Screening examinations for children
The statutory health insurance funds cover the costs of medical screening examinations for insured children and adolescents, also known as U examinations and J examinations. The examinations are available to children and adolescents up to the age of 18. They serve the early detection of diseases that endanger their physical, mental or psycho-social development. Until the age of six, this also includes early detection examinations for dental, oral and maxillofacial diseases, e.g. determination of the caries risk and advice on nutrition and oral hygiene.
The details of the content, type and scope of the examinations are regulated by the Federal Joint Committee in the guideline on the early detection of diseases in children (U1 to U9) of the guideline on youth health examinations (J1).
Contact the attending physician to make an appointment. For more information, contact your health insurance provider.
Responsible health insurance
The responsibility lies with the respective health insurance company.
In principle, insured children and adolescents are entitled to early detection examinations until they reach the age of 18. However, the following examination periods must be observed:
- U1 Immediately after birth
- U2 3rd-10th day of life
- U3 4th-5th week of life
- U4 3rd-4th month of life
- U5 6th-7th month of life
- U6 10th-12th month of life
- U7 21st-24th month of life
- U7a 34-36 months of age
- U8 46-48th month of life
- U9 60-64 months of age
- J1 13-14 years of age
For the examinations, you will need your child's electronic health card and the children's examination booklet ("Yellow Booklet"), which you will receive immediately after birth.
There are no co-payments for health exams for children and adolescents.
Fee: free of charge
A valid electronic health card is required for proof of existing insurance.
An appeal may be lodged against the decision of a health insurance fund. If the appeal is not upheld, an action may be brought before the competent social court.
Further information can be obtained from your health insurance company.
Lower Saxony Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Equality
16.12.2020
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
