STI testing in France: where, how and at what cost (for couples and travellers)

In the lifestyle scene, as anywhere else, regular testing is part of good practice between responsible adults. In France, access to testing has become much simpler: in many cases you can walk into a laboratory without a prescription and without paying up front. This page summarises official pages read on 7 November 2026: santé.fr ("Où se faire dépister gratuitement ?") and service-public.gouv.fr (news item on STI testing). It is informational and does not replace advice from a doctor, midwife or sexual health centre. Coverage rules change: check the official sites before relying on them.

Three ways in

1. A medical laboratory, no prescription needed

According to santé.fr, HIV testing is free for everyone at a laboratory, "without a prescription or appointment". For syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and hepatitis B, testing is free before the age of 26; from 26 it is reimbursed at 60% by national health insurance, with the rest possibly covered by supplementary insurance. The scheme is called "Mon test IST". Service-public.gouv.fr states that it works without a prescription or appointment and that people under 26 are covered at 100%.

2. With a prescription

A doctor or midwife can prescribe tests. Per santé.fr, laboratory testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and hepatitis B is then free at any age. It is also a good moment to talk about practices, symptoms and vaccination.

3. CeGIDD and sexual health centres

CeGIDD (free information, screening and diagnosis centres) and sexual health centres offer free testing for HIV and other STIs. Santé.fr points to the QuestionSexualite.fr directory to find the nearest one. A good option if you want support, have no regular doctor or are just passing through.

Home kits for 18 to 25 year-olds

For young women aged 18 to 25, santé.fr says you can order a self-sampling kit for chlamydia and gonorrhoea at mon-test-ist.ameli.fr, with no up-front payment. Service-public.gouv.fr (news item of 9 June 2026) explains that since 29 May 2026 the scheme is open to men aged 18 to 25 and to trans and non-binary people in that age group, covered at 100%. The kit arrives in about 7 working days in a plain envelope; for men it is a urine sample returned to the laboratory. Results come back in about 5 days on average, and a positive result requires a medical consultation.

Rapid tests and associations

Santé.fr also notes that some HIV/AIDS associations offer free rapid tests (TROD) and self-tests for HIV and hepatitis B. For HIV questions, Sida Info Service answers free and anonymously on 0 800 840 800.

How often?

There is no single answer: it depends on your practices, the number of partners and your situation. As an illustration, the Grand Est regional health agency recommends, for people with several partners, testing every three months at the relevant sampling sites and for all STIs. That is not a universal rule: discuss your frequency with a health professional. Timing matters too: some infections only show up some time after exposure, and the professional will tell you when to retest.

A couple's habit, before and after travel

• Before a trip or an evening: compare your latest tests, without judgement. Knowing where you stand is a sign of respect.
• During: according to Ameli and regional health agencies, condoms remain the main protection during sex; bring your own rather than depend on what is available.
• After: if you notice a symptom (burning, discharge, a sore, unusual fever), do not wait for your next scheduled check. See someone and tell recent partners.
• Vaccination: ask your doctor where you stand on hepatitis B and HPV; they can advise based on your age and situation.

What if you are travelling from abroad?

These schemes are designed for the French health system and coverage depends on French national insurance. If you are passing through, CeGIDD clinics are worth exploring, but check with the centre what applies to people not insured in France. In your home country other services exist: consult local health authorities.

Our position

BarSwinger is not a medical source. We point to official sources and publish no treatment advice or promises of an "infallible test". For the practical side of parties, see also our guide Sexual health in the lifestyle: good practice guide.

Sources: santé.fr, "Où se faire dépister gratuitement ?"; service-public.gouv.fr, news item "Dépistage IST" (9 June 2026); ARS Grand Est, page on prevention, screening and care for STIs. All read on 7 November 2026.