15 April 2025
Lina Sailer
Austria offers solid access to medical care, but many illnesses are still detected too late – often when treatment is already more complex or less effective. Preventive check-ups are a key part of modern healthcare. They help detect serious conditions like cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease at an early stage, when treatment is simpler and more effective.
But how many people are actually taking advantage of this opportunity? According to recent studies, only 15.3 % of Austrians attend the free annual preventive check-up.² Common reasons for skipping it include lack of time, uncertainty, or simply not knowing what’s included. And yet – early diagnosis can truly save lives.
The “Gesundenuntersuchung” is a free annual check-up available to all insured individuals aged 18 and over living in Austria. ³ Its goal is to identify health risks early and take action before illnesses develop.
What does it include? ³
Blood & urine tests: Early detection of diabetes, liver or kidney problems
Cholesterol & blood lipid levels: Identify cardiovascular risk factors
Blood pressure & weight analysis: Prevent hypertension, obesity, and strokes
Cancer screenings: Early detection of colon cancer, cervical cancer, and other tumors
Lifestyle & risk counseling: Personalized advice on nutrition, physical activity, and smoking cessation
Good to know:
The check-up is free once per year and can be done at any general practitioner or health center.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Austria. The good news? Many forms of cancer are treatable – if detected early. ⁴
Colon cancer screening: From age 50, stool tests or colonoscopies are recommended
Skin cancer checks: Important for people with light skin, many moles, or family history of skin cancer
Breast cancer screening: Women aged 45–69 are eligible for a free mammogram every two years
Cervical cancer (Pap & HPV test): Regular gynecological check-ups are recommended from age 18
Prostate cancer screening: Men over 45 can get PSA blood tests and physical exams
Why is it important?
Early detection saves lives: It can improve survival chances significantly
Less invasive treatments: Cancers caught early often require milder, more successful therapie
Disease prevention: Routine screenings help prevent life-threatening illnesses from developing in the first place
Despite their proven benefits, many people still avoid preventive check-ups. Why?
Fear of bad news: The worry that something might be discovered keeps many from making an appointment
Not knowing what’s involved: Uncertainty about the process or the benefits leads to hesitation
“I feel fine” mentality: People who feel healthy often assume they don’t need preventive care
But check-ups aren’t a waste of time – they’re a smart investment in your future. The earlier risks are identified, the easier it is to prevent or treat disease.
Alongside routine check-ups, there are additional preventive measures you can easily integrate into your daily life:
The Three Pillars of Prevention
Regular health check-ups: Don’t wait until symptoms appear.
Take advantage of Mavie services like at-home health tests, or talk to your employer about holistic employee health programs.
Healthy eating & exercise: A balanced diet and physical activity strengthen your immune system.
Easily consult our Mavie nutrition experts through our telemedicine services.
Stress management & mental health: Chronic stress increases the risk of illness.
Mavie Work’s professional coaches can guide you through challenging situations and help you build resilience.
Tip: Combining regular screenings with a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces your risk of chronic diseases.
At Mavie, we believe healthcare shouldn’t be complicated. Our mission is to support people at every stage of life – in prevention just as much as in treatment.
With proactive health checks, many illnesses can be detected early and treated more effectively.
If you’re unsure where to start, or if you’re looking for medical advice, our Mavie Med top experts are here for you – in six private clinics and partner facilities across Austria.
The annual preventive check-up is a simple but powerful way to detect serious conditions early – or avoid them altogether. Cancer screenings play a particularly important role, because the earlier a disease is found, the better the chances of recovery. Still, many people skip preventive check-ups – due to fear, lack of time, or not knowing what’s involved. Mavie helps you integrate preventive care into your life in a way that’s easy, stress-free, and safe.
Sources:
1. https://science.apa.at/power-search/1691713669126759318
2. https://www.parlament.gv.at/dokument/XXVII/AB/16064/imfname_1601810.pdf
3. https://www.gesundheitskasse.at/cdscontent/?contentid=10007.878943
4. https://www.statistik.at/fileadmin/publications/Krebs-2024_Webversion-barrierefrei_Rev1.pdf
