STI Test Cost UK 2026: Free NHS vs Private Testing Compared
How much does an STI test cost in the UK? Compare free NHS sexual health clinics, private home kits from £29, and private clinic tests from £49. Full provider pricing breakdown.
10-second answer
- NHS sexual-health clinics are usually free but may involve local availability limits.
- Private STI tests are faster but vary by panel size and lab turnaround.
- Check whether blood, urine and swab tests are included.
Important context
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- Source type
- TreatCompare compiled research
- Primary source
- Provider-published information and TreatCompare research
- Reporting period
- 2026-04-29
- Last updated
- 2026-04-29
- Figure type
- Mixed sources
- Use
- Research and comparison only
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Getting tested for STIs in the UK is straightforward. You can go through the NHS for free, order a private home kit, or visit a private clinic. The right option depends on how fast you need results, what you want to test for, and whether you want to choose your own panel.
NHS sexual health clinics offer free, confidential STI testing for everyone — regardless of GP registration or immigration status. You do not need to give your real name at most walk-in clinics.
Free NHS STI testing
The NHS provides free STI testing through three routes:
Sexual health clinics (GUM clinics) — Walk-in or appointment-based. Test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. Results in 1-2 weeks. Available in every major town and city.
GP surgery — Your GP can order STI blood tests and swabs. Not all GPs offer a full panel, and some patients find the conversation awkward. Results in 1-2 weeks.
NHS postal kits — Free home testing kits are available through services like SH:24 and Fettle, depending on your local authority. Typically cover chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV. Post your sample back and get results in 2-5 working days.
The NHS route is completely free but has limitations. Waiting times at sexual health clinics can stretch to 2-3 weeks in busy areas. Postal kit availability varies by postcode. And if you want to test for something beyond the standard panel — herpes, mycoplasma, or a comprehensive screen — you may need to go private.
Private home STI test kit prices
Home kits let you collect a sample at home (urine, finger-prick blood, or swab) and post it to an accredited lab. Results come by text, email, or secure portal.
| Provider | Basic screen | Comprehensive screen | Individual test | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH:24 / Fettle | Free (NHS) | Free (NHS) | N/A | 2-5 days |
| Superdrug | £30 | £90 | From £30 | 2-3 days |
| LetsGetChecked | £45 | £149 | From £45 | 2-5 days |
| Better2Know | £49 | £199 | From £36 | 1-2 days |
| SHL (Sexual Health London) | Free (London) | Free (London) | N/A | 3-7 days |
| Your Sexual Health | £59 | £179 | From £39 | 1-3 days |
Prices correct as of April 2026. Basic screens typically cover chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Comprehensive screens add HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B/C, and sometimes herpes and mycoplasma.
Private clinic STI test prices
If you want face-to-face testing with a clinician, same-day results, or a test that requires a blood draw (not finger-prick), private clinics are the fastest option.
| Provider | Basic screen | Full screen | Premium/instant | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Better2Know | £99 | £225 | £349 (instant) | 100+ UK clinics |
| Your Sexual Health | £89 | £199 | £299 (express) | 40+ UK clinics |
| Freedomhealth | £95 | £210 | £295 | London, Manchester |
| The STI Clinic | £79 | £195 | N/A | London |
| Private GP | £49-£120 | £150-£250 | N/A | Varies |
Instant or same-day results are only available at certain private clinics and typically cost £250-£349. Standard private clinic results take 1-3 working days. NHS results take 1-2 weeks.
What does each test cover?
Not all STI tests are the same. Here is what a typical panel includes at each price tier:
Basic screen (2 tests) — Chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The two most common STIs in the UK. Detected via urine sample or swab.
Standard screen (4-5 tests) — Adds HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Requires a blood sample (finger-prick or venous draw).
Comprehensive screen (7-10 tests) — Adds hepatitis C, herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2), mycoplasma genitalium, and trichomoniasis. Some providers include ureaplasma.
Premium/individual tests — Specific tests for HPV, hepatitis A, HTLV, or a repeat test for a known exposure. Available individually from £30-£80.
