IGeL stands for individuelle Gesundheitsleistungen, which are services a practice offers that the gesetzliche Krankenkasse does not pay for. The reason is either that their benefit is not proven well enough or that they go beyond what the Kassen are required to cover, so if you want one you pay for it yourself.
Typical examples in a German practice are ordinary tests and checks without a medical reason behind them:
- A großes Blutbild or another blood test without a concrete medical reason is a typical IGeL.
- Some extra ultrasound checks beyond the ones your Kasse pays for are also an IGeL.
- Some sports checks and some pre-trip health checks are offered as an IGeL as well.
Prices follow the private fee schedule for doctors, so the same service can cost different amounts at different practices.
Two protections apply to every IGeL, and both are worth knowing before you agree to one:
- The practice must tell you in writing, before the service, that it is an IGeL and what it costs, so you should never feel pressured to decide on the spot.
- You can also look up how useful a given IGeL is, because the independent IGeL-Monitor reviews the evidence behind the most common ones in plain language.
The opposite of an IGeL is a Kassenleistung, a service your Krankenkasse pays for, such as the Check-up 35 or a blood test your doctor orders because of symptoms.
This glossary entry is general information, not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat or rule out any condition. Discuss your own results with a clinician who knows your history.
