Getting tested
Here are the different ways to get tested for HIV and STIs in France
In a laboratory, with or without a prescription
Direct access to testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is available without a prescription and without an appointment at all biomedical laboratories. These tests are provided free of charge to everyone for HIV, and free of charge to those under 26 for the other four STIs: hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
You can also speak to healthcare professionals to discuss testing and receive support, particularly regarding prevention methods such as PrEP, TasP, condoms and vaccination.
Testing for these STIs in medical laboratories is available to anyone affiliated with a state health insurance system and recipients of state medical aid (AME).
At the free information, testing and diagnosis centre (CeGIDD)
CeGIDD centres offer free screening for HIV, hepatitis and other STIs to anyone, even those who wish to remain anonymous, including people who are not covered by the French national health insurance (Assurance Maladie).
-> Find the nearest CeGIDD in France
-> Other addresses for free testing centres
At a community health association
Community health associations offer free rapid diagnostic tests. Some also provide testing through blood samples and self-sampling (throat, urine, anal and vaginal samples).
The community health associations:
-> The listing to find a rapid test offered by an association
The Checkpoint association:
-> At its sexual health centre in Paris (centre de santé et de médiation en santé sexuelle)
The AIDES association:
-> At its outreach locations and sexual health centres (lieux de mobilisation et Spots)
-> At its outreach locations in the Caribbean
-> At its centres providing support and assistance with risk reduction for drug users (Caarud)
At a sexual health centre
Sexual health centres also offer free STI screening.
-> Find your nearest sexual health centre in metropolitan France
By receiving a kit at home
People aged between 18 and 25 can order a self-testing kit, which is covered 100 per cent by the French health insurance (Assurance Maladie), and have it delivered discreetly to their home.
The kit screens for two common bacterial STIs: chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Orders can be made on the website mon-test-ist.ameli.fr.
