STI and STD Testing in Spain

Getting tested for STIs and STDs in Spain is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health, as well as 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 they’re covered by your insurance plan can be confusing, especially if you're new to Spain.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• When you should get tested
• What symptoms to look out for (and when to test even if you have none)
• Where to get tested in Spain, from Madrid to Barcelona
• How much 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 Spain.

Let’s get to it!

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 Instituto de Salud Carlos III 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, and 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:

How to get tested for STIs/STDs in Spain: Step-by-step

1. Determine if you should get tested

After exposure to a risk, consult a healthcare provider who can advise you on the correct testing timeline, and whether repeat tests are necessary.

However, in general terms if you think you need to get tested, you should. The only question is when.

Your body needs time before tests can detect an infection (called the window period), and testing too early can lead to false negatives.

Here's a quick look at typical window periods:

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.

2. Choose a testing location

In Spain, you can get tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) in several locations.

Some services are available across Spain, regardless of where you live, such as:

1. Your médico de cabecera (general practitioner). Although they may not perform STI testing in-house, they can refer you to the appropriate facility.
2. Gynecologists and urologists are often well equipped to perform these tests directly.
3. Public Centros de ITS (STI centers) offer free STI testing, often anonymously.To find your local center, search for: "Centro de ITS + your city" or contact your local health department.
4. Home test kits such as TeleTESt or myLAB Box provides comprehensive at-home STI testing panels for around €50-70

If you’re looking for somewhere local, here’s a quick table to help you find the right service for you:

Where to get tested in Madrid

Where to get tested in Barcelona

Where to get tested in Valencia

Where to get tested in Seville

Where to get tested in Bilbao

Where to get tested in Málaga

3. Book an appointment

Referrals are generally not required, however appointments are often necessary. Whether you need an appointment depends on where you go:

• STI centers (Centros de ITS) often offer walk-in testing, and don’t require an appointment. However, it’s always best to check your local center’s website beforehand.
• General practitioners (médico de cabecera), on the other hand, do require appointments. You can book through CitaWeb, phone, or in person
• Gynecologists & urologists also operate on an appointment-only basis, especially for in-depth or routine screening
• Sexual health clinics and NGOs differ between organisations. Some accept walk-ins, others use online booking, so it’s best to check with your local center.

4. Wait for your results

Result times vary by test and provider.

Rapid HIV tests are often completed within the hour, whilst blood tests and urine or swab tests can take between 2 -7 working days.

5. If your test result is positive

A positive STI result can feel overwhelming, but treatment and support are readily available in Spain.

Here's what happens next:

1. Confirmation: In some cases, your provider may recommend a second test to confirm the result, especially for infections like HIV or syphilis.
2. Referral: You'll be referred to a specialist for further care.
3. Treatment: Most STIs are treatable. Bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are typically cured with antibiotics, whilst viral infections are managed with ongoing care.

If you're feeling anxious or need guidance, many cities offer confidential support through CESIDA centres (for AIDS/HIV), FELGTB centres (for LGBTQ+ sexual health services) and mental health clinics

You can also discuss accessing psychotherapy or counseling with your GP or insurance provider.

Legal Protections

In Spain, your medical privacy is protected by law.

Employers cannot access test results, and you are not required to disclose STI status except in rare public health situations.

Health records are also kept confidential under LOPD/GDPR and Spanish medical secrecy laws.

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 nor anonymous. The test and its results are tied to your name.

Many STI centers offer anonymous testing for HIV and sometimes for syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

To check availability:

1. Visit your local Centro de ITS website
2. Look for "prueba anónima" or "test anónimo"
3. 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 Spain, or to have them covered by your health insurance.

Free testing options

All STI centers in Spain provide free testing regardless of your insurance status or income.

If you're uninsured, under 25, or in a high-risk group, several additional organizations offer accessible or free STI testing:

• Youth Health Centers (Centros Jóvenes) Provide free STI testing for young people under 25. Services vary by autonomous community.
• LGBTQ+ Support Centers offer free, anonymous testing and counseling, or can guide you to helpful services. Examples include FELGTB, BCN Checkpoint, and Lambda Valencia
• Migrant and Refugee Support Organizations such as Red Cross Spain and Médicos del Mundo may offer free testing access for undocumented or uninsured individuals

With public health insurance (tarjeta sanitaria)

Public health insurance in Spain covers STI testing if you have symptoms or a strong reason to believe you've been exposed.

Routine testing is generally covered when requested by your doctor.

Special provisions include annual chlamydia screening for women under 25, free testing for PrEP users, and contact tracing testing when notified of exposure.

With private health insurance

Private health insurance in Spain typically offers comprehensive STI coverage.

Coverage often includes testing even without symptoms, and most policies cover routine screening as preventive care.

Some plans may require a doctor's referral for coverage, so always check your policy details or confirm with your insurance company.

Paying out of pocket

Many people choose to test regularly as part of their sexual health routine, even without symptoms.

Here are some typical price ranges in Spain:

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. Even if you had exposure to HIV, it's not a given you'll need PrEP.

Here's what to do:

1. Go to an emergency service or infectious disease clinic, and do not wait for a routine doctor's appointment.
2. You'll be tested for HIV, hepatitis, and other STIs to establish a baseline
3. A doctor will evaluate the situation to determine if PEP is appropriate, and if prescribed, you'll begin a 28-day antiretroviral treatment immediately.
4. 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.

PEP is fully covered by public health insurance (tarjeta sanitaria) when deemed medically necessary.

Emergency contacts and hotlines

Cal 112 at any time for general emergency services

Spanish HIV/AIDS Hotline: 900 111 000 (free, 24 hours)