Prevention: Are regular health check-ups worthwhile?

Lots of people who want to stay healthy go for regular general health check-ups. But the benefits of these check-ups shouldn’t be overestimated. The research done so far hasn't shown that regular general health check-ups prevent illness in healthy people or increase their life expectancy.
In Germany, everyone who is 35 or older and has statutory health insurance is entitled to go for a general health check-up every three years. You can have this check-up once between the ages of 18 and 35 too. After you reach the age of 35, you can also be tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C once as part of the check-up. The general check-up includes:
- Medical history (anamnesis): You discuss your medical history with your doctor to determine whether any medical conditions run in your family or whether you have any other risk factors.
- Physical examination: The doctor will look at or listen to various parts of your body, or examine them by touch. This includes listening to your heart and lungs and testing your reflexes and flexibility.
- Blood test: A blood sample will be taken to measure your total cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
- Rapid urine test: This test measures the levels of various substances that could be a sign of bacterial infections, kidney diseases or diabetes.
- Vaccination check: Your current immunization status is checked.
- Health advice
Health check-ups are designed to detect any risk factors and illnesses as early as possible – before they start to cause problems.