STI Test Cost UK 2026: Free NHS vs Private Testing Compared

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.

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 |

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

1. 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.
2. Private home kit — Order online from any provider above. Sample collection takes 10-15 minutes.
3. Private clinic — Book online with Better2Know or Your Sexual Health for the widest clinic network.

Key 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