Health courses: Your path to greater well-being
This article was automatically translated from German using artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed in this language. The German version is authoritative.
What are health courses?
Health courses are specially developed programs designed to help you stay healthy and prevent illness. In these courses, you’ll learn practical tips and techniques for more exercise, healthy eating, better stress management, or responsible use of addictive substances. The goal of the courses is to help you organize your daily life in a way that makes you feel fitter, more balanced, and healthier. The courses are led by qualified professionals, including trained instructors, therapists, or experts in movement, stress management, nutrition, and addiction prevention. Typically, these courses consist of around 10 sessions and take place in small groups, allowing the instructor to give individual attention and enabling you to benefit from the group atmosphere.
There are various types of health courses, which are divided into four main categories:
- Exercise: For example, spinal gymnastics, Nordic walking, or yoga.
- Nutrition: Here, you’ll learn how to eat a balanced diet to provide your body with all the essential nutrients.
- Stress management: Relaxation techniques such as meditation can help you better cope with stress.
- Responsible use of addictive substances: Here, you’ll learn how to use alcohol, nicotine, and other substances responsibly.
These courses offer you a valuable opportunity to promote your health and well-being in everyday life.
Who can participate in health courses?
Health courses are not only intended for people with acute health problems. Anyone who wants to do something good for themselves can participate. They help you stay fit and healthy in the long term.
Who pays for health courses?
A major advantage of health courses is that health insurance companies often cover part of the costs. Participating in health courses is therefore an affordable way to invest in your health. The subsidy varies depending on the health insurance provider and the course. Therefore, you should check with your health insurance provider in advance to find out how much money you will get back.
To receive the subsidy, the course must, for example, be certified. A certified course meets the quality requirements of the Central Prevention Testing Office (ZPP). These standards aim to ensure that the course is conducted professionally and delivers the desired results. Only courses that meet these requirements are subsidized by health insurance providers. Some health insurance providers also offer online courses. These can also be subsidized if they are certified. In addition, there may be attendance requirements: For example, you may need to attend at least 80% of the course sessions to receive the subsidy. In a course with 10 sessions, this means you must attend at least 8 sessions. Typically, you can take up to two health courses per year.
You initially pay the course fees yourself. Once you submit the certificate of attendance and meet all the requirements, your health insurance provider will reimburse you for part of the costs.
Another offering for health courses: RV Fit is a free program from the German Pension Insurance for employees. It combines exercise, nutrition, and stress management in a structured training program.
How do you find the right course for you?
The range of health courses is diverse. If you're unsure which courses are right for you, there are several ways to get information:
- Your health insurance provider’s website: On the websites of health insurance providers, you’ll usually find a list of approved courses and information about how much the provider will cover.
- Central Prevention Testing Office: At Search for prevention courses | National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds you’ll find all certified courses recognized by health insurance providers. Many health insurance providers link to this page.
- Telephone information: You can also call the government information number 115 to obtain general information about prevention courses.
- Directly from course providers: If you have a specific course in mind, simply ask the provider whether the course is certified. This way, you can be sure.
How do you register for a course?
To register, you usually only need to make a quick phone call or sign up via the provider’s website. Remember to check with your health insurance provider in advance to confirm that the course is actually subsidized.