Guide to Barmer Illnesses Prevention in Germany
Moving to or living in Germany comes with many perks, and a world-class healthcare system is one of them. If you are insured with BARMER, you have access to a wide array of proactive health measures designed to keep you fit rather than just treating you when you are sick.
From travel vaccinations to yoga classes, here is everything you need to know about Barmer illnesses prevention in Germany and how to get the most out of your membership.
BARMER provides extensive illness prevention services in Germany, ranging from early detection screenings to financial rewards for healthy lifestyles.
They offer a wide range of preventive services to help members avoid illness and detect health issues early. These services are typically covered at no extra cost beyond your standard insurance contributions.
Prevention and Health Services
- Preventive Check-ups: Examination for early detection of health risks, disease, and exposure.
- Vaccinations: Full coverage for recommended vaccinations in Germany (e.g., tetanus, measles) and most travel vaccinations.
- Cancer Screening: Free early detection screenings for various types of cancer.
- Skin Check: Members under 35 can receive a free skin cancer screening every two years; for those 35 and older, it is a standard biennial benefit.
- Dental Care: BARMER covers routine dental check-ups and provides a “bonus booklet” to record visits, which can lead to higher subsidies for future dental work.
- Health Courses: Subsidies for courses in movement, nutrition, and stress management (up to €200/year).
- Digital Tools: The Barmer-App allows for managing health, using fitness apps, and finding courses.
Specific Programs and Benefits
- Family & Children: Free insurance for spouses and children under certain income thresholds, along with specialized check-ups for children.
- Pregnancy: Free midwife services, prenatal courses, and a “Family Plus” budget for additional services.
- Bonus Program: Rewards for healthy behavior (e.g., gym memberships, sports club participation).
- International Support: English-speaking service hotline (0800 333004 99-6666) for navigating the health system.
Support for Chronic Illness
- Disease Management Programs (DMP): Through the Better Life program, BARMER offers structured care for chronic conditions like diabetes (Type 1 and 2), coronary heart disease, breast cancer, asthma, and COPD to prevent complications
Bonus Program: Get Paid to Be Healthy
If you are already living a healthy lifestyle, BARMER believes you should be rewarded for it. Their Bonus Program allows you to earn points for activities you are likely already doing.
- How it works: Complete activities like gym memberships, sports club participation, or preventative check-ups.
- The Reward: You can earn up to €200 in cash rewards or choose higher-value subsidies for services usually not covered, like professional dental cleaning or osteopathy.
- Cashback Option: Under the Pro Fit elective tariff, if you don’t claim benefits beyond standard prevention for a year, you can receive up to €100 cashback annually.
Are you already a BARMER member and need help finding a doctor?
