Public health insurance (GKV) and Private health insurance (PKV) both cover the standard medical care of a pregnancy in Germany: an initial pregnancy check, routine monitoring, 3 ultrasound exams, a gestational diabetes screening, birth preparation with a midwife, the birth itself, and postnatal midwife care. Both cover the birth in a multi-bed hospital room, at home with a midwife, or at a birth center. Some Private health insurance plans add benefits on top, including extra ultrasounds, comprehensive infection screening, advanced genetic testing, a single hospital room, and a budget for additional birth preparation. Neither type of insurance covers prenatal yoga, doulas, dietary supplements, a partner's birth preparation course, or a partner's hospital stay.
What pregnancy check-ups and tests are covered by Public health insurance and Private health insurance?
Public health insurance (GKV) and Private health insurance (PKV) both cover the standard medical care of a pregnancy in Germany. The covered check-ups and tests are:
An initial pregnancy check with a physical exam, plus urine and blood tests for HIV, syphilis, rubella immunity, chlamydia, and blood group.
Routine monitoring of blood pressure, urine, and weight.
A gestational diabetes screening in weeks 24–28.
Fetal heart rate monitoring (CTG), when it is medically necessary.
How many ultrasound scans are covered during pregnancy?
Public health insurance (GKV) and Private health insurance (PKV) both cover 3 routine ultrasound exams during a pregnancy: one in weeks 9–12, one in weeks 19–22, and one in weeks 29–32. Some Private health insurance plans also cover extra ultrasounds, Doppler scans, and fetal monitoring (tokography) beyond those 3 routine exams.
What midwife support and birth preparation are covered before and after the birth?
Public health insurance (GKV) and Private health insurance (PKV) both cover midwife support before and after the birth. The covered support is:
14 hours of birth preparation with a midwife before the birth.
20 midwife visits in the first 10 days after the birth, and 16 further visits until week 12.
10 hours of postnatal exercise within 9 months after the birth.
Some Private health insurance plans also cover a budget of up to €4,000 per year for additional birth preparation and postnatal exercise.
Where can I give birth, and which type of hospital room is covered?
Public health insurance (GKV) and Private health insurance (PKV) both cover maternity and obstetric care at the location you choose: a multi-bed room in a hospital, at home with the help of a midwife, or at a birth center. Some Private health insurance plans also cover a single room during a hospital birth.
Which additional pregnancy screenings and tests are covered by Private health insurance?
Some Private health insurance (PKV) plans cover screenings and tests beyond the care that Public health insurance (GKV) and Private health insurance (PKV) both include. These additional benefits are:
Comprehensive infection screening for toxoplasmosis, CMV, herpes simplex, hepatitis A–C, rubella, varicella, and parvovirus B19.
Advanced genetic testing and counseling, including first-trimester screening with a nuchal translucency ultrasound, and blood tests for β-hCG and PAPP-A.
A non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) up to €495 and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), when medically necessary.
Coverage and service limits differ from plan to plan, so check the coverage and service limits of your policy in your Feather account to see which of these benefits apply to you.
Which pregnancy-related services are not covered by Public health insurance or Private health insurance?
Public health insurance (GKV) and Private health insurance (PKV) both exclude the following services:
Prenatal yoga.
Doulas.
Dietary supplements, such as folic acid and vitamins.
A birth preparation course for a partner, although some public health insurance providers offer a yearly budget for one.
A partner's hospital stay during the birth.
How can I check which pregnancy benefits my own plan includes?
The exact pregnancy benefits depend on the plan you hold, and the benefits included in a specific policy are listed in that policy's coverage details. You can contact our support team for more assistance or additional resources.