about your own previous illnesses as well as illnesses within the family (especially high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, heart, kidney or lung diseases as well as cancer - also with special consideration of a family history of, for example, bowel or breast cancer
• Checking the vaccination status
• Physical examination including a blood pressure measurement
• if you are overweight, have high blood pressure or a family history of illness, your blood lipid levels and fasting blood sugar will also be tested

Following the examination, the doctor will advise the patient. If medically necessary, he or she will also give recommendations on how to prevent the development of illnesses. This includes, for example, courses on exercise, nutrition, stress management, information on the risks of smoking and a healthy approach to alcohol. You and the health insurance company will also receive this recommendation in writing from your doctor. The health insurers can then decide which of the recommendations will be paid for.

From the age of 35

From the age of 35, the health insurance fund pays for a regular health check-up every three years. The following examinations are carried out:

• Taking a medical history, questions about your own previous illnesses as well as illnesses within the family (especially high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the heart, kidneys or lungs as well as cancer diseases - also with special consideration of a family history of, for example, bowel or breast cancer)
• Checking the vaccination status
• Physical examination including measurement of blood pressure
• Examination of certain blood values (total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and fasting blood sugar levels
• Urine analysis (urine strip test with determination of protein, glucose, red and white blood cells and nitrite)

Following the examination, the doctor will advise the patient. If medically necessary, he or she will also give recommendations on how to prevent the development of diseases. This includes, for example, courses on exercise, nutrition, stress management, information on the risks of smoking and a healthy approach to alcohol. You and the health insurance company will also receive this recommendation in writing from your doctor. The health insurance companies can then decide which of the recommendations will be paid for.

Skin cancer screening for the early detection of white and black skin cancer can also be carried out in conjunction with the check-up.

As part of the check-up, there is also a one-off entitlement to screening for hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection (from the age of 35).

Men aged 65 and over

Since January 2018, men aged 65 and over have also been able to take advantage of a one-off ultrasound examination for the early detection of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, i.e. an enlargement of the abdominal aorta. The examination is only offered to men because they are affected by an abdominal aortic aneurysm much more frequently than women. In addition, men - in contrast to women - demonstrably benefit from the ultrasound screening examination.