Attending the clinic without an appointment

Sydney Sexual Health Centre (SSHC) is a government funded specialist service to care for specific populations only, this includes – people of diverse sexualities and genders, sex workers, people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and some young people who are Australian permanent residents.

This means we are unable to test or treat everyone who calls or attends our service.

If you are not in one of these population groups, you may be asked to see a general practitioner (GP) for testing. Most STI/HIV testing is provided by GP in Australia.

The SSHC assessment nurse will provide you with the same information.

Medicare

Australia has reciprocal health care agreements for access to subsidised health care (Medicare Australia) with UK, Ireland, Finland, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Malta, Italy, Netherlands, Slovenia and New Zealand.

See how to apply here: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/enrolling-medicare?context=60092

Australian GP charge according to duration of consultations and there may be a separate charge from pathology companies for STI/HIV tests. Many GPs/pathology companies bill directly to Medicare for STI/HIV tests so they are free using your Medicare number/card (‘direct/bulk billing’).

Some GP also charge Medicare directly for consultations (‘direct/bulk billing’) so service is free.

Without a Medicare card/number, there will be a charge for consultation and for tests at a GP.

Travel/Student insurance

Your overseas/student travel insurance may cover some of the GP and STI/HIV tests pathology costs.

Overseas students – information about where to get tested here https://internationalstudents.health.nsw.gov.au/

Check with your insurance company directly.

Other options

For information on other testing options Other Testing Options – Sydney Sexual Health Centre (sshc.org.au)