STD & STI testing in Italy

Getting tested for STIs and STDs is vital for maintaining your well-being in Italy, and ensuring safety for both yourself and your partner(s), whether or not you’re in a committed relationship.

Screenings help identify hidden infections, prevent serious health complications later on, and foster a culture of responsible sexual behavior.

But navigating testing options can seem daunting, especially when you're uncertain about where to go, which tests are necessary, or what costs might be involved.

That’s why we’re here to help.

In this guide we’ll cover:

• When you should consider getting tested
• Recognizing symptoms and understanding when testing is advisable
• Locations for testing across Italy, from Rome to Milan (and more)
• The costs of testing, and the options for free or insurance-covered tests
• How long it typically takes to receive your results
• The steps to follow if your results are positive, including available support services
• How to respond quickly if you’ve recently been exposed to HIV

By the end, you'll have all the knowledge needed to protect and take care of your sexual health while in Italy.

Let’s get started!

Understanding symptoms and when to test

Many infections don’t initially cause symptoms.

The Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) notes that up to 80% of women with chlamydia and 50% of men may be unaware they are infected.

Viruses such as HPV, HIV, and hepatitis B can remain hidden for months or even years.

Routine testing is essential for early diagnosis, preventing complications and minimizing onward transmission.

However, some infections do produce physical signs, so it’s important not to ignore symptoms.

Never rely solely on self-diagnosis.

When in doubt, it’s never a bad idea to get tested. Conditions like yeast infections, urinary tract infections, or skin irritations can mimic STI symptoms.

Here are some of the most common signs that warrant testing:

How to get tested for STIs and STDs in Italy

1. Assess whether testing is needed

If you’ve had a risky encounter, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. They can advise on the optimal timing for testing and whether multiple tests might be necessary.

Generally, if you suspect you’ve been exposed you should get tested, but timing is key.

Infections take time to develop detectable levels in your body, known as the “window period.” Testing too soon could lead to false-negative results.

Below is an overview of the typical window periods:

If your HIV exposure took place less than 72 hours ago, urgent steps must be taken, which we’ll cover later.

2. Find a testing location

In Italy, testing for STIs and STDs is available at a variety of clinics and centers, offering multiple ways to access services.

Here’s how to locate the best option for you:

• Medical clinics: Visiting your medico di base (general practitioner) is always an option. Even if they don’t perform STI-testing, they can help refer you to a gynecologist/urologist who can.
• Test finder tools and hotlines: The ISS HIV Information Hotline provides free information and guidance (800 861061).
• Public health offices (ASL): Local ASL centers offer free or low-cost STI testing, often anonymously. To find your local ASL office, search for: "ASL + your city"
• Home test kits: Private clinics like FirstMed and Doctors in Italy offer comprehensive STI testing with English-language support for tourists and expats.
• Private Services: Better2Know provides same-day confidential testing in major cities.

If you’re looking for more detailed information, here’s an overview of testing locations in most major Italian cities:

Where to get tested in Rome

Where to get tested in Milan

Where to get tested in Naples

Where to get tested in Florence

Where to get tested in Turin

Where to get tested in Bologna

4. Schedule an appointment

Most testing centers don’t require a referral, but some might need you to book an appointment ahead of time. Whether you need to do so depends on the specific facility.

Public health offices (ASL) usually accept walk-ins, and won’t require pre-scheduled bookings.

For gynecologists, urologists, and general practitioners (medico di base), on the other hand, you will need to book an appointment ahead of time.

For sexual health clinics and NGOs, whether or not you need to book an appointment varies. Some accept drop-in visits, whilst others require booking.

5. Await your results

The time frame for results depends on the type of test and where it was performed.

Rapid HIV tests, which are available in many clinics and mobile units, typically show results within an hour of testing.

For blood, urine, or swab tests, results can take between 3-7 days.

6. What to do if your test is positive

A positive result can be overwhelming, but rest assured that treatment options and support systems are readily accessible in Italy.

