October 5, 2026, 12:07 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Most people wish for a long life in good health. In fact, many common diseases could be at least partially prevented or significantly delayed with the right mix of prevention, early detection, and a healthy lifestyle. It is all the more important to take advantage of recommended preventive examinations and to keep an eye on individual risks early on.
These Preventive Examinations Are Covered by Health Insurance
Statutory health insurance covers a range of preventive and early detection examinations.1 You should take advantage of these offers at the recommended intervals:
- Health Check-up: once between ages 18 and 34, then every three years from age 35
- Skin Cancer Screening: every two years from age 35
- Dental Check-up: two check-ups per year (from age 18)
Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Consultation: once from age 50
- Stool Test (iFOBT): every two years from age 50 (if no colonoscopy is performed)
- Colonoscopy: from age 50, repeatable every ten years
For Men
- Prostate Cancer Screening: annually from age 45
- Genital and Skin Cancer Screening: annually from age 45
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: once from age 65
For Women
Breast Cancer Screening
- Palpation Examination: annually from age 30
- Mammography Screening: every two years from ages 50 to 75
Cervical Cancer Screening
- Ages 20 to 34: annual Pap test
- From age 35: Pap test plus HPV test every three years
For Certain Risk Groups
Lung Cancer Screening: for heavy smokers in certain age groups using low-dose CT under specified conditions
Early Detection Becomes More Individualized
The standard programs of health insurance form the basis. However, experts increasingly see the future of prevention in a more individualized approach. “For some patients with a family history, an earlier colorectal cancer checkup is worthwhile, while for others, cardiovascular prevention could be more frequent,” says preventive medicine specialist Dr. Anne Fleck.
For example, those with close relatives who have colorectal cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or type 2 diabetes should discuss the issue with their doctor. Together, they can determine whether earlier or more frequent examinations are advisable.
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Which Self-Pay Services May Be Worthwhile
Not all examinations recommended by specialists are covered by statutory health insurance. Nevertheless, they can be worthwhile for early detection. Dr. Fleck says: “Whether such additional examinations are sensible for you depends on your individual risk and should be discussed with your primary care physician.”
PSA Value for Prostate Cancer Early Detection
A prominent example is the PSA blood test for early detection of prostate cancer.2 The test usually costs around 30 euros and is not yet regularly covered by health insurance. Urologist Dr. Tobias Jäger criticizes: “It is significantly more informative than the palpation examination, which has not been recommended for more than a year.”
Ultrasound Examinations
Certain ultrasound examinations of the vessels, heart, or abdominal organs can also be useful in individual cases. This is especially true for people with a family history or known risk factors.
Lipoprotein(a) for Heart Attack Early Detection
Cardiologists also recommend determining the Lipoprotein(a) value at least once in a lifetime. For women, a repeat determination after menopause is worthwhile. The examination costs about ten euros. The value is genetically determined and can significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or aortic valve calcification.
Prevention Begins Before People Become Patients
Many serious diseases do not develop overnight but evolve over years. Therefore, the earlier risks are identified, the greater the chances of counteracting them. Regular examinations are advisable—so that diseases like diabetes, dementia, obesity, or cardiovascular diseases do not develop or are detected early.
These topics are also the focus of the sixth BILD Prevention Summit on October 7, 2026, in Berlin. Experts from medicine, research, business, and politics will discuss the future of prevention. The focus will include vaccinations, neurodermatitis, obesity, Alzheimer’s, liver diseases, and the question of how people can age healthily for as long as possible.