Getting tested for STIs and STDs in Germany is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health—and your partners’.
It can detect silent infections, prevent long-term complications, and support a culture of safer sex.
But figuring out where to go, what tests you need, and whether it’s covered by insurance can be confusing, especially if you’re new to Germany.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- When you should get tested—and how long to wait after exposure
- What symptoms to look out for (and when to test even if you have none)
- Where to get tested in Germany, from Berlin to Munich
- What tests cost—and how to get them for free or with insurance
- How fast you’ll get your results
- What to do if your result is positive (including support options)
- And how to act quickly if you’ve had a recent HIV exposure
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to take care of your sexual health in Germany.
How to get tested for STIs/STDs in Germany: Step-by-step
1. Determine if you should get tested
After exposure to a risk, consult a healthcare provider. They can advise on the correct testing timeline and whether repeat tests are necessary.
However, a general guideline is that if you think you need to get tested, you should. The only question is when.
That’s because your body needs time before tests can detect an infection. This is called the window period. Testing too early can lead to false negatives. <
Here’s a quick look at typical window periods:
| STI | Earliest reliable test time | Test |
| HIV | 2–4 weeks (most accurate at 6 weeks) | Antigen/Antibody blood test |
| Chlamydia | 1–2 weeks | Urine or swab test |
| Gonorrhea | 1–2 weeks | Urine or swab test |
| Syphilis | 3–6 weeks | Blood test |
| Hepatitis B/C | 4–6 weeks | Blood test |
| Herpes (HSV) | 2–12 weeks (only if symptomatic or high-risk) | Blood or lesion swab |
If you had potential HIV exposure less than 72 hours ago, urgent steps are needed. You’ll find them at the end of this post.
Symptoms to watch out for
First, it’s important to note that you may need testing regardless of whether or not you are experiencing symptoms, as many STIs show no early symptoms. The Robert Koch Institute reports that up to 80% of chlamydia cases in women and 50% in men are symptom-free.
HPV, HIV, and hepatitis B can also go undetected for months or years. Routine testing detects these infections early, before complications or further transmission occur.
Yet, while many STIs are silent, some do show physical signs.
Avoid self-diagnosing. Always test when in doubt. Yeast infections, UTIs, or skin issues can cause similar symptoms.
With that said, here are key symptoms indicating you should get tested:
| STI | Possible symptoms (can vary) | Timeline for symptoms to appear (can vary) |
| Chlamydia | Unusual discharge, pain during urination, testicular pain | 1–3 weeks |
| Gonorrhea | Thick yellow/green discharge, painful urination | 1–10 days |
| Genital herpes | Painful blisters or sores on genitals or anus | 2–14 days |
| Syphilis | Painless sore (chancre), then rashes or flu-like symptoms | 3 weeks to 3 months |
| HPV | Genital warts (often painless) | Weeks to months (can vary widely) |
| Trichomoniasis | Frothy discharge, vaginal odor, discomfort during sex | 5–28 days |
| HIV | Fever, fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches | 2–4 weeks |
| Hepatitis B/C | Nausea, fatigue, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes) | 6 weeks to 6 months |
| Secondary syphilis | Rash on palms/soles, swollen lymph nodes | Several weeks after primary sore |
| Throat gonorrhea/chlamydia | Sore throat, usually no fever | 1–10 days (gonorrhea), 1–3 weeks (chlamydia) |
2. Choose a testing location
In Germany, you can get tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) in several locations.
Here’s how to find the right place for your needs.
Nationwide options
These services are available across Germany, regardless of where you live:
1. Medical clinics
- You can always start with your Hausarzt (general practitioner). Although they may not perform STI testing in-house, they can refer you to the appropriate facility.
- Gynaecologists and urologists are often better equipped to perform these tests directly.
2. Test finder tools
- The Deutsche Aidshilfe Test Finder is a simple tool to locate a nearby testing center: aidshilfe.de Test Finder
- Another helpful resource is HIVandmore.de, which provides information on HIV, hepatitis, and other STIs, including testing and treatment options.
3. Public health offices
- Local Gesundheitsämter (public health offices) often offer free or low-cost STI testing, sometimes anonymously.
