General Information
Ensuring the health and well-being of your child is crucial as a parent. This includes staying up-to-date on the recommended health check-ups for your child.
In Germany, the national association of pediatricians recommends the U-checks, which are covered by statutory health insurance (in case you are privately insured, check with your insurence). These examinations are designed to support your child's development and check if your child is progressing as they should. If any illnesses or developmental disorders are detected, they can be treated properly if caught early enough.
Most parts of Germany have introduced a reporting obligation for the majority of preventive examinations, meaning that doctors are required to report the date when the examination has taken place. If no preventive reporting is received, follow-up inquiries are made with the parents.
In general, there are eleven health U-checks (U1-U9 + J1), which cover a range of physical, emotional, and mental evaluations. Additionally, the professional association of paediatricians and adolescent doctors recommends the U10, U11, and J2 examinations, which are not currently reimbursed by all health insurance companies. It's important to check with your insurance provider to see if these examinations are covered.
The yellow booklet, also known as "Kinder Untersuchungsheft" or "U-Heft", is given to parents after their child's birth. This booklet records all the examination results and serves as a lawful proof that the preventive care exams have been completed. If you move to Germany after your child's birth, it's essential to bring any medical records from abroad. Once you visit a new paediatrician, they will check when the next examination needs to happen, and you will receive more Information and the upcoming examination dates.
You can easily find out the examination dates by visiting the website https://www.kindergesundheit-info.de/themen/ernaehrung/frueherkennung-u1-u9-und-j1/terminrechner-us-und-j1/ scrolling down and entering your child's birth date. Alternatively, your paediatrician can print out the dates for you.
As a parent, preparing for your child's check-up appointment can be a bit stressful, especially if it's your first time. You may be wondering what to bring along with you to the appointment to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, make sure to bring your child's health insurance card (if you don't have one yet, don't worry)
as well as their examination records (U-Heft)
and vaccination record (Impfpass), if you have one
bring a towel or cloth
some diapers, and a small binbag for disposing of any used diapers
Write down a your questions, and bring them with you
Ressources:
https://www.g-ba.de/downloads/62-492-3190/Kinder-RL_2023-05-12_iK-2023-07-13.pdf
https://www.g-ba.de/downloads/62-492-1270/RL-JUG_2016-07-21_iK-2017-01-01.pdf
https://www.kindergesundheit-info.de/themen/frueherkennung-u1-u9-und-j1/untersuchungen-u1-bis-u9/