Individual Health Services
Understanding IGeL services and making informed decisions
You have probably already been offered one or two services during a doctor’s visit with the note that health insurance funds do not cover them. These services are known as Individual Health Services, often abbreviated as IGeL. Medical practices cannot bill Individual Health Services via the healthcare card. Instead, they must issue a so-called private invoice, which the patient must pay themselves.
In fact, Individual Health Services are medical services that are generally not covered by statutory health insurance. This is because there is insufficient scientific evidence of their benefit or because the services are not medically necessary. Which services are medically necessary as part of preventive check-ups for adults is defined by the Federal Joint Committee of health insurance funds and physicians (G-BA). This body determines the catalog of medical services, and SBK is also required to adhere to these guidelines.
Making an informed decision
This means that everyone must decide for themselves whether they want to make use of an IGeL service, such as a gynecological ultrasound for early detection or an intraocular pressure measurement for glaucoma screening. It is important to know that no Individual Health Service is so urgent that it must be carried out immediately. Do not let yourself be put under pressure by the medical practice.
On this page, we would like to provide you with information and guidance if you are unsure how to deal with Individual Health Services.
Individual Health Services
SBK expert Jasmin Großmann provides information on IGeL services and explains what you should pay attention to when IGeL services are offered to you at a medical practice.