- To find your local office, search for: “Gesundheitsamt + your city”
4. Home test kits
- S.A.M health offers at-home testing for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia for around €60.
- After registering, you get a consultation to select the right tests, and your kit is mailed to your address.
Where to get tested in Berlin
| Location | Services |
| Checkpoint BLN | LGBTQ+ friendly, rapid and anonymous testing |
| Gesundheitsamt Berlin-Mitte | Free, anonymous STI/HIV testing |
| AIDS-Hilfe Berlin | Counseling, testing referrals |
| Center for Sexual Health and Family Planning | Five centers; testing costs €10 or is free for low-income earners |
Where to get tested in Cologne (Köln)
| Location | Services |
| Checkpoint Köln | Anonymous testing, LGBTQ+ and migrant focused |
| Gesundheitsamt Köln | Walk-in STI/HIV tests |
| AIDS-Hilfe Köln | Testing guidance and support |
| Fachdienst STI und sexuelle Gesundheit | Free HIV tests, other STI tests possibly available |
Where to get tested in Dortmund
| Location | Services |
| Gesundheitsamt Dortmund | Free and anonymous testing |
| Checkpoint Dortmund | LGBTQ+ counseling and testing |
| AIDS-Hilfe Dortmund | Referrals and information |
Where to get tested in Düsseldorf
| Location | Services |
| Checkpoint Düsseldorf | Testing, counseling, PrEP |
| Gesundheitsamt Düsseldorf | Anonymous STI/HIV tests |
| AIDS-Hilfe Düsseldorf | Support and referrals |
Where to get tested in Essen
| Location | Services |
| Gesundheitsamt Essen | Anonymous testing for HIV/STIs |
| Checkpoint Essen | Specialised in services for men who have sex with men |
Where to get tested in Frankfurt am Main
| Location | Services |
| Gesundheitsamt Frankfurt | Free, anonymous testing |
| Checkpoint Frankfurt | Multilingual, LGBTQ+ inclusive testing |
| AIDS-Hilfe Frankfurt | Education and linkage to care |
Where to get tested in Hamburg
| Location | Services |
| Hein & Fiete | LGBTQ+ focused counseling and testing |
| Gesundheitsamt Hamburg-Mitte | Free HIV/STI testing |
| AIDS-Hilfe Hamburg | Prevention and referrals |
| CASAblanca | Free, anonymous testing in Hamburg-Altona |
Where to get tested in Leipzig
| Location | Services |
| Gesundheitsamt Leipzig | Free, anonymous testing |
| AIDS-Hilfe Leipzig | Focused on vulnerable groups |
| Medinetz Leipzig | Help for uninsured migrants and refugees |
Where to get tested in Munich (München)
| Location | Services |
| Checkpoint München | Testing for LGBTQ+ groups |
| Gesundheitsamt München | Anonymous STI testing |
| AIDS-Hilfe München | Test referrals, education, support |
Where to get tested in Stuttgart
| Location | Services |
| Gesundheitsamt Stuttgart | Free and anonymous STI/HIV testing |
| Checkpoint Stuttgart | LGBTQ+ and migrant-friendly testing |
| AIDS-Hilfe Stuttgart | Counseling and prevention |
3. Get an appointment
Referrals are generally not required; however, an appointment may be necessary. Whether you need an appointment depends on where you go:
| Location | Appointment Needed? | Notes |
| Public health office (Gesundheitsamt) | Often no | Many offer walk-in STI/HIV testing; check your local office’s website |
| General practitioner (Hausarzt) | Yes | Book as you would for any doctor visit |
| Gynecologist / urologist | Yes | Especially for in-depth or routine screening |
| Sexual health clinics / NGOs | Varies | Some accept walk-ins, others use online booking |
| At home | No | May take several days to receive your test |
3. Wait for your results
Result times vary by test and provider:
| Test Type | Typical Wait |
| Rapid HIV test | Same day (~30 minutes) |
| Blood tests (e.g., HIV, syphilis) | 2–5 working days |
| Urine or swab tests | 3–7 working days |
4. If your test result is positive
A positive STI result can feel overwhelming, but treatment and support are readily available in Germany.
Here’s what happens next:
- Confirmation: In some cases, your provider may recommend a second test to confirm the result, especially for infections like HIV or syphilis.
