Free health check-ups for women in Germany: which ones and when
2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 3 October 2026
Statutory health insurance in Germany pays for preventive check-ups at fixed ages: a yearly cervical cancer check at the gynaecologist from 20, a breast examination from 30, a general health check every three years and skin cancer screening every two years from 35, and mammograms every two years from 50.
Preventive check-ups (Vorsorge) look for illnesses before they cause symptoms. For members of a statutory health insurer they are free, and you do not need a referral: you book directly with the doctor and bring your insurance card.
This is general information, not medical advice. Your doctor and your health insurer can tell you what applies to you.
Step by step
From 18: dentist and a first health check
A dental check every six months. One general health check between 18 and 34, at the family doctor (Hausarzt), with blood pressure, heart and a look at your vaccinations.
From 20: the yearly visit to the gynaecologist
Cervical cancer screening with a smear test (Pap test) once a year at the gynaecologist (Frauenarzt). From 35, the smear is combined with an HPV test and done every three years instead. The yearly examination at the gynaecologist stays. Women aged 20 to 25 can also have a yearly test for chlamydia.
From 30: breast examination
The gynaecologist examines the breasts and the lymph nodes once a year, at the same appointment as the smear test.
From 35: health check and skin
The general health check is repeated every three years. Skin cancer screening is offered every two years, at a dermatologist or a family doctor who is trained for it.
From 50: mammogram and bowel
A mammogram every two years. You are invited by letter with a suggested appointment, which you can move. Bowel cancer screening starts as well: a yearly stool test, or later a colonoscopy, which is repeated after ten years.
From 70 to 75
Mammography screening is now offered up to the age of 75. Women in this age group can register for an appointment themselves.
Find a doctor who speaks your language
The doctor search of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) lets you filter practices by the languages spoken.
Good to know
If something is found, the doctor tells you directly, explains the result and discusses the next steps. You are entitled to a second opinion.
With private health insurance, check your policy to see which check-ups are paid for.
Many insurers pay bonuses for regular check-ups. Ask yours for the bonus booklet.
During pregnancy there is a separate programme of check-ups: pregnant in Germany. How the insurance works: health insurance in Germany.
Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official source named at the end before you act, and ask the office in your city, because procedures differ from town to town.
In short: Gynaecologist every year from 20, breast examination from 30, health check and skin screening from 35, mammogram and bowel screening from 50. Free with statutory insurance, no referral needed.
- Handbook Germany: Health Checks for Women
Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.