Health MOT
If you are 18 years or older, you can get a health check
The health check-up is used for the early detection of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes mellitus. In addition, health risks such as high blood pressure should be detected at an early stage. Women and men between the ages of 18 and 34 can take advantage of the health check-up once. From the age of 35, the check-up can be carried out every three years. For people aged 35 and over, the health check-up is also supplemented by a one-off hepatitis B and C screening. If your doctor identifies risk factors in good time, you benefit twice over: illnesses can be treated early and you have the chance to make healthier lifestyle changes.
How does a health MOT work and what does it entail?
1. Case-taking (medical history)
First your doctor asks about your medical history, including any previous illnesses and those of your close family members. Your doctor may consider any existing individual risks (such as a genetic predisposition).
2. Medical examination
Usually your doctor will take your blood pressure, physically examine your stomach, listen to your heart and lungs, and check your head, throat and sensory organs as well as your reflexes, joints, spine and muscle tone.
3. Laboratory testing of blood and urine
The lab tests are done first. A blood test is only done as part of the health MOT for individuals younger than 35 when there is an existing risk, such as when the patient is obese or has high blood pressure. The blood sample is usually taken in the morning. The reason for this is because your blood needs to be taken at least twelve hours after your last meal in order to ensure that the result is accurate. The blood test determines your total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels on the one hand, and your glucose (fasting blood sugar) level on the other. These levels provide initial indications of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The health check-up does not include a full blood profile. For persons aged 35 and over, a one-time screening for a hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection is carried out as part of the blood test of the check-up. Individuals over the age of 35 also have their urine tested in addition to the blood test. Your urine is examined using urine test strips. This test shows whether your urine contains protein, glucose, red and white blood cells, and nitrite. The result provides indications of possible kidney disease or diabetes.
4. Consultation
At the end of the health MOT, your doctor discusses the results with you. Your doctor will go over these results and advise you – if necessary – on how you can have a healthier life. If your doctor finds anything noteworthy, they will order more tests.
5. Checking the vaccination status
Your doctor will use your vaccination record to check whether you need a booster for certain vaccinations. If necessary, your doctor will advise you on recommended vaccinations and, if possible, carry them out directly.
What costs does the SBK cover?
All services specified in the German Federal Joint Committee’s Guideline on health check-ups for early detection of diseases are covered by us in full. This includes the tests and examinations conducted by the doctor and laboratory as described above. You just need to present your SBK health care card.
If something noteworthy or concerning comes up during your check-up and needs to be investigated medically, we will also cover the costs of that.
Your doctor can also offer you personalised health care services as part of the health MOT. You would then pay for these services yourself privately. In this case, ask your doctor for two things: specific information as to why they recommend additional tests and time to consider your options. A prerequisite for additional tests is always a written agreement between you and your doctor.
