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Preventive pregnancy checkups in Germany: Public vs. Private health insurance

Planning for a baby? The type of health insurance you have can shape your prenatal care experience. Here's what you need to know.

Cristina Garcia avatar
Written by Cristina Garcia
Updated over a month ago

What does public health insurance cover?

If you’re insured under the public health system, your pregnancy care is standardized and regulated by the Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA)—the authority that sets healthcare guidelines.

Standard services

Initial pregnancy check

  • Includes physical exam, medical history, urine and blood tests (HIV, syphilis, rubella immunity, chlamydia), and blood group testing.

3 Ultrasound Exams

  • Week 9–12

  • Week 19–22

  • Week 29–32

Routine monitoring

  • Blood pressure, urine testing, and weight checks at regular appointments.

Gestational diabetes screening

  • Typically done between weeks 24–28.

CTG Monitoring (fetal heart rate)

  • Provided only if medically necessary.

What's not covered?

  • Additional ultrasounds beyond the three standard ones.

  • Advanced screenings like NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing), toxoplasmosis, or CMV, unless there’s a medical reason.

  • Hormone level tests (e.g., for early Down syndrome detection)


What additional benefits does Feather’s private health insurance offer?

If you're covered by one of our newer long-term plans* (Standard, Plus, or Premium), you get access to a much broader range of preventive prenatal checkups, many of which go beyond what’s included in public coverage.

*Standard coverage purchased after March 2023, Premium after November 2022, and Plus purchased in 2025

Expanded services

In addition to the checkups covered under public health insurance, you also have access to the following services:

Comprehensive infection screening

  • Toxoplasma

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

  • Herpes simplex

  • Hepatitis A, B, and C

  • Rubella and Varicella

  • Parvovirus B19

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test)

  • Typical cost: €430–€995

  • Reimbursed up to €495 if medically indicated

Triple and quadruple tests

  • Hormone and protein screenings (AFP, β-hCG, estriol, Inhibin A)

  • Used to assess risk for genetic conditions like Down syndrome

Genetic diagnostics

  • First-trimester screening includes:

    • Nuchal translucency ultrasound

    • Blood tests for β-hCG and PAPP-A

  • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and genetic counseling available when indicated`

Enhanced monitoring options

Multiple ultrasound procedures listed, including:

  • Doppler and duplex sonography

  • Sonography following certain procedures (e.g., CVS)

  • Tokography (fetal monitoring)

Preventive examinations coverage

  • Preventive examinations are fully reimbursed and do not impact your deductible or premium refund—as long as they are billed using the service digits specified in the attached document.


Comparing your options

Both public and private health insurance in Germany provide access to quality prenatal care. However, private insurance typically includes a wider range of preventive screenings and diagnostic options. If you're considering private coverage, it’s important to review the specific plan details to understand which services are included and how they compare to standard public benefits.

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