This guide explains how to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases in Berlin. Sexually transmitted diseases are also called STD, STI, sexuell übertragbare Infektionen or Geschlechtskrankheiten.
How hard is it to get tested
It’s easy if you know where to go. There are many ways to get tested. You might need an appointment.
Where to get tested in Berlin
- At any medical clinic
Medical clinics can test for HIV and other STIs. You can ask your general practitioner (Hausarzt), but they might not know how to do STI testing. Urologists and gynaecologists usually offer HIV and STI tests.- Dr. Cordes – (English, Spanish, German)
- Praxis Schöneberg – (English, German)
- Viropraxis (English, Spanish, German)
- At home
s.a.m. health sells home tests for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. It costs €75 the first time, then €59.1 - Zentrum für sexuelle Gesundheit of the Gesundheitsamt (English, German, other languages)
HIV tests for €10. If you have a low income, it’s free.2 They don’t have general STI tests. There are 4 locations in Berlin. They speak English.3 - Berlin Aids-Hilfe (German, other languages)
General STI test for €25. HIV test for €10. - Praxis Prenzlauer Berg (German)
HIV test for €20. Other tests available. They accept public and private health insurance.7 - Checkpoint (German, English, other languages)
HIV and other STI tests for LGBTQ+ people. Tests cost between €5 and €25. - Mann-o-meter (German)
HIV and other STI tests for LGBTQ+ people. Complete test for €15.
More testing options – hivandmore.de
Cost of STD testing in Berlin
If the test is not covered by your health insurance, it costs between €10 and €60. Complete tests cost more. If you have a low income, you can get tested for free at the Gesundheitsamt.
Does German health insurance cover STI tests?
Sometimes. If you have symptoms, the test is usually covered. Routine tests are rarely covered.
- If you have public health insurance
Public health insurance only pays for the test if you have symptoms, or a good reason to think you are infected.4 It does not pay for routine tests. Women under 26 years old can get one free Chlamydia test per year.5 Some people lie to get the test covered by their health insurance.6 - If you have private health insurance
Some private health insurances pay for STI tests. You pay for the test yourself, and your insurance sometimes reimburse you. It depends on the insurance policy. Ask your private health insurer. - If you have travel or expat insurance
STI tests are almost never covered. Some insurances like April and aLC include a €300 per year budget for tests and check-ups.
Need help?
- Counselling Center for Sexual Health – Gesundheitsamt
Free counselling in many languages.
Sources and footnotes
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Doctor at a sexual health clinic (2021) ⤴