Staying healthy, reducing stress, getting more physical activity – many people want to actively do something for their well-being. What is often not known: Statutory health insurance funds provide financial support for many health courses. The basis for this is what are known as prevention courses, which are funded according to clear legal requirements.
This article provides an overview of who can use these services, what is funded, and what to watch out for.
What are prevention courses?
Prevention courses are health services that aim to prevent diseases and reduce health risks at an early stage. They are part of what is known as primary prevention and are regulated by law, including in section 20 of SGB V.
Statutory health insurance funds subsidize certified prevention courses in four areas:
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Physical activity (e.g. back fitness, mobility, compensatory training)
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Stress management & relaxation (e.g. mindfulness, relaxation techniques)
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Nutrition
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Addiction prevention
The courses can take place in person or online and follow defined quality standards.
Who can use prevention courses?
Prevention courses are aimed at people of all ages covered by statutory health insurance who want to take preventive action for their health. It is not necessary to already have health problems.
As a rule, statutory health insurance funds cover the costs of up to two prevention courses per calendar year. The exact number and amount of reimbursement depends on the respective health insurance fund. It is worth checking the individual reimbursement conditions before the course begins.
What requirements must be met?
In order for a course to be subsidized by the health insurance fund, the following points should be observed:
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The course is certified and recognized as a prevention course
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Regular participation is required (usually at least 80%)
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After completion, a certificate of participation is issued
The specific conditions may vary depending on the health insurance fund.
How does reimbursement work?
The process is usually straightforward:
- Select and book a prevention course
- Attend the course regularly
- Receive a certificate of participation
- Submit it to the health insurance fund
- Receive reimbursement
Many health insurance funds provide overviews of recognized courses and information on reimbursement on their websites.
Who are prevention courses particularly useful for?
Prevention courses are particularly suitable for people who:
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want to reduce stress or cope better with strain
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want to increase their physical activity
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want to strengthen their health in the long term
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are looking for a structured introduction to health-promoting routines
They do not replace medical or therapeutic treatment, but can be a useful addition to preventive healthcare.
In brief:
Prevention courses offer a good opportunity to actively do something for your own health — with financial support from the health insurance fund. Those who inform themselves and make a targeted choice can use preventive services in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Sources
- Section 20 SGB V – Prevention and health promotion: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_5/__20.html
- GKV-Spitzenverband – Prevention Guidelines: https://www.gkv-spitzenverband.de/krankenversicherung/praevention_selbsthilfe_beratung/praevention/praevention.jsp
- Prevention Guidelines: https://www.gkv-spitzenverband.de/media/dokumente/krankenversicherung_1/praevention__selbsthilfe__beratung/praevention/praevention_leitfaden/Leitfaden_Praevention.pdf
- Certification of prevention services and qualifications – Central Prevention Testing Center
- Official course search portal for certified prevention courses: https://www.praeventionskurse-suchen.de
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