Preventive examinations for men serve the early detection of common diseases. Some of these examinations are paid for by the statutory health insurers from a certain age, but for others the costs are not covered. In addition to the general health examination (“Check-up 35”) and screening for skin and colon cancer, the prostate examination is particularly important for men as a cancer prevention measure. We have compiled an overview of the recommended preventive measures for men and explain how often you are entitled to which preventive service.
What are preventive examinations for?
The term “preventive health care” misleadingly suggests that screenings can prevent the development of disease. In fact, however, screenings can only detect risk factors and diseases at an early stage. The benefit lies in the fact that diseases detected at an early stage are in many cases more treatable. Therefore, health insurance companies only pay for preventive measures for diseases for which early treatment has proven benefits.
What preventive examinations are available?
For adult men, there are six preventive examinations, the costs of which are covered by the statutory health insurance funds from a certain age. In addition, those with statutory health insurance are entitled to preventive dental care measures. In addition, there are some other examinations that have to be paid for by the patient. These so-called IGeL (individual health services) include examinations for the early detection of:
- Glaucoma (glaucoma)
- Alzheimer’s dementia
- Urinary bladder cancer
- Increased risk of stroke
In addition, the PSA test as screening for prostate cancer and the determination of the HbA1c value for early detection of diabetes mellitus include.
Prevention from 35: health check and skin cancer screening.
From the age of 35, it is recommended for both sexes to undergo a general health check-up at the family doctor’s office (“Check-Up 35”) and is paid for by the health insurance companies at three-year intervals. Between the ages of 18 and 35, the costs of a slightly reduced check-up are paid once by the health insurance company. The check-up serves to detect risk factors and early stages of diabetes as well as diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidneys. In addition to a detailed interview and a full-body examination, the health check includes a blood and urine test. The blood test includes a complete lipid profile with total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Immunization status is also checked. Many primary care physicians also offer a body surface examination for precancerous skin lesions. This skin cancer screening is also paid for every two years starting at age 35 and can also be performed by dermatologists.
Colorectal cancer screening from 50: How often to colonoscopy?
From the age of 50, both men and women should have a test for hidden blood in the stool and a palpation of the rectum once a year. From age 55 for women and from age 50 for men, respectively, colonoscopy is recommended every ten years. If the stool test is positive, a colonoscopy should be performed. The costs of the examinations are covered by the statutory health insurance funds.
Precaution for the man
Men are entitled to an annual urological examination for early cancer detection from the age of 45. During this examination, the genital organs and prostate are examined and the lymph nodes in the groin are palpated. The examination can be performed by a family doctor or a urologist. In addition, since January 2018, men aged 65 and older can take advantage of a one-time ultrasound examination of the abdominal aorta. This screening serves the early detection of a bulge in the abdominal aorta (abdominal aortic aneurysm), which often remains asymptomatic for a long time and can become life-threatening in the worst case if the vessel wall ruptures.
Cancer screening by PSA testing?
The determination of the PSA value (PSA = prostate specific antigen) for early detection of prostate cancer is critically discussed among experts. Although the blood value is usually elevated in men with prostate cancer, many other factors such as physical exertion, sexual intercourse, or benign prostate enlargement can lead to a PSA elevation. The test is therefore considered to be prone to error.In addition, the benefit of PSA screening is controversial. Therefore, the PSA determination is only paid for by the statutory health insurers if the palpation of the prostate was previously conspicuous. An information sheet on the advantages and disadvantages of PSA testing is provided by the Cancer Information Service.
Dental screening: what does health insurance cover?
Adult men can have a free checkup with a dentist twice a year. In addition, tartar removal annually and periodontitis screening every two years are paid for by health insurance. Furthermore, some health insurance companies voluntarily cover the cost of professional teeth cleaning (PZR) or offer subsidies.
Which preventive examinations are useful?
In principle, all of the preventive examinations included in the benefits catalog of the health insurance funds are useful for men and should be taken advantage of regularly for the sake of one’s own health. On the website of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), you will find a list of all the preventive examinations to which you are entitled.
IGeL: Weighing benefits and costs
IGeL preventive measures, on the other hand, are generally not paid for by health insurers because their benefit has not been proven or is disproportionate to potential harm and costs. However, IGeL preventive examinations can be useful in some cases. The site “IGeL-Monitor” provides a scientifically based evaluation and explanation for each self-pay service, on the basis of which insured persons can make an informed decision for or against IGeL.
When to see a doctor?
If you get complaints or notice changes in yourself that could indicate a disease, you should not wait for the next screening appointment, but promptly schedule a doctor’s appointment. Examinations for the justified clarification of a suspected illness are generally paid for by the health insurance company.
