Let's Talk About Safe Sex

does insurance cover std testing

By: Karen Terry

July 13, 2021

Does Health Insurance Cover STD Testing and Treatment?

Did you know that the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) estimates over 20 million new STD infections every year? However, a lot of people put off getting tested for financial reasons. If you want to get an STD test, you’re probably wondering, “Does insurance cover STD testing?” 

There’s no definite answer to that question, but certain types of insurance do cover testing and treatment. On this page, we discuss the different forms of insurance and exactly what each one covers.

Is STD Testing Covered by Insurance?

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more commonly known as Obamacare, changed the face of preventive care regarding STD test coverage and insurance. Under the ACA, you can take some STD tests for free, depending on your age, gender, and lifestyle.

Even if you don’t fit the age criteria, the tests will still be free if you meet the “high-risk” criteria. An example of high-risk individuals would be sex workers or those who regularly engage in unprotected sex.

Under the ACA, you can receive completely free preventative screenings for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia if you’re a woman under the age of 24. You’ll also get complete coverage if you’re older than 24 but engage in high-risk behavior. If you’re a man, you can receive free HIV and syphilis screening.

The ACA also covers HIV testing for any person living a high-risk lifestyle or those between age 15 and 65.

Preventative Screening vs. Diagnostic Testing

The difference between preventative screenings and diagnostic testing affects whether you’ll have complete coverage or if you’ll pay out-of-pocket.

Preventative screening is the best way to be proactive about your sexual health. This type of screening is for patients who aren’t showing any signs or symptoms of an STD. Once you show symptoms, the test changes to diagnostic instead of preventative.

If you’re sexually active, you should get preventative screenings at least once a year. However, if you engage in high-risk sexual behaviors (like unprotected sex or IV drug use), you may want to go for testing every six months, three months, or even monthly.

On the other hand, diagnostic testing is for people showing physical symptoms. Simply put, it’s how the lab confirms that you have an STD and what kind it is. For example, if you go to the clinic because you’re feeling itchy or have genital discharge, you’ll take diagnostic tests to figure out the problem.

Most insurance plans don’t fully cover diagnostic testing, so it’s better to pay for the testing out-of-pocket. Then, you won’t have to worry about the results showing up on your permanent medical record.

Private Insurance Coverage

Most private insurance companies consider STD testing as preventative care. That’s why some companies offer those services free with no co-pay, even if you haven’t met your yearly deductible yet.

However, not every private insurance company offers preventive care coverage benefits. Be sure to look closely at your health insurance plan and find out precisely what it covers.

Every private insurance company must comply with the ACA, which we mentioned earlier. That means you can get free yearly preventative screenings for certain STDs, including:

  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • HIV

Remember, the coverage is only valid for preventative screenings. If you need diagnostic testing, the cost varies depending on the type of private insurance you have.

Some private insurance companies will also cover extra tests or screenings, such as:

  • HPV DNA testing
  • STD screenings for pregnant women
  • Annual preventative screenings
  • Free screenings for high-risk individuals

Essentially, whether you have coverage for those services depends on your specific insurance plan. 

Medicare

Medicare offers coverage for STD testing, but it depends on what type you have. The four types of Medicare include Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Part D. Your coverage range depends on your age and lifestyle.

Remember, the ACA requires Medicare to pay for certain preventative screenings once a year. These screenings include:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • HIV testing for those between 15 and 65
  • HIV screenings for high-risk individuals outside the 15 to 65 age range

If you’re pregnant, the coverage changes. In that case, Medicare will cover:

  • Syphilis screenings for low-risk and high-risk pregnant women
  • HIV testing for pregnant women (3 tests maximum)
  • Hepatitis B for pregnant women, during pregnancy and after delivery

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of Medicare and what they do and don’t cover regarding STD testing.

