Some clinics may offer free testing, and others may charge you a fee based on your income so the tests are affordable. If you don’t have any money, ask if you qualify for a free test.
You may not need to provide insurance or pay anything for STD testing at some sites, but be sure to contact them and ask first. If you don’t live in the US, try searching your local government’s website to see if they list medical clinics that offer STD tests.
Your school may provide free testing, but ask if you need to pay or provide insurance information just to be sure. Some schools may even offer STD testing programs you can use to avoid having to tell your parents. Ask your nurse about the confidentiality of the test. Depending on where you live, your parents may be able to access any information in your school file, including your health records and STD history. However, in some places, this info is stored separately from your school records to avoid this conflict. [5] X Research source
Call your insurance company if you’re using your parent’s insurance to find out what their privacy policies are. Many medical insurance companies will send out a monthly statement that lists all of the medical services that were charged. The statement could include STD tests that could tip off your parents. However, they may keep STD tests confidential, so it’s important to call and find out. [7] X Research source
At-home STD tests may not be as reliable as seeing a doctor or health care provider, but they do offer much more privacy. STD testing kits can cost around $150 USD.
For example, in states like California or Delaware, you can get an STD test without your parents knowing as long as you’re 12 or older, but in states like Hawaii and Washington, you have to be at least 14. [9] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source If you live in the US, your doctor or nurse can’t tell your parents you’re being tested for STDs if they think informing them could put you in danger. [10] X Research source
Search online to try to find clinics that offer low-cost or free STD testing in your area. In some places, like California, you can request where your insurance statements will be sent, so your parents might not be informed even if you use their insurance. [13] X Research source
For instance, you might tell your parents you’re staying the night with a friend or studying at the library. Just keep in mind if they call to check up on you, they might find out that you aren’t really there! If you don’t know anyone you can ask, you could use public transportation or a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft.
You may still be able to get treatment from a clinic or doctor without getting your parent’s permission.
You should have a test done immediately if you think you could have an STD, like if you have unprotected sex with someone who might be infected or you’re experiencing symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual discharge.
