How much does an STI test cost?
The cost of an STI test
Young people can be tested free of charge at the GGD until the age of 25 or if they are in a risk group. If you are older than 25 and you do not fall into a risk group, you can be tested at your GP, or using a home test. there are costs associated with taking an STI test at the GP and the waiting times are often a bit longer. Would you rather test yourself from home? In some cases, you can request a home test from your GP or you can order a home test such as what Homed-IQ offers. Complete the STI Test Guide to find out which Sexual Health Test is right for you.
Option 1: Visit your GP for an STI test
Do you have symptoms? Then you can always go to the doctor for STI testing. Most people make an appointment with their GP if they are having STI-related concerns. During the free consultation, the doctor discusses your risk and advises what should be tested. If the GP is able to diagnose an STI from an examination alone, this often has no cost. If an STI test is needed, you will receive a request form for taking the test at a lab location, or you may be able to take the sample in the doctor’s office. In the Netherlands, you must pay the laboratory costs of the analysis yourself which are deducted from your insurance deductible (eigen risico). In Germany, STI testing is covered by basic insurance. In the Netherlands, a chlamydia test costs approximately 40 euros. Would you like to test for multiple STIs? The cost can reach a few hundred euros. Always ask your GP about the potential costs of an STI test to prevent an unexpected bill afterwards.
When do you pay for an STI test yourself at the GP?
Do you need an STI test? That can cost money.
- Have you not used up the deductible of your health insurance yet? Then the costs of the STI test will be deducted from that. You then pay the costs of the test yourself.
- Have you already paid the deductible of your health insurance? Then your health insurer will pay the costs of the STI test.
Are you unsure if your deductible has been used up? Contact your health insurer.
Option 2: Visit the GGD or other sexual health clinic for an STI test
What does an STI test cost at the GGD?
STI testing at the GGD is free and anonymous if you are in a risk group at greater risk for STIs:
- People who have been warned by a sex partner about an STI
- People with STI-related complaints
- Men who have sex with men (MSM)
- Sex workers
- People who inject drugs
- Victims of rape or sexual violence
- People who have been diagnosed with an STI in the past year
- People from an STI-endemic country
- Female partners of MSM and partners of people from STI-endemic areas
- Young people (< 25 years)
Sometimes there is a waiting list at the GGD. The GGD may then send you to the GP for a test so that you can get tested faster.
Option 3: Test for an STI from home
How much does a home STI test cost?
Homed-IQ’s home tests are competitively priced and often cheaper than testing for an STI through your GP. Homed-IQ tests can be purchased beginning at 45 euros. Do you want to test for more STIs? Then you can pay up to 159 euros for a Comprehensive STI test. With Homed-IQ you can not only take your test sample from home, but you often receive the test results within 24 hours after the test’s arrival at the certified laboratory.
