Once you have had unsafe sex, you run the risk of contracting an STI. In that case, it's wise to get tested. Especially if you also experience complaints. There are several options for testing for STIs, but there is only one free option. Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies for this.

Not always free

An STI test at the GGD is free of charge for high-risk groups. Therefore, you have to meet a number of criteria. An STI test at the GGD is free of charge:

• Heterosexuals under the age of 25;
• Men who have sex have men;
• People who work in prostitution.

The queues at the GGD are unfortunately very long because only a limited number of people can be seen for a free STI test. A regulation has been established by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport with effect from 1 January 2015. This regulation means that a financial ceiling has been set for STI consultations. Each regional GGD has its own ceiling. For the Municipal Health Service in Amsterdam, for example, only 40,000 consultations are reimbursed. This means that fewer clients are eligible for a free STI test in Groningen, Amsterdam and elsewhere in the Netherlands.

GGD not always anonymous

An STI test in Amsterdam or Groningen or elsewhere at the Municipal Health Service (GGD) is not always completely anonymous. You must be registered in your own name and show proof of identity. If you prefer to remain anonymous, as most people prefer, this is not ideal.

The family doctor is not free

Many people think that an STI test at the doctor's office is free but unfortunately it is not. The consultation is covered by the health insurance company but the test is not. This comes off your deductible, unfortunately this is 385 euros. An STI test at the doctor's office can also often be more expensive because the labs charge different prices.

The alternative: an anonymous, fast and affordable STI test

The STI clinics of OneDayClinic in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Nijmegen, The Hague and Rotterdam offer a completely anonymous STI test. This test is not free, but competitively priced and often a lot cheaper than an STD test at the doctor's office. You know where you stand and there are no surprises. The result is available between 1-3 working days and there is a rapid test option where the result is available after 90 minutes. You can also be treated anonymously at OneDayClinic. The consultation is done by a professional and you can ask all your questions. Onedayclinic is the only clinic recognized by Soa AIDS Netherlands.

Would you like to make an appointment for an STI test at one of our locations? Then click here.

Sources:

STI AIDS Netherlands