Turnaround times compared
| Route | Typical turnaround |
|---|---|
| NHS walk-in clinic | 1-2 weeks |
| NHS postal kit | 2-5 working days |
| Private home kit | 1-5 working days |
| Private clinic (standard) | 1-3 working days |
| Private clinic (express/instant) | Same day to 24 hours |
When is private testing worth it?
Go NHS if you want a standard screen, are not in a rush, and have access to a local clinic or postal kit service. It is free and uses the same accredited labs.
Go private home kit if your NHS postal kit is not available in your area, you want a wider panel than the NHS offers, or you want results faster without visiting a clinic. Budget £30-£90.
Go private clinic if you need same-day results, want instant HIV testing, need a test the NHS does not routinely offer (herpes, mycoplasma), or want a face-to-face consultation. Budget £89-£349.
The price difference between NHS and private is entirely about speed and choice. The lab accuracy is equivalent — all providers listed above use UKAS or CPA-accredited laboratories.
How to get tested now
- Free NHS — Search "sexual health clinic near me" on the NHS website, or check if SH:24 or Fettle covers your area for a free postal kit.
- Private home kit — Order online from any provider above. Sample collection takes 10-15 minutes.
- Private clinic — Book online with Better2Know or Your Sexual Health for the widest clinic network.
Compare private STI test prices from UK clinics and home kit providers.
Compare STI testing pricesKey takeaways
- NHS STI testing is free at sexual health clinics, GPs, and through postal kits (where available)
- Private home kits start from £29-£49 for a basic screen
- Private clinic visits start from £79-£99 for a basic screen
- Same-day/instant results cost £250-£349 at private clinics
- All providers use accredited laboratories — the accuracy is the same regardless of price
- If you test positive, both NHS and private providers will guide you through treatment options
Frequently asked questions
How much does an STI test cost in the UK?
STI testing is free through NHS sexual health clinics, GPs, and NHS postal kits where available. Private home kits start from £30 for a basic screen (up to £90–£199 for comprehensive). Private clinic tests start from £79–£99 for a basic screen, with same-day or instant results at £249–£349.
Is NHS STI testing really free?
Yes — NHS sexual health clinics offer free, confidential STI testing for everyone regardless of GP registration or immigration status, and you do not need to give your real name at most walk-in clinics. Free postal kits are also available through services like SH:24 and Fettle in some areas. NHS results take 1–2 weeks at clinics or 2–5 working days for postal kits.
What's the difference between a basic and comprehensive STI screen?
A basic screen covers the two most common STIs — chlamydia and gonorrhoea — via urine sample or swab. A standard screen adds HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B (requires blood). Comprehensive screens add hepatitis C, herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2), mycoplasma genitalium and trichomoniasis, and some include ureaplasma.
How fast can I get private STI test results?
Private home kits return results in 1–5 working days, and standard private clinic results in 1–3 working days. Same-day or instant results are available at certain private clinics for £250–£349 (Better2Know £349 instant; Your Sexual Health £299 express). NHS results take 1–2 weeks.
Are private STI tests more accurate than NHS tests?
No — all major providers use UKAS or CPA-accredited laboratories, so accuracy is equivalent. The price difference between NHS and private is entirely about speed, panel breadth, and choice of in-clinic versus postal sampling, not lab quality.
When is paying for a private STI test worth it?
Private home kits make sense (£30–£90) if NHS postal kits aren't available in your area, you want a wider panel than the NHS offers, or you want faster results without visiting a clinic. Private clinics (£89–£349) make sense if you need same-day results, want instant HIV testing, need a test the NHS doesn't routinely offer (herpes, mycoplasma), or want a face-to-face consultation.
How much do same-day STI results cost privately?
Same-day or instant results typically cost £250–£349 at private clinics. Better2Know charges £349 for instant testing across 100+ UK clinics; Your Sexual Health charges £299 for express testing across 40+ clinics; Freedomhealth charges £295 in London and Manchester.
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Sexual Health & STI Prices
Compare STI testing from clinics and home kits. NHS free options included. From £29.
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