Here’s what happens if you test positive:

• Confirmation: Sometimes, your healthcare provider may order a follow-up test to confirm the initial result, especially for infections like HIV or syphilis.
• Referral: You will be directed to a specialist (such as an infectious disease doctor, gynecologist, or urologist) for further treatment.
• Treatment: Most STIs can be cured. Bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea are treated with antibiotics, while viral infections like HIV and hepatitis require ongoing care.

Support services

If you feel anxious or need guidance, many cities offer confidential support through:

• LILA centers: Providing counseling, community support, and prevention programs.
• LGBTQ+ organizations: Offering tailored services for LGBTQ+ communities.
• Mental health clinics: To help cope with stress, stigma, or emotional concerns related to STIs.

You can also discuss therapy or counseling options with your doctor or insurance provider.

Legal protections

In Italy, your private health information is legally protected.

Employers cannot access your test results or investigate your HIV status, and you are not obliged to disclose your STI status unless legally necessary in specific public health situations.

Your medical records are confidential under GDPR and Italian privacy laws (segreto professionale).

Are tests anonymous and confidential?

It’s crucial to understand the difference between anonymous and confidential testing:

• Anonymous testing means none of your personal identification information (name, ID, insurance) is collected.
• Confidential testing uses your data, but is protected by strict privacy policies. Results are stored securely and only shared with your consent.

If you want your test cost covered by the national health service (SSN), the process will usually link results to your name, so it won’t be anonymous.

Many STI centers offer free anonymous testing (especially for HIV), which is protected by law in Italy.

Some community organizations like Roma Checkpoint, Milano Checkpoint, and regional LILA centers provide quick, anonymous testing with results in about 15–20 minutes.

Are STI tests free or paid?

In Italy, it is often possible to get free STI testing, or at least have testing covered by insurance. However, some costs and conditions apply, depending on the case.

Free testing options

Public health centers (ASL) all offer free HIV testing by law, regardless of insurance status. Other STI tests may incur a small co-payment (€15–46), unless you qualify for exemptions.

Those who might qualify for exemptions include:

• People with income below specified thresholds
• Unemployed individuals
• Youth under 25
• Elderly over 65 with low income
• Migrants and undocumented persons under certain circumstances

Community organizations, such as local chapters of Arcigay, LILA, and other NGOs, also offer free and anonymous testing and counseling.

Insurance-covered testing

Public health insurance (SSN) typically covers STI testing when symptoms are present. HIV testing is always free and anonymous, however other STI tests may require ticket sanitario (€15-46).

Private insurance offers broader coverage, typically covering testing even without symptoms.

Some policies may restrict coverage to specific test types or require a doctor's referral, and ypical coverage ranges from 80-100% depending on your plan.

To make sure you’re not caught off guard, always check your policy details and confirm with your health insurance company.

Paying out of pocket

Many people choose to test regularly as part of their sexual health routine, and might not be fully covered by insurance.

Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect to pay:

Actions to take if you recently had a high-risk HIV exposure (within the last 72 hours)

If you’ve experienced a potential HIV exposure, immediate action is essential. You might not necessarily need preventative medication (PrEP), but quick intervention is crucial.

Here is what you should do right away:

1. Seek urgent medical attention or visit an infectious disease clinic. When arriving, ask for "codice verde" (green code) to expedite your care.
2. You will undergo a risk assessment to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is appropriate for your situation
3. If prescribed, you will start a 28-day course of antiretroviral medications immediately. Most side effects are mild, but close medical supervision is advised.
4. Follow-up testing will be scheduled at specific intervals, such as after 6 weeks and 3 months, to monitor your health.

PEP is fully covered by the Italian national health system (SSN) when accessed through emergency services using the green code triage. You won’t need to pay upfront.

Emergency contacts and hotlines

• 112: The universal emergency number, available 24/7.
• 800 861061: The ISS HIV Information Hotline, operational Monday to Friday from 1 pm to 6 pm, offering free guidance and support.