Medicare Part A

  • Covers STD testing and treatment during inpatient hospital stays
  • Does not cover any outpatient testing or treatment, including preventative or diagnostic

Medicare Part B

  • Covers certain preventive STD screenings:
    • Hepatitis B
    • Syphilis
    • Gonorrhea
    • Chlamydia
    • HIV
  • Covers referral STD testing for high-risk individuals when a Medicare-certified healthcare worker performs them
  • Covers outpatient high-intensity behavioral counseling (HIBC) sessions for high-risk individuals
  • Does not cover inpatient HIBC counseling as a preventative service

Medicare Part C: Advantage

  • Covers preventative STD screenings
  • Similar coverage as Part A and Part B
  • Covers certain tests and counseling not under Part B coverage

Medicare Part D

  • Covers doctor-prescribed STD treatments (prescription medications)
  • Doesn’t cover preventative or diagnostic STD testing

Medicaid

Medicaid is essentially state health insurance, with varying levels of coverage based on your specific state of residence. As we said earlier, the ACA states that Medicaid must follow the same rules as Medicare and private insurance companies concerning preventative screenings. 

Some services that are free with Medicaid include:

  • STD counseling services
  • HIV counseling services
  • Preventative screenings (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV)
  • Preventative screenings for pregnant women
  • Preventive vaccinations (HPV)
  • PrEP for HIV

Since both the federal and state government oversees Medicaid, it’s important to remember that your coverage will change depending on where you live.  

You may also be eligible for a Medicaid expansion plan, which extends eligibility to anyone below age 65 and with an income at or below 133% of the official federal poverty level. 

Advantages of Using Insurance for STD Tests

If you suspect you have an STD, you may want to use your insurance coverage when you go for testing. The primary benefit of using insurance is that you won’t have to pay the full testing fees.

However, the amount you pay (or don’t pay) will depend on your specific coverage and which tests you need. For example, some insurance companies may require a small deductible, while others might cover the cost 100%. Another advantage of using insurance is that it usually covers testing both at an STD testing clinic or at your doctor’s office.

Confidentiality: STD Tests and Your Medical Records

Here at Rapid STD Testing, we know how important it is that our patients receive complete confidentiality. In fact, that’s why we don’t accept private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

If you use insurance to cover your testing costs, your testing information and results will go on your permanent medical records. It could even prevent you from getting better or more comprehensive coverage later in life.

To keep your testing convenient, quick, and 100% private, we accept debit cards, credit cards, payments from health savings accounts (FSA/HSA), even prepaid gift cards from major credit card companies.

If you pay with your debit or credit card, the transaction will appear on your bank statement as “()” with no accompanying text or business name. With our privacy guarantee, you can have peace of mind that you’re getting a confidential STD test that won’t show up on your medical or financial records.

Our facility is also HIPAA-compliant, so we never reveal information that could identify your personal information, tests, treatments, or any payments you’ve given us.

Frequently Asked Questions About STD Testing

How much does an STD test cost with insurance?

If you have insurance coverage, you may not have to pay anything out-of-pocket for your STD test, even if you get the full panel. However, please keep in mind that private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid all have varying levels of coverage and different pricing.

Some insurance companies may require you to contribute a co-pay for your testing. As long as you’re getting preventative screenings, you most likely won’t have to pay anything yourself.

If you need diagnostic testing because you’re showing physical symptoms, you may have to pay for some or even all of your testing fee.

How much do STD tests cost without health insurance?

The price of STD testing depends on the panel of tests you receive and whether they’re preventative or diagnostic. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 for STD testing.

Another factor that affects cost is where you go for your STD testing. A popular place for low-income individuals and families is Planned Parenthood. While it’s a great option for many people, it’s not the best choice for everyone. Some people go to their doctor's office, and some women choose to go to their gynecologist. Other people choose private STD clinics.

When you choose Rapid STD Testing, you can take advantage of our comprehensive testing panels and affordable pricing. The cost of our testing varies from around $100 to about $500 for the full 10-panel STD test.  

Do STDs show up on medical records?

