Carry out early detection examinations for children

You can take advantage of health check-ups for your children. This means that a child's general state of health and age-appropriate development are regularly examined by a doctor. Possible problems or abnormalities can be detected and treated at an early stage.

The statutory health insurance funds cover the costs of medical screening examinations for insured children, also known as U-examinations. Under the Hessian Child Health Protection Act (Hessisches Kindergesundheitsschutz-Gesetz), U examinations are mandatory in Hesse up to the age of six. They serve the early detection of illnesses that endanger their physical, mental or psycho-social development. Up to the age of six, this also includes early detection examinations for dental, oral and jaw diseases, e.g. determining the risk of tooth decay and advice on nutrition and oral hygiene.

The Federal Joint Committee regulates the content, type and scope of the examinations in the guidelines for the early detection of diseases in children (U1 to U9).

The attending pediatrician carries out the health check-up.

From the U4 check-up onwards, the Hessian Children's Preventive Care Center invites you to the check-up.

If you have any questions, please contact your pediatrician. He or she will certainly be happy to help you.

Questions from doctors' surgeries about the implementation of the Child Health Protection Act can be directed to the Hessian Children's Preventive Care Center at Frankfurt University Hospital, Children's Preventive Check-ups Department.

You will need your child's electronic health card and the child examination booklet ("yellow booklet"), which you will receive directly after the birth.

A valid electronic health card is required as proof of existing insurance.

In principle, insured children are entitled to early detection examinations. 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 34th-36th month of life
• U8 46th-48th month of life
• U9 60th-64th month of life

An appeal can be lodged against the decision of a health insurance fund. If the appeal is not upheld, an action can be brought before the competent social court.

Please contact the doctor treating you to make an appointment. You can obtain further information from your health insurance company.

There are no co-payments for the U1 to U9 health check-ups for children.

The U10 and U11 children's check-ups are offered by many health insurance companies as a voluntary service. Please contact your health insurance company to find out whether the costs will be covered.