Today, at the Planet of Rare Diseases we will listen to a debate on preventive healthcare. It deals with the prevention of illness to decrease the burden of disease and associated risk factors. Preventive measures can be applied at all stages across the lifespan and along a disease spectrum, to prevent further decline over time. This article highlights the various levels of prevention, provides examples of preventive recommendations and discusses some of the debate within the disciplines of the population and public health. Let's listen the debate!