Germany's public health insurance scheme, known as Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV), covers a wide range of preventive healthcare services for men, women, and children.
Here’s a summary of the key services for each group:
1. Preventive Care for Children
Public health insurance provides extensive preventive care for children, focusing on early detection and vaccinations.
U-Examinations (U1 to U9 and J1):
A series of routine check-ups from birth up to adolescence (14 years).
These screenings monitor physical and mental development and detect congenital or developmental disorders early on.
Vaccinations:
The GKV covers all recommended childhood vaccinations (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, HPV).
Dental Check-ups:
Regular dental check-ups starting at age 6, including fluoride treatments and sealants to prevent cavities.
Screening Tests:
Early detection of metabolic diseases (e.g., phenylketonuria) and newborn hearing tests.
2. Preventive Care for Women
The preventive care services for women focus on reproductive health, cancer screening, and overall wellness.
Gynecological Examinations:
Annual pelvic exams, including Pap smears for cervical cancer detection
Breast Cancer Screening:
Annual clinical breast exams from age 30.
Biennial mammograms for women aged 50-75
Pregnancy Care:
Comprehensive prenatal care, including ultrasounds, blood tests, and monitoring for gestational diabetes.
Postnatal care for both mother and child, including midwife support.
HPV Vaccination:
Covered for girls (and boys) from ages 9 to 14.
Chlamydia Screening:
Offered to sexually active women under 25 as part of STI prevention.
3. Preventive Care for Men
Men's preventive care services are designed to detect chronic diseases, cancers, and general health issues.
Prostate Cancer Screening:
Annual rectal exams for men aged 45 and older.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening:
One-time ultrasound screening for men aged 65 and above to detect aneurysms.
4. General Preventive Services (Applicable to All)
Vaccinations:
Flu shots, tetanus, hepatitis, COVID-19, and other vaccines as per the national immunization schedule.
Dental Prophylaxis:
Annual dental check-ups and simple teeth cleaning.
Colorectal Cancer Screening:
Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) every two years starting from age 50.
Colonoscopy every 10 years for individuals aged 55 and above.
Health Check-Up ("Check-Up 35") and Cardiovascular Health Checks:
Comprehensive health checks every three years starting from age 35, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol testing.
Skin Cancer Screening:
Full-body examination every two years starting from age 35.
Additional Programs
Disease Management Programs (DMPs):
For chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, COPD, and coronary artery disease. These programs include regular check-ups, patient education, and coordinated care to manage and prevent complications.
Mental Health Services:
Access to psychotherapy and counselling as preventive measures for individuals at risk of mental health disorders.
Overall, Germany's public health insurance scheme aims to provide comprehensive preventive care, focusing on early detection and timely intervention to reduce long-term health risks for all age groups.