"weltwärts" voluntary service„
G35 Examinations for stays abroad as part of voluntary service
Medical care for volunteer services & stays abroad: Safely into the adventure, healthy back
The decision to participate in a voluntary service program like "weltwärts" or to work as a volunteer abroad often marks the beginning of a formative phase of life. Young adults leave their familiar surroundings to perform valuable work in distant countries – frequently in the tropics or subtropics. These assignments not only foster intercultural competence and social responsibility but also challenge the body through unfamiliar climatic conditions, different hygiene standards, and specific regional health risks.
As your specialized medical practice in Frankfurt am Main, we see ourselves as your partner on this journey. Our many years of experience in travel medicine and the care of German Red Cross (DRK) emergency personnel enable us to comprehensively prepare you for your stay abroad and provide medical support after your return.
Why is a medical examination necessary before deployment abroad?
Many sending organizations require proof of physical fitness during the application process or shortly before departure. This is primarily for your own protection. A year in the Global South, far from the usual medical infrastructure, requires robust health and good preparation for potential risks such as malaria, dengue fever, or waterborne infections.
Our examinations adhere to the strict quality standards of the German statutory accident insurance institutions, in particular the G35 recommendations for work assignments abroad under specific climatic and health-related stresses. The aim is to identify pre-existing conditions that could become problematic under extreme conditions and to individually optimize your vaccination coverage.
Preparation in our practice is far more than just ticking a box on a form. We take the time for a holistic assessment of your health.
- Comprehensive medical history and consultation: In a personal meeting, we will discuss your medical history, existing allergies, and ongoing medications. A key focus is your mental resilience: A year abroad can be emotionally demanding. We will openly advise you on how to take care of your health, even during stressful periods in your host country.
- Physical examination and diagnostics: To obtain a clear picture of your physical fitness, we conduct standardized tests such as physical examination, blood analysis, urinalysis and, if necessary, other tests.
- Travel vaccination advice and prophylaxis: We check your current vaccination status according to the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) and supplement it with travel vaccinations specific to your destination country (e.g., yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, or hepatitis A/B). Another focus is the
We understand the bureaucratic processes of sending organizations and ensure that you receive all necessary certificates promptly and correctly.
Cost coverage: What volunteers need to know
As a rule, the costs for necessary examinations and consultations within the framework of a "weltwärts" placement or similar government-funded programs are covered by the sending organizations. There is usually a fixed cost framework. We will provide you with a transparent invoice, which you can submit to your sponsoring organization. Please contact your organization beforehand to find out about the specific forms and bring them with you to your appointment.
The return-to-deployment examination: Safety after deployment
Our medical care doesn't end with your departure. A post-travel medical examination is strongly recommended after your return to Germany – even if you feel healthy. Some infections or parasitic infestations have long incubation periods or initially only show nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue or mild digestive problems.
During the return examination, we conduct a check-up:
- Screening for tropical diseases: Depending on the length of your stay, we conduct targeted blood or stool tests to rule out parasites or chronic infections.
- Final consultation: We will discuss your experiences and clarify whether any psychological or physical after-effects require further treatment.
Our goal is to enable you to seamlessly integrate the valuable experiences of your overseas assignment into your everyday life without having to fear long-term health consequences.
Checklist for your appointment at our practice
To ensure we can provide you with the best possible service, please bring the following documents with you:
- Vaccination record: Without your vaccination certificate, a sound consultation is not possible.
- Documents from the organization: All forms that need to be filled out by the doctor.
- Medication plan: If you regularly take medication.
- Travel information: Where exactly will you be working? What is the accommodation like? (Keyword: rural area vs. large city).
Your way to us
An overseas deployment is a courageous and admirable step. We ensure that the medical aspects of this adventure are in professional hands. Thanks to our many years of specialization, we offer you top-level care – from the initial consultation to the follow-up examination.
Schedule your appointment early! Ideally, you should come to us 6 to 8 weeks before your planned departure to allow enough time for the necessary vaccination cycles.
We look forward to supporting you on your journey into the world.
Please note that this offer is not suitable for German employees according to ArbmedVV.
STIKO – Recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination of the Federal Republic of Germany. More details here.
German