If you have a Medicare card
Your STI test should be free if you have a Medicare card and you get tested at:
- a GP clinic who does bulk billing
- a sexual health clinic
- an Aboriginal medical service.
If you get tested at a non-bulk billing or part-bulk billing GP clinic, some costs – like the actual tests – will be bulk billed but you may need to pay an appointment fee.
If you don’t have a Medicare card
Many GP clinics offer low cost and sometimes free testing for young people.
If you're under 15 or don't have a Medicare card, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25) and they'll talk to you about the best way to get an STI test.
If you're visiting from overseas, your medical costs might be covered by:
- Reciprocal Health Care Agreements
- Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
You can also:
- contact your nearest GP or sexual health clinic and ask if they have free STI testing for people without a Medicare card.
- see if you can do an online test through 13 HEALTH Webtest.
Book an STI test
Getting tested for STIs is a normal part of a healthy sex life. STI tests are quick, easy, confidential and often free.
Don’t know the cost? Just ask
Call your GP or sexual health clinic before you make an appointment and ask them how much an STI test costs and if they do bulk billing. You can also ask if their fees are negotiable.
Bulk billing and Medicare
What is Medicare?
Medicare is an Australian Government scheme that gives Australian residents free or discounted medical services. Having a Medicare card means you're covered by the scheme.
What is bulk billing?
Bulk billing means your appointment is free if you have a personal Medicare card or if your name is on your family’s card. The government pays the GP for you.
Not all GPs bulk bill, so it’s a good idea to check when you're making an appointment. Many GPs will bulk bill students, healthcare cardholders and people under 16.
Your privacy and Medicare
If you're 15 years or older, you can apply for your own Medicare card. Having your own Medicare card means that only you can access your Medicare records (not your parents or a guardian).
If your name is on your parents' Medicare card, you might feel uncomfortable asking them for it to book an STI test. You can always ask your GP's receptionist to contact Medicare and get your Medicare number for you.
While your parents will be able to see that you saw a doctor, if you’re 14 or older Medicare won’t disclose your medical information to your parents without your consent.