Health insurance support for yoga or Pilates courses in Germany: What is a “Präventionskurs” and how can you benefit from it?
In Germany, health insurance providers (Krankenkassen) do not only cover treatment costs; they also invest in prevention and maintaining good health. One of the most well-known forms of preventive support is the “Präventionskurs” program. It allows you to enroll in certified courses such as yoga or Pilates and get a large portion of the fees reimbursed. This opportunity is available to everyone—whether you are employed, a student, or unemployed.
What is a “Präventionskurs”?
A “Präventionskurs” is an officially recognized preventive program supported by health insurance providers. It includes courses focused on physical and mental well-being, such as:
Yoga
Pilates
Relaxation techniques (e.g., Progressive Muscle Relaxation)
Healthy nutrition
Cardiovascular and back-focused training (Rückenschule, Wirbelsäulengymnastik)
These courses are delivered by qualified, certified instructors and usually run for 8 to 12 weeks.
How much does health insurance pay? Is it completely free?
It is not always completely free, but:
Most health insurers cover between 80% and 100% of the course costs.
Reimbursement is often paid after you complete the course and attend the required minimum number of sessions (usually 80%).
The maximum reimbursed amount is typically between €75 and €150 per course.
Usually, you can get support for two preventive courses per year.
Who can benefit?
All members of statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenkasse), such as:
TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)
AOK
Barmer
DAK
BKK
and others
Even if you are a student or unemployed and enrolled in statutory insurance, you generally have the right to apply.
How do you find an approved course?
Visit your health insurer’s website and look for sections like “Gesundheitskurse” or “Präventionsangebote”.
Use the official database: Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention.
Choose the course type (e.g., yoga), your city, and a time that suits you.
Make sure the course is certified by the “Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention”—this is a key requirement for reimbursement.
Steps to receive reimbursement
Register for an approved course yourself and pay the fee upfront.
Attend the required number of sessions (usually 80%).
After the course ends, request a certificate of participation (Teilnahmebestätigung) from the instructor.
Submit the invoice and certificate to your health insurer (by mail or online, depending on the insurer).
Within a few weeks, the eligible amount will be transferred to your bank account.
Important notes
Some insurers also offer approved online courses (especially after the COVID-19 pandemic).
If the course is not officially certified, no reimbursement will be paid.
You do not need a doctor’s recommendation or a prescription (Rezept).
These courses are not part of treatment budgets—they belong to preventive programs.
Summary
If you are considering improving your physical or mental well-being through yoga or Pilates, don’t let the cost stop you. With the “Präventionskurs” program, you can benefit from generous health insurance funding—just make sure you choose a suitable, certified course and get started on your path to better health with a small contribution, or even for free.
Editorial notice
The website’s authors and editors strive to provide accurate information through thorough research and by consulting multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may remain unconfirmed. Please consider the content as initial guidance and always consult the responsible authorities for verified and official information.
