STD & STI testing in France

Scheduling tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) in France might seem intimidating at first, but it’s key to safeguarding both your own health and that of your partner(s).

Even if you’re not showing symptoms, these screenings are essential for detecting hidden infections and avoiding long-term health issues.

Understanding where to go, which tests you need, and what healthcare covers can be confusing, especially if you're unfamiliar with the French system, so we’re here to guide you through the process.

This article will help you understand:

• Signs and symptoms to watch for
• When to get tested
• How to get tested
• Costs involved in testing
• Options for free or insurance-covered services
• The necessary steps if you test positive
• What to do following recent HIV exposure

By the time we’re done, you’ll know everything you need to confidently maintain your sexual health in France.

Recognizing symptoms and understanding when testing is necessary

Many infections don’t cause immediate symptoms, and viruses such as HPV, HIV, and hepatitis B can remain undetected for months.

Routine testing is vital to catch these infections early, preventing health complications and transmission.

While many STIs are silent, however, some do display physical signs.Never attempt to diagnose yourself, and always opt for testing when in doubt.

Conditions like yeast infections, skin irritations, or urinary tract infections can mimic STI symptoms, so it’s always worth getting an official diagnosis.

Here are some key signs that you may need to get tested:

How to get tested for STIs and STDs in France

1. Decide if you need testing

After a risky encounter, consulting with a healthcare professional is advised. They can guide you on the optimal timing for testing and whether multiple tests may be required.

As a general rule, if you believe you might be infected it’s best to get tested. The only factor to consider is timing.

This is because infections need time to become detectable in your body, known as the “window period.” Testing too soon can lead to false negatives, missing the infection.

Below is a summary of typical window periods:

If your HIV exposure occurred less than 72 hours ago, urgent steps are necessary, which will be explained further below.

2. Find an appropriate testing site

In France, you have numerous options for STI and STD testing, ranging from national centers to private clinics. Here’s how to find the best place for your needs:

Your médecin traitant (family doctor) can guide you or refer you to specialized centers. Gynaecologists and urologists often conduct these tests directly.

CeGIDD centers also provide free, anonymous STI testing to everyone, including tourists.

They are your best resource if you prefer free, confidential testing without insurance complications. To locate your nearest CeGIDD, visit Sida Info Service or their website.

You can purchase self-test kits for HIV (Autotest VIH) in pharmacies for €25-30.

Here’s a guide to help you find the nearest testing centre:

Testing centres in Paris

Testing centres in Marseille

Testing centres in Lyon

Testing centres in Toulouse

Testing centres in Nice

Testing centres in Nantes

Testing centres in Strasbourg

Testing centres in Montpellier

Testing centres in Bordeaux

Testing centres in Lille

If you live elsewhere

If you still can’t find a location, try locator tools like the Sida Info Service’s online map or aides.org to find nearby testing centers quickly.

3. Schedule your appointment & wait for results

CEGIDD centers usually don’t require prior appointments, but some other locations may request bookings.

Family doctors almost always require an appointment, whilst specialised clinics may accept walk-ins depending on the situation.

Rapid HIV tests show results within the hour, whilst blood tests (for HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis) and urine/swab tests can take 2-7 days.

What to do if your results come back positive

Receiving a positive diagnosis can be overwhelming, but effective treatments and support services are accessible throughout France.

Next steps include:

• Confirmation testing: Sometimes, a second test is performed to verify initial results, especially for HIV or syphilis.
• Referral to specialists: You’ll be directed to healthcare providers like infectious disease experts, gynaecologists, or urologists for continued care.
• Treatment: Many infections are curable with antibiotics. Viral infections like HIV, herpes, and hepatitis B/C are managed through ongoing medical oversight.

Support and counseling options

If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain after receiving a positive result, several services offer confidential guidance:

• AIDES centers: Provide community support, counseling, and prevention services throughout France.
• Sida Info Service: A free, nationwide helpline at 0 800 840 800, available 24/7, offering guidance in multiple languages.
• LGBTQ+ support organizations: Tailored services for queer communities, including testing, counseling, and outreach.

Legal protection and privacy in France

Your medical privacy is a fundamental right protected by law.

Employers cannot access your test results, and disclosure of STI status is not mandatory outside of specific public health cases.

Medical records are protected under GDPR and French privacy laws, such as the Code de la santé publique.

Are tests anonymous and confidential?

• Anonymous testing means no personal identifiers like name or ID are collected. You’ll receive a unique code to access your results, ensuring your privacy.
• Confidential testing uses your personal data but adheres to rigorous privacy regulations. Your results are stored securely within your medical record and shared only with your consent

If you wish to have your tests reimbursed by the French social security system (Assurance Maladie), the results will be associated with your identity, making them non-anonymous.

France’s CeGIDD centers provide completely anonymous testing, particularly for HIV and other major STIs such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, free of charge.

How much does STI testing cost?

In France, many testing services are provided free of charge, especially at CeGIDD centers.

Here’s what you need to know:

• CeGIDD centers: Offer free STI testing to all, with no need for insurance or ID.
• For those under 26, uninsured, or high-risk groups: Many organizations and clinics provide free testing or reduced-cost services.
• Public health insurance (Assurance Maladie): Covers STI tests prescribed by your doctor, usually at 70% of the cost, with your mutuelle (supplementary insurance) covering the rest.

Out-of-pocket testing costs

If you decide to pay independently, these are the prices you can expect in France:

What to do if you’ve had a high-risk HIV exposure less than 72 hours ago

If you’ve recently experienced a situation with a high likelihood of HIV transmission, such as unprotected sex with an HIV-positive partner or a needlestick injury, early action is imperative.

Here are the steps to follow immediately:

1. Go directly to the emergency department, and ask for "code vert" (green code) to prioritize your case for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
2. You will undergo a risk assessment to determine if PEP is appropriate. Blood tests will be performed to establish your HT baseline for HIV, hepatitis, and other infections.
3. If indicated, you’ll receive a 28-day antiretroviral medication course (usually TDF + 3TC + DTG) to prevent HIV infection.
4. Follow-up testing will be scheduled at 6 weeks, 3 months, or as recommended.

In France, PEP is covered entirely by Assurance Maladie when administered through emergency units, with no cost to you.

Emergency contacts and hotlines

• 112: The all-purpose emergency number, available 24/7.
• 0800 840 800: Sida Info Service helpline, offering free guidance, information, and emotional support.