Preventive care: which check-ups are useful
Chest X-ray, skin check, PSA test or colonoscopy? Which check-ups are useful for whom and what costs are covered by Sanitas.
Colonoscopy
Why: Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in adults and develops from benign polyps.
How: A colonoscopy helps to detect changes early. An additional test to detect hidden blood in stool samples is also a good idea.
When: Recommended for everyone over age 50 (stool sample every 2 years, colonoscopy every 10 years). If there’s a history of bowel disease in your family or you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, you should have the tests done earlier.
Covers colonoscopies and stool screening for cancer prevention between the age of 50 and 69. In some cantons, the deductible is waived as part of a screening programme.
Vital, Classic, Family, Jump and Natura Komfort cover part of the costs for check-ups carried out before the age of 50 or without a family history.
Breast screening
Why: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women.
How: An X-ray examination of the breasts (mammogram) can detect cancer and pre-cancerous conditions at an early stage and improve the chances of recovery.
When: Recommended from the age of 50. Earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer.
Basic insurance: In cantons with a mammogram screening programme women over the age of 50 can have a check-up every 2 years that is covered under basic insurance without the deductible being applied. Basic insurance also covers the cost of this check-up for younger women who have an increased risk of breast cancer due to their family medical history.
Supplementary insurance: In all other cases, Vital, Classic, Family, Jump and Natura Komfort cover the cost of mammograms.
PSA screening
Why: Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men.
How: Men can get themselves checked by their family doctor or a urologist – the check-up involves a rectal exam and PSA blood test. The latter has always been somewhat controversial, but is still used today as it often alerts doctors to the presence of cancer.
When: This check-up is recommended for men between the age of 50 and
Supplementary insurance: The Sanitas supplementary insurance plans Vital, Classic, Family, Jump and Natura Komfort.
Skin cancer
Why: Skin cancer (malignant melanoma) is one of the most common types of cancer in men and women.
How: Keep an eye on your skin and have any moles checked regularly by your family doctor or a dermatologist.
When: Any age.
Basic insurance: If there is an increased family risk of skin cancer (melanoma), this preventive check is covered by basic insurance.
Supplementary insurance: In other cases, Vital, Classic, Family, Jump and Natura Komfort supplementary insurance plans cover a share of the costs.
