Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
Whether you’re being proactive, have symptoms, or just had an “uh-oh” moment, STD testing is a smart move. But the cost? That depends on where you go, what you test for, and whether you have insurance.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for STD testing — from walk-in clinics to at-home kits — and how to get it for free if you’re low on funds.
💡 Quick Cost Snapshot
Test Type |
With Insurance |
Without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Basic Panel (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea) |
$0 – $50 copay |
$75 – $150 |
Full STD Panel (6–10 tests) |
$0 – $100+ |
$150 – $400 |
HIV Test (Rapid or Lab) |
Often free |
$0 – $100 |
Syphilis, Hepatitis B/C, Herpes |
$0 – $50 each |
$30 – $90/test |
At-Home Test Kit (Single STD) |
N/A |
$50 – $120 |
At-Home Test Kit (Full Panel) |
N/A |
$140 – $300 |
🧾 Uninsured? Expect to pay $100–$250 for basic in-clinic testing. Full panels cost more.
🏥 Where to Get Tested (And What It Costs)
Provider |
Typical Cost (Uninsured) |
Pros |
|---|---|---|
Planned Parenthood |
$0 – $200 (sliding scale) |
Affordable, non-judgmental |
Urgent Care Clinics |
$100 – $300+ |
Fast, local, no appointment |
Primary Care Doctor |
$0 – $150 |
Covered by most plans |
STD Specialty Clinics |
$0 – $150 |
Often cheaper & faster |
At-Home Test Kits |
$50 – $300 |
Private, mailed to your door |
Local Health Department |
Free – $100 |
Income-based or grant-funded |
✅ Many cities offer free STD testing events — especially for HIV and chlamydia/gonorrhea.
🔍 What’s Included in an STD Panel?
Tested For |
Included in Basic Panel? |
Included in Full Panel? |
|---|---|---|
Chlamydia |
✅ |
✅ |
Gonorrhea |
✅ |
✅ |
HIV |
✅ (often) |
✅ |
Syphilis |
❌ |
✅ |
Herpes (HSV-1, HSV-2) |
❌ |
✅ |
Hepatitis B & C |
❌ |
✅ |
Trichomoniasis |
❌ |
✅ |
💡 “Full panels” vary — always check exactly which infections are included before buying.
🧬 At-Home STD Test Kits (Best Options)
Brand |
Cost |
Tests Included |
Lab Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
Everlywell |
$149 – $199 |
6 STDs |
CLIA-certified |
LetsGetChecked |
$119 – $249 |
8 STDs |
Physician-reviewed |
Nurx |
$75 – $220 |
Customizable |
Rx available if needed |
myLAB Box |
$79 – $299 |
Single or full panel |
Lab-certified |
STDcheck.com |
$99 – $198 |
Lab visit required |
Same-day results |
🏠 Great for privacy — results often arrive in 2–5 days, no awkward waiting room required.
💳 Will Insurance Cover STD Testing?
Plan Type |
Covers STD Testing? |
|---|---|
Private Insurance (PPO/HMO) |
✅ Yes (usually free as preventive care) |
✅ Covers HIV, hepatitis, syphilis (for certain ages/risk factors) |
|
Medicaid |
✅ Often full coverage (state-dependent) |
FSA/HSA Eligible? |
✅ Yes — at-home kits and in-person testing apply |
⚠️ Make sure your provider is in-network or you may get surprise bills.
📉 How to Get STD Testing for Free
- ✅ Visit your local health department or public clinic
- ✅ Use Planned Parenthood’s sliding scale (often $0)
- ✅ Look for free testing events during STD Awareness Month (April)
- ✅ Use HIV.gov or gettested.cdc.gov to find free test sites
- ✅ Ask your doctor — most insurance plans cover testing annually as preventive
💭 Final Thoughts: Testing Is Power, Not Shame
STD testing is normal, responsible, and empowering. Whether you’re in a new relationship, haven’t tested in a while, or just want peace of mind, there’s no wrong reason to check in on your sexual health.
💡 The only mistake is not knowing — and with more affordable and free options than ever, there’s no excuse not to test.
🔚 Bottom Line
- Basic in-clinic test = $75 – $150 without insurance
- At-home kits = $50 – $300 depending on panel
- Insurance may cover 100% if done through a provider
- Free clinics exist in most cities — especially for HIV/chlamydia testing
- STD testing is fast, easy, and often confidential
