Sexual Health Testing in NSW for Young Travellers/Backpackers and Working Holidaymakers

GPs are what we call our local doctors in Australia. GPs are the most common and fastest way to test for STIs and HIV in Australia.

Sexual and reproductive services include:

• STI Testing and managing symptoms.
• Contraception: pills, implants and IUDs
• HIV Prevention: PrEP and PEP

Some GPs offer walk-ins and others need appointments. If you have Medicare, sometimes GP appointments are free (bulk-billed) but check with the clinic before you go to find out how much it will cost. If you do not have Medicare, you will need to pay, but some services may still be low-cost.

You can use the Play Safe STI Testing Locator, HealthDirect Service Finder or HotDoc websites to find a GP near you and book an appointment directly with the practice.

There is no need to sign up with a specific GP before. You can usually get an appointment with a GP within a week. HotDoc also has filter options to help you find a GP who speaks a specific language.

If you visit a GP in Australia for sexual health support or STI testing, costs can vary.

Before you book, it’s a good idea to call the GP practice and ask about:

• The appointment fee (usually between $50 and $120 in New South Wales)
• If they offer bulk billing (free) with a Medicare card
• Costs for tests or services (like specific STI tests, contraception or cervical screening)
• If they accept your private health insurance or overseas insurance
• If you can get some money back through Medicare or your insurance

Important tips:

• Ask the GP clinic about the cost before you go
• Ask your insurance what they cover and if you will have to pay extra

Note: The final cost of your appointment may depend on how long you are with the doctor and types of test you need.

If you’ve been told by a partner that you might have an STI, or you’re not sure which tests you need, the NSW Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL) can help. If you can’t find the answers you need on this page, you’re welcome to give them a call. Their nurses provide confidential advice about sexual health and blood-borne viruses and can point you in the right direction.

Why you might call SHIL:

• Free and confidential advice, Monday–Friday 9am–5:30pm
• Help understanding which STI tests you may need
• Guidance on whether a GP or sexual health clinic is the right place for you
• Support finding the most suitable service without delays or confusion

Just a heads up: SHIL focuses on sexual health and blood-borne virus advice. For general health concerns, they will usually direct you to a GP.

Note: if you are calling from an overseas number, add +61 before 1800 451 624

Online STI testing lets you check for STIs without having to go to a doctor or clinic in person. You just request a test online, get a referral, and take it to a pathology centre to get tested. You will usually get your results in a few days, either online or by phone. It’s easy to use, low-cost, and a good option if you do not have Medicare. Online STI testing websites are not connected to NSW Health.

For more information visit Play Safe: What is online STI testing?

You can also order a free HIV self-test from MyTest.

Publicly funded sexual health clinics help people most at risk. They have limited staff and appointment times, so you usually need to book ahead. If you drop in, a nurse will see you, and they might ask you to come back later or go to a GP.

Sexual health clinics see:

• People with STI symptoms that are not easily managed by a GP
• People living with HIV or who may have been in contact with HIV
• Transgender and gender diverse people
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• People who inject drugs
• Sex workers
• Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men

Not sure if you can visit a public sexual health clinic? Call SHIL on 1800 451 624 to find out.

In Australia, local doctors (called GPs) are the main place to go for sexual health testing, treatment or support.

Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system. It helps cover the cost of seeing a GP, specialists and hospital services. If you live or work in Australia, you might be able to get lower cost STI testing and other sexual and reproductive health services.

You can get Medicare if you’re from a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia.

Check here to see if your country can.

To apply:

• Fill out the Medicare enrolment form and show documents that prove who you are and where you are from. For example, a passport, visa and a health insurance card from your home country. The documents vary depending on which country you are from.
• You can find your nearest Services Australia Service Centre and visit during business hours (usually 8.30am – 4.30pm). You will need to bring your required documents along.
• It is faster to enrol for Medicare online.

If you cannot get Medicare, you need to pay for the full cost of any hospital or medical service you get.

You should get private health insurance, even if it is not a requirement of your visa. Private health insurance covers you for unexpected medical or hospital care during your stay.

Travel insurance may cover some expenses, but it is best to check with your insurance company.

Here are some options if you do not have Medicare:

• You can apply for Private Health Insurance via this link: PrivateHealth.gov.au
• Check if your travel insurance covers STI testing and related care
• Online STI Testing Services

If you had sex without a condom or a condom broke during sex, you can take the emergency contraceptive pill to avoid pregnancy. It is also sometimes called the morning after pill or plan B. You do not need to go to a doctor to get emergency contraception.

• You can take the emergency contraceptive pill up to 5 days after unprotected sex
• It’s 85% effective and works best the sooner you take it
• You can buy it at any pharmacy or chemist

To learn more about reproductive health such as contraception, pregnancy or abortion, talk to a GP or call the Family Planning Talkline.

Contraception and abortion are not free in Australia; you will usually need to pay for it. Abortion is legal in Australia, find out more here.

Urinary Tract Infections are common and can be very painful. Many pharmacies in NSW can now give treatment for UTIs. This means you do not need to pay to see a GP.

If you are travelling and need quick help, find a pharmacy near you for UTI treatment.

Search Plus (run by Family Planning Australia) can help you find reproductive health services near you. For example, contraception, pregnancy termination (abortion) and more. Use your postcode and filter by what service you need.

You can also call the Family Planning Talk Line 1300 658 886 for free and private sexual and reproductive health advice Monday to Friday, 8:30am -5:00pm or email talkline@fpnsw.org.au.

Visit TIS

Call 131 450 for immediate phone interpreting

Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP)

Call SWOP: (02) 9206 2166

ACON

Positive Life NSW

International Student Health Hub

Sexual Assault Services support

Call 1800RESPECT: 24/7 helpline 1800 737 732

Call Lifeline 13 11 14

Call Mental Health Line 1800 011 511