Home Testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, and Other STIs: Cost and Savings

The rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), has been increasing in the U.S. in recent years. STIs are passed from one person to another through vaginal, oral, or anal sex — and, in rare cases, kissing.

Getting tested has become easier with at-home STI test kits, which offer greater access to screenings as well as privacy. In March 2025, the FDA cleared an at-home test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis intended for people with female anatomy. This test provides results in as little as 30 minutes. As of publication, it is not yet available for retail or online purchase by consumers, but is available to healthcare professionals to use at the point of care.

Some STIs don’t cause symptoms or the symptoms are barely noticeable, so you may not know you have an infection. Since untreated STIs can lead to serious infections, cancer, and even infertility, it’s important to stay up to date with STI testing if you’re sexually active — especially with new or multiple partners. 

Here, we’ll explore at-home STI tests, how they work, how much they cost, and more.

What are at-home testing kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

At-home STI tests can be ordered online or purchased at a pharmacy. You should carefully follow the instructions that come with your test kit, which may involve collecting more than one kind of sample. Some STI tests offer rapid results at home, but most require you to send your sample or samples to a lab for analysis. Results from lab testing are usually reported online, via email, or in an app. 

Some companies offer different types of kits for people with female anatomy and people with male anatomy. A kit may test for one or more types of STIs.

There are different types of testing options depending on the kit. Some will offer one or more options for genital, rectal, and throat testing. Depending on the kit, you may be asked to provide the following sample(s):

• Blood

• Rectal swab

• Semen

• Throat swab

• Urine

• Vaginal swab

Some products may not be available in all U.S. states and territories.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Which STIs can be prevented by condoms? It’s important to know when a condom can protect against a sexually transmitted infection (STI) — and when it can’t. 

• STI treatment options: If you test positive for an STI, it’s important to learn about treatment options and next steps. 

• Kissing and STIs: Not all STIs are transmitted through sex. Learn which STIs can spread through mouth-to-mouth kissing.

What infections can be tested for with home kits?

You can get an at-home test kit for the following STIs:

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhea

• Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis C

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes oral and genital herpes

• HIV 

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

• Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen)

• Syphilis

• Trichomoniasis, which is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis

Some STI test kits are not approved by the FDA for at-home use. For example, the FDA has not approved HPV tests for home use, but there is an HPV self-collection test that is approved for use in a healthcare setting. You can check if your product is FDA-approved for home use on the manufacturer’s website or through the FDA’s official database.

How much are at-home testing kits for STIs?

Many companies offer more than one kind of STI test kit, so that you can choose to screen for a single infection or a combination of infections. Below, you can find information on a sampling of kits, including the infections they screen for, whether you need to send your sample to a lab for results, and the costs.

STI Home Tests: Infections Screened and Costs

How can I save on home STI testing kits?

Before you purchase an STI testing kit, shop around for the best price. For example, the CVS Common STI Test Kit retails for $89.99. But for members of ExtraCare Plus — a paid loyalty program that offers 20% savings on CVS-branded products — the price drops to $71.99.

In addition, make sure you’re getting a kit that offers only the STI testing you need. At-home kits that test for multiple infections typically cost more than those that screen for one or a few. 

Some companies offer discounts, promo codes, and savings if you sign up for emails to receive promotional messages. For instance, visitors to the Everlywell promo codes and discounts page can receive a discount on their first order, access promo codes, and learn more about rewards for referring new customers.

Will insurance cover a home STI testing kit?

While health insurance plans will often cover STI testing done by a healthcare professional, at-home STI tests are not typically covered. If you schedule a telehealth appointment with a healthcare professional and they order an at-home STI test for you, the home test may be covered by insurance. In addition, some companies like Nurx, which requires an online consultation with a healthcare professional to access tests, accept health insurance. The Nurx Full Control STI Home Test Kit may cost as little as $0 with insurance, but there is a $29.50 service fee and you may be billed for a copay by the lab.

Contact your health insurance plan to find out if at-home STI testing is covered. You may need to fill out a form to request reimbursement and provide your purchase receipt. 

Can I use an FSA or HSA to pay for a home STI testing kit?

Yes, most at-home STI kits can be purchased with funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). You can either use your FSA or HSA debit card or submit a request for reimbursement. Make sure to keep your receipt in case you have to provide documentation. 

How does at-home STI testing work?

At-home STI testing requires you to collect your own sample(s) by following the instructions provided with a kit. Depending on the type of test, you may need to provide:

• A urine sample

• A blood sample

• An oral, vaginal, or rectal swab

• A semen sample

Once the necessary samples are collected, you may need to send them to a lab. Your kit may include prepaid packaging addressed to a lab or instructions about where to make a drop-off. If you can’t mail or deliver the materials right away, make sure to follow package directions concerning storage. Improper storage could make your test results inaccurate.

How do you interpret at-home STI test results?

While most at-home kits require specimen mailing or delivery to a lab, some offer rapid results. These results will appear in an easy-to-read format similar to the ones used for at-home COVID tests. 

Also, keep in mind that you may need to retest because some STIs take time to develop after a sexual encounter and won’t show up on tests done too early.

What happens if I have positive results?

If your results are positive, you followed the kit directions, and your test worked properly, you likely have an STI. It’s important to seek care with a healthcare professional either in person or via a telehealth visit as soon as possible to start treatment.

Where can I get free STI testing?

STI testing can be costly, especially for the most comprehensive kits that test for many different infections. You may qualify for the following low-cost or free STI testing options:

• Free HIV home testing kits: There are organizations across the country that discreetly deliver free at-home HIV tests. Check this list from Greater Than HIV. You also may be able to access free home HIV testing kits from HIV services organizations in many cities and states, including Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico 

• Testing at health departments: Health departments across the country offer free and low-cost in-person STI testing and access to home testing kits.

• Free at-home tests: For instance, TakeMeHome is a nationwide organization that provides free tests for HIV and other STIs to eligible individuals.

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Written by:

Veneta Lusk

Veneta Lusk is a personal finance and healthcare writer with 15 years of experience. She holds a bachelor of arts in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Edited by:

Cindy George, MPH

Cindy George, MPH, is the senior personal finance editor at GoodRx. She is an endlessly curious health journalist and digital storyteller.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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