- Referral: You’ll be referred to a specialist (e.g., infectious disease doctor, gynecologist, or urologist) for further care.
- Treatment: Most STIs are treatable. Bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are typically cured with antibiotics. Viral infections (e.g., HIV, herpes, hepatitis B/C) are managed with ongoing care.
Support Services
If you’re feeling anxious or need guidance, many cities offer confidential support through:
- AIDS-Hilfe centers: Counseling and community support
- Sexual health NGOs: Tailored services for LGBTQ+, migrant, and youth populations
- Mental health clinics: For stress, anxiety, or stigma-related concerns
You can also discuss accessing psychotherapy or counseling with your GP or insurance provider.
Legal Protections
In Germany, your medical privacy is protected by law:
- Employers cannot access test results.
- You are not required to disclose STI status except in rare public health situations.
- Health records are confidential under DSGVO and medical secrecy laws (§ 203 StGB).
Are tests anonymous and confidential?
It’s key to distinguish between anonymous and confidential STI testing:
Anonymous testing means no name, ID, or insurance is collected. You receive a code or a pseudonym to access your results. Confidential testing uses your data, which is protected under strict privacy laws. Results are stored in your medical record but never shared without your consent.
If you want to get your test reimbursed by health insurance, it will not be confidential or anonymous. The test and its results are tied to your name.
Many public health offices offer anonymous testing, often for HIV and sometimes for syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.
To check availability:
- Visit your local Gesundheitsamt website
- Look for “HIV/STI Beratung und Test” or “Sexualberatung”
- Call ahead to confirm anonymity, test types, and walk-in times
Do you have to pay for STI testing?
It’s often possible to get free STI tests in Germany, or to have them covered by your health insurance.
However, there are some important caveats to consider.
Free testing options
Public health offices
If you have a low income, you can get tested for free at your local public health office. Search for “Gesundheitsamt” + your city to find a nearby location.
If you’re uninsured, under 25, or in a high-risk group
Several organizations offer accessible or free STI testing:
- Youth Health Centers (Jugendgesundheitsdienste) Provide free or low-cost STI testing for young people under 25. Services vary by city.
- LGBTQ+ Support Centers Many organizations offer free, anonymous testing and counseling, or can guide you to helpful services. Examples include:
- Migrant and Refugee Support Organizations NGOs may offer free testing access for undocumented or uninsured individuals, such as:
With public health insurance
Public health insurance only covers STI testing if you have symptoms or a strong reason to believe you’ve been exposed. Routine testing is generally not covered.
The only exception is that women under 26 are eligible for one free Chlamydia test per year.
With private health insurance
Private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, or PKV) typically offers broader STI coverage:
- Coverage often includes testing even without symptoms.
- Some policies may restrict coverage to specific test types or require a doctor’s referral.
Always check your policy details or confirm with your health insurance company.
Paying out of pocket
Many people choose to test regularly as part of their sexual health routine, even without symptoms. In such cases, insurance typically does not cover the costs.
Here are some typical price ranges in Germany:
| Service | Cost (can vary) |
| HIV Rapid Test | €30–50 |
| Full STI Panel (blood/urine) | €100–150 |
| Individual Tests (e.g. Chlamydia, Gonorrhea) | €20–40 per test |
What to do if you had an HIV risk contact less than 72 hours ago
If you’ve had a high-risk exposure to HIV, such as unprotected sex with an HIV-positive partner or a needlestick injury, act immediately:
Step 1: Go to an emergency service or infectious disease clinic
Do not wait for a routine doctor’s appointment.
Go directly to a hospital emergency department (Notaufnahme) or an infectious disease specialist (Infektiologe). PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) must start within 72 hours, ideally as early as possible.
Step 2: What to expect
- Risk assessment: A doctor will evaluate the situation to determine if PEP is appropriate.
- Initial testing: You’ll be tested for HIV, hepatitis, and other STIs to establish a baseline.
- PEP medication: If prescribed, you’ll begin a 28-day antiretroviral treatment immediately.
Step 3: Follow-up
Follow-up testing will occur at several intervals (e.g. 6 weeks, 3 months). Side effects are usually mild but should be monitored with your provider.
Important: PEP is fully covered by public health insurance when deemed medically necessary.
