How to Get Free or Inexpensive STI Testing

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

Let’s face it—there’s nothing fun about having an STI. If you aren’t sure whether or not you have one, getting a test can help ease your mind. Even if you do have an STI, a test can help you confirm what you have so you can treat it. The good news is it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to get a test. Many clinics and organizations offer free or inexpensive tests. Don’t worry, you have options.

Question 1

Question 1 of 5:
How can I get a free STI test?

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Your local health department may offer free testing. Most cities have free STD clinics that are operated by the local public health department. Try calling your local health department and asking them where they offer free testing. You can then visit one of the locations to get your test.^{[1]
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You can also find testing locations at https://gettested.cdc.gov/. The CDC operates a database of free and confidential STI testing facilities. Enter your city and state into the database to pull up a list of locations and choose the one nearest you to visit and get a free test.^{[2]
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Request a free test to be mailed to you at https://www.freetest.me/. Enter your mailing address and a free test will be sent right to your door. Follow the directions to collect a sample correctly and then mail the test back. All you have to do then is wait for your results. These tests are free and confidential.^{[3]
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Question 2

Question 2 of 5:
Does Planned Parenthood have free STI testing?

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Yes, but you have to qualify for one. Planned Parenthood offers STI and STD testing, most of which are covered by insurance. But if your insurance doesn’t cover it, or you don’t have insurance, you can get a test for free or at a reduced rate. How much you pay for testing depends on where you go, the tests you need, and your income. Visit a local Planned Parenthood location to see if you qualify.^{[4]
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- You can find a Planned Parenthood location near you by visiting https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center.

Question 3

Question 3 of 5:
Can I get a free chlamydia test?

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Yes, you can request a free test from https://www.freetest.me/. Simply enter your address and they’ll send you a free testing kit in the mail. Collect a sample according to the directions and stick the test back in the mail. When your results are in, you’ll receive them by email.^{[5]
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Question 4

Question 4 of 5:
Can you test for STIs at home?

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Yes, you can pick up a testing kit from your local pharmacy. You can use an at-home test kit for certain STIs including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. You can buy a testing kit from your local pharmacy (or purchase one online) and collect a sample. Then, you mail it off to a lab for analysis. They’ll contact you to tell you your results once they’re in.^{[6]
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Mayo Clinic
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Question 5

Question 5 of 5:
How long does a home STI kit take?

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It can take around 3 weeks to get your results. While results from in-person STI tests can appear in about 3 days, it takes longer for at-home tests. It’s not unusual for it to take up to a month for you to get your results. As soon as your results are ready, they’ll be emailed to you.^{[7]
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