If you pay with insurance, your STD testing and results will be visible on your permanent medical records. You can avoid this by using cash, debit or credit cards, or other forms of payment besides insurance.

Did you know that some private insurance companies raise their rates if you test positive for STDs? As you can see, there’s no clear advantage to using insurance as a payment method unless you absolutely can’t afford it otherwise.

That’s why we don’t accept insurance for our services. Your testing won’t show on your bank statement either—it will just have the symbols “()” so we can protect your privacy, guaranteed.

Are at-home STD tests covered by insurance?

Another option you can use is an at-home STD test. While this may be convenient if you absolutely can’t get to a physical testing location, a home testing kit is most likely not covered by your insurance. Some types of insurance do cover at-home testing kits, but not many.

You may find some benefits to ordering an at-home STD test. If you’re too embarrassed to go to a clinic or don’t have a way to get there, this may be a good option for you that offers both convenience and anonymity.

Keep in mind that if you use insurance to cover the cost of an at-home testing kit, it will still show up on your medical records. At-home testing kits also don’t have the full panel STD test you would get at a facility. Another drawback is that at-home testing kits take much longer to get results since they come in the mail.

Which STD tests should I take, and when should I take them?

If you’re sexually active, the CDC recommends a full panel STD test once a year. However, you should consider getting tested every three months or even monthly if you regularly engage in high-risk sexual behavior. That includes having unprotected sex, even if it’s only with the same person. 

If you choose to get STD testing once a year, you need to get the full range of tests. Here at Rapid STD Testing, our full panel testing package includes chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis A, B, and C, HIV, and herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2. 

Of course, it’s crucial to get an STD test as quickly as possible if you’re showing symptoms. Fortunately, our 2500 Rapid STD Testing locations nationwide make it easy to find fast and accurate STD testing near you.

It’s easy: just order the tests you want and head to our closest location to give your specimen. Then, you’ll have accurate results in three days or less.

How do STD tests work?

STD tests are quick and minimally invasive, consisting of either blood, urine, or swab tests. Once you give your specimen, it promptly undergoes lab testing. Remember, when you choose our services you’ll only have to wait three days or less for your results.

The type of specimen (blood, urine, swab) you have to give varies on the type of test you’re taking. Blood tests are highly accurate and can diagnose syphilis, HIV, herpes, and hepatitis B and C. Usually, it only requires a finger prick or a tiny amount of blood drawn from your arm.

Urine tests can diagnose chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea. The swab test is a bit different, consisting of a sterilized Q-Tip that’s rubbed on the genitals to gather a specimen. This method can feel very invasive, which is why we only use urine and blood specimens for a rapid STD test. They’re also much more accurate than swab testing.

How long does it take to get STD test results?

Here at Rapid STD Testing, we offer same-day STD testing because we know getting your results as fast as possible is a top priority. After you give us a specimen, you’ll have the results in three days or less. All you have to do is log onto our secure server, and you can view them immediately.

Other testing methods aren’t as quick. While you wait anxiously for your results, your symptoms will most likely get worse. That’s why so many of our patients choose our testing services—because they know they’ll be able to get effective treatment as quickly as possible.

Take Charge of Your Sex Life and Get an STD Test Today

Here at Rapid STD Testing, we offer fast, accurate, and non-invasive STD testing that’s 100% confidential—guaranteed or your money back. Contact us today to learn more about the STD tests we offer and how we can help you take back control of your sexual health.  

stethoscope

Get Tested for STDs and HIV Privately and Conveniently

No embarrassing exams, long waiting lines, or multiple visits. Just a quick lab visit for fast results.

TAGGED :

CATEGORIZED AS:

By: Karen Terry
July 13, 2021

With a profound passion for making intricate medical information accessible to all, John possesses a unique ability to simplify complex concepts without sacrificing accuracy or depth. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of various healthcare fields, John is well-versed in the latest research and advancements. However, what truly sets him apart is his remarkable talent for distilling this wealth of knowledge into engaging, reader-friendly content.