Visiting a Doctor ($25-$600)

If you visit a doctor for STD testing, expect to pay the doctor’s visit fee or a co-pay/co-insurance (depending on your health insurance coverage), in addition to the lab test costs. A thorough doctor will send out your specimens to a laboratory for testing, which is billed separately. Lab processing time takes a few days to a week, depending on the lab.

Also, keep in mind that your out-of-pockets costs depend on your health insurance coverage, and any testing done through insurance becomes part of your medical record and will be reflected in Explanation of Benefits (EOS) statements sent to your mailing address. It is important to understand that some insurance plans will not pay if you do not exhibit symptoms, so check your coverage. It is very possible to carry an STD without showing symptoms, which is one reason why it is so important to get screened.

Bottom line: visiting a doctor is always great option, assuming you don’t mind scheduling an appointment and talking with the physician about sex and sexual health, or having the testing reported via the insurance company. If this bothers you, you are not alone and there are some direct options below.

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