How Much Does STD Testing Cost?
Quick answer
Prices vary, so check the total before you order. What you pay depends mostly on which infections the test covers and which sample types are included. Compare the price against what is tested, and check whether follow-up care is included if a result is positive.
People often put off testing because they have no idea what it costs. That is a fair worry, because there is no single price. Here is what drives the cost, and what to check before you order.
How much does STD testing cost?
There is no standard price, so we can’t give you a reliable number. Prices vary by provider and by the tests you choose. Check the price before you order, and check exactly what it includes.
What changes the price?
- Which tests are included. A “full panel” can mean different things from one provider to the next. Check exactly which infections are covered and from which body sites (urine, throat, rectum, blood).
- Sample types. Check whether the sample types cover the body sites you need, for example a throat or rectal swab if you have had oral or anal sex.
- Follow-up care. Check what happens after a positive result, including whether follow-up care is included.
Who should be screened?
For chlamydia and gonorrhea, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening all sexually active women 24 and younger, and women 25 and older who are at increased risk. Our guide to which STD test you need explains how to match a test to your exposure.
Are online STD tests cheaper?
It depends on the test and on what it covers. Check the total price, what the test covers, and whether its sample types cover the body sites you need. Ask what happens after a positive result, including whether follow-up care is included. See our guide to at-home STD tests for how they work.
What should I check before I order?
- What is the total cost, and are there any extras?
- Which infections and which body sites does this test cover?
- If a test is positive, what does treatment cost, and is follow-up included?
- How and when will I get my results?
What if cost is a worry?
Do not skip testing because of cost. Many STIs don’t cause symptoms, and some types can cause serious health problems if they are not treated. Infections can also be passed on during sex. Choose the test that covers the infections and body sites that match your exposure, and read which STD test do I need if you are unsure.
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When to test
- Before you orderCheck the total price, which infections are included, and which body sites the sample types cover (urine, throat, rectum, blood). A "full panel" can mean different things from one provider to the next.
- If you are comparing testsCompare what each test covers, not just the price. Check whether follow-up care is included if a result is positive.
- If cost is a worryDo not skip testing because of price. Untreated infections can cause harm. Pick the test that covers the infections and body sites that match your exposure.
Common questions
Is an online STD test cheaper?
It depends. Check the total price, which infections the test covers, and whether follow-up care is included if a result is positive.
Why do prices differ between tests?
Mostly because tests include different infections and different sample types. A "full panel" can mean different things, so compare what is covered as well as the price.
Should I skip testing if I can't afford a full panel?
No. Many STIs don't cause symptoms, and some can cause serious health problems if they are not treated. Choose a test that covers the infections that match your exposure. Our guide to which test you need can help you decide.
Sources
This guide is general information written by a patient advocate using public health sources. It is not a diagnosis. Only a clinician who examines you, or a lab test, can tell you what you have. Read how we write and check our guides.