STD testing is often free
— if you know where to look.
For most ACA-compliant plans, recommended STI screening (HIV, syphilis, chlamydia/gonorrhea, hepatitis B/C in many cases) is covered with no cost-sharing as preventive care, when ordered at an in-network provider. Many large cities run free or sliding-scale public health clinics. About 10 states have laws that let you keep sensitive services off the policyholder’s EOB on request. Here’s how the routes compare.
Three routes that may cost $0
Use your insurance (ACA preventive coverage)
Most ACA-compliant insurance plans cover USPSTF Grade A/B preventive services — including HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B/C, and chlamydia/gonorrhea screening for recommended populations — with no cost-sharing at in-network providers when billed as preventive care. Coverage details, eligible age/risk groups, and in-network requirements vary by plan, so confirm before the visit.
Source: ACA Section 2713 · USPSTF Grade A/B Recommendations · HealthCare.gov
Public health / city STI clinics
Many cities run free or low-cost STI clinics through their health departments — e.g., SF City Clinic, LA County DPH, NYC Sexual Health Clinics. Hours, eligibility, walk-in availability, and what tests are offered vary; some require ID or proof of residency. Verify availability before you go via the CDC’s gettested.cdc.gov locator or the clinic’s site.
Planned Parenthood / Title X clinics
Title X-funded clinics use a sliding fee scale based on household income; many lower-income patients qualify for low- or no-cost testing. Title X also includes specific federal confidentiality requirements for family planning services. Pricing and what’s available vary by location — ask the clinic.
*“$0” reflects the most common scenario for an eligible patient at an appropriate provider; final cost depends on your plan, the provider, and how the visit is coded.
“But will the policyholder see it on the EOB?”
About 10 states have laws that let you submit a confidential communications request to your insurer for sensitive services like STI testing — once granted, EOBs aren’t sent to the policyholder. The request is usually a short form; processing time and exact protections vary by state and plan.
If your state isn’t listed, HIPAA §164.522(b) lets you ask any plan to use a confidential channel, but it’s discretionary. The fully claim-free routes are public clinics (no insurance billed) and cash-pay labs (e.g., Labcorp OnDemand from $39).
Typical out-of-pocket vs. preventive-coverage path
Typical price ranges below are illustrative; the “could be” column assumes a recommended screening for a USPSTF-eligible patient at an in-network provider on an ACA-compliant plan.
*If covered as preventive screening under your plan; final cost depends on plan, network, eligibility, and coding.
Find a low-cost option
We list free and low-cost options before paid ones — see methodology.
See options near you