Preventive care and health checks: what really makes sense

Preventive care aims to identify health risks before they develop into more serious problems. It is not about having the largest possible test package. An examination is useful when it fits a person’s life stage, medical history and individual risk, and when there is a clear plan for how the result will be used.

This overview covers routine preventive services for adults without acute symptoms.

Preventive care, screening or diagnostic assessment?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different situations:

• General preventive check-up: assesses cardiovascular and metabolic risk and combines a medical history, physical examination and selected laboratory tests.
• Screening: is offered to people without symptoms in a defined age or risk group and looks for a specific condition.
• Diagnostic assessment: begins when symptoms, an abnormal result or a specific medical concern are present. It should not be postponed until the next routine check-up.

General health checks: Austria and Germany compared

Austria

People aged 18 and over who live in Austria can have one free preventive health check per year. People without health insurance can also use the programme after obtaining the required substitute form from the relevant Austrian Health Insurance Fund office.

The basic programme includes a personal and family history, an assessment of lifestyle and risk factors, a physical examination with blood pressure and body measurements, and selected laboratory tests. These include blood glucose and blood lipids. Additional elements depend on age and the individual situation.

Where? General practitioners and specialists in internal medicine or respiratory medicine who hold the relevant preventive-care contract, as well as contracted facilities and health centres run by health insurance providers.

Germany

People with statutory health insurance can have one health check between the ages of 18 and 34. From age 35, the check is available every three years.

It includes a medical history and risk profile, a vaccination-status review, a physical examination and blood pressure measurement. From age 35, a lipid profile, blood glucose and a urine test are routinely included. For people aged 18 to 34, laboratory tests are performed when the risk profile indicates a need. From age 35, there is also a one-time entitlement to hepatitis B and C screening.

Where? Usually in a primary-care practice. The examination can be performed by appropriately qualified general practitioners and specialists in internal medicine.

Preventive care covers more than tests

Preventive care includes more than laboratory tests and cancer screening. Vaccination status, blood pressure, personal risk factors, lifestyle and, depending on age, oral health, vision and hearing may also be relevant. Not every area is covered in a single appointment.

Selected publicly funded screening programmes

The following information describes selected publicly funded standard programmes for people without symptoms. It is not a personalised screening schedule.

Colorectal cancer

• Austria: From age 45, a test for hidden blood in the stool is offered every two years, or a preventive colonoscopy every ten years. Earlier assessment may be appropriate for people with an increased familial or hereditary risk.
• Germany: From age 50, women and men can have a colonoscopy. If the result is normal, it can be repeated after ten years. People who do not choose colonoscopy can have a stool test every two years.
• Where? Stool testing is arranged through a participating medical practice. Colonoscopy is performed by qualified specialists, specialised facilities or hospitals.

Breast cancer

• Austria: Women aged 40 and over can participate in the breast cancer screening programme every two years. Women aged 45 to 74 are automatically invited or made eligible; those aged 40 to 44 and 75 or over can register voluntarily.
• Germany: Women aged 50 to 75 can participate in mammography screening every two years.
• Where? Qualified radiology institutes, breast centres or designated screening units. A newly detected lump or another breast change is not a screening situation and should be assessed directly by a healthcare professional.

Cervical cancer

• Austria: An annual cervical smear test is recommended from age 18 as part of preventive care.
• Germany: Women aged 20 to 34 are offered annual cervical cytology. From age 35, combined cervical cytology and HPV testing is offered every three years.
• Where? Primarily in a gynaecology practice. In Austria, general practitioners who provide the service may also perform the cervical smear as part of the preventive check.

Other programmes in Germany

The statutory programme also includes skin cancer screening every two years for women and men from age 35, annual prostate cancer screening for men from age 45, and a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound for men from age 65.

Since April 2026, Germany has also offered annual lung cancer screening with low-dose CT for current or former heavy smokers aged 50 to 75. Eligibility requires a smoking history of at least 25 years and at least 15 pack-years. A participating general or internal medicine practice first checks whether the criteria are met.

Austrian programmes and eligibility rules are structured differently and are not directly comparable in every area.

Who may need an earlier or more individual plan?

A schedule that differs from the standard intervals may be appropriate when close relatives developed certain conditions at a young age, previous results were abnormal, chronic illnesses are present or specific risk factors are known. Medication, pregnancy and personal medical history can also affect which examinations are useful. This should be discussed individually with a qualified healthcare professional.

Why more tests do not automatically provide more certainty

No screening test is completely reliable. Screening can lead to false-positive results, unnecessary follow-up examinations or overdiagnosis. A normal result also cannot rule out every condition. Recognised programmes, a clear clinical purpose and a balanced discussion of benefits and possible harms are therefore more important than the number of tests performed.

Preparing for the appointment

Bring previous medical reports, an up-to-date list of medicines and supplements, and notes about changes, symptoms and relevant conditions in your family. Earlier results can make it easier to assess developments over time.

Medical information is often spread across folders, emails and online portals. BodyWision helps you organise medical documents, medication information and personal notes in one place, so important information is easier to access for future appointments.