STD testing in Boston
Boston Medical Center says its Boston STD Clinic on Albany Street offers free routine testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis C, and Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester says its HIV testing is at no cost to you, its X-Clinic takes walk-ins, and no one is denied services because they can't pay.
Hours and services change. Call ahead or check the clinic's own page before you go.
Free and low-cost STD testing in Boston
AHOPE (Boston Public Health Commission)
Free or low cost774 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
Services
- Integrated HIV, hepatitis and STI testing
- Supported referrals to HIV, hepatitis and STI treatment
- Free, legal needle exchange and overdose prevention training
- Cost
- Run by the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston's health department. Its page doesn't list a fee for testing.
- Walk-in or appointment
- Walk-in center; closed on weekends.
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
- Good to know
- AHOPE's services are for people who actively inject drugs. It is the Commission's harm reduction and needle exchange site; for questions, call Recovery Services at 617-534-3976.
Source: boston.gov (opens in a new tab) and boston.gov (opens in a new tab)
Boston STD Clinic (Boston Medical Center)
Free or low cost725 Albany St., 9th Floor, Suite 9C, Boston, MA 02118
Services
- Free routine testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis C
- Testing for other STIs, and treatment
- PrEP and nPEP
- Same-day start of HIV treatment after a positive test (DAART)
- Cost
- Boston Medical Center says routine testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis C is free, and cost assistance is available if you're uninsured or cost is a barrier.
- Walk-in or appointment
- Call 617.414.2803 to schedule. BMC asks everyone, whether you have symptoms, had contact with someone with an STD or want routine screening, to contact the clinic for an appointment.
- Hours
- BMC lists two schedules on the same page: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call to confirm Tuesday hours.
- Good to know
- In the Shapiro Center at Boston Medical Center. Nurse practitioners see patients who test positive or think they have symptoms of an STI.
Source: bmc.org (opens in a new tab) and bmc.org (opens in a new tab)
X-Clinic at Codman Square Health Center
Free or low cost637 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA 02124
Services
- STD counseling, testing and treatment
- Express visits for people with no symptoms and no known exposure
- HIV testing
- PrEP, PEP and emergency contraception
- Cost
- Codman says HIV testing is at no cost to you and testing for teens is free. It says no one is denied services because they can't pay, and it has a sliding fee schedule based on family size and income.
- Walk-in or appointment
- Walk in during clinic hours for an express visit, call 617-822-8350, or request an appointment online. Visits are also available by telehealth.
- Hours
- Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 1 to 3:20 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Good to know
- Codman says testing for teens is completely confidential, and the X-Clinic always has free condoms.
Source: codman.org (opens in a new tab) and codman.org (opens in a new tab)
Whittier Street Health Center
Free or low cost1290 Tremont St, 3rd Floor (Family Medicine Green), Roxbury, MA 02120
Services
- 20-minute rapid HIV test
- Screening for HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea
- PrEP navigation and same-day walk-in treatment if you test positive
- Cost
- Whittier says its HIV counseling and testing are free and confidential. It says no one is denied services because they can't pay, and it has a sliding fee schedule based on family size and income.
- Walk-in or appointment
- Walk-ins are strongly welcomed during testing hours. You can also call the testing hotline at (617)-308-0060 or book with staff.
- Hours
- Testing Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
- Good to know
- Run by Whittier's Infectious Disease and Special Populations Department. The health center's main line is (617) 427-1000.
Source: wshc.org (opens in a new tab) and wshc.org (opens in a new tab)
NeighborHealth Project SHINE: East Boston
Free or low costEast Boston: 79 Paris Street, 1st Floor, East Boston, MA 02128
Services
- Confidential testing for HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis, and chlamydia and gonorrhea (3-site testing)
- PrEP and nPEP
- HIV medical care and case management
- Cost
- NeighborHealth says it provides care to everyone who needs it, regardless of ability to pay, and helps people apply for MassHealth and other coverage. Its Project SHINE page doesn't list testing fees.
- Walk-in or appointment
- By appointment only; walk-ins aren't possible at this time. Call 617-568-4490 to schedule an HIV/STI test, or 617-970-6443 for PrEP or nPEP.
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Good to know
- Project SHINE is NeighborHealth's HIV program for people living with HIV and people at risk of getting it. NeighborHealth was formerly East Boston Neighborhood Health Center.
Source: neighborhealth.com (opens in a new tab) and neighborhealth.com (opens in a new tab)
NeighborHealth Project SHINE: South End
Free or low costSouth End: 1601 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118
Services
- Confidential testing for HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis, and chlamydia and gonorrhea (3-site testing)
- PrEP and nPEP
- HIV medical care and case management
- Cost
- NeighborHealth says it provides care to everyone who needs it, regardless of ability to pay, and helps people apply for MassHealth and other coverage. Its Project SHINE page doesn't list testing fees.
- Walk-in or appointment
- By appointment only; walk-ins aren't possible at this time. Call 617-568-4490 to schedule an HIV/STI test, or 617-970-6443 for PrEP or nPEP.
- Hours
- Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon.
- Good to know
- Project SHINE is NeighborHealth's HIV program for people living with HIV and people at risk of getting it.
Source: neighborhealth.com (opens in a new tab) and neighborhealth.com (opens in a new tab)
Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center
Free or low cost632 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02121
Services
- Free rapid HIV testing and counseling
- PrEP and PEP
- Referrals to HIV care
- Cost
- Harvard Street says its infectious disease department offers free rapid HIV tests to all residents at its main clinic. It says it serves all patients regardless of ability to pay, with discounts based on family size and income.
- Walk-in or appointment
- Walk-ins are welcome. For help, call the hotline at 617-657-1263; to book online or by phone, call 617-825-3400.
- Hours
- HIV testing Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; on Thursday and Friday, call the hotline at 617-657-1263. The same page also says rapid HIV testing is offered five days a week.
- Good to know
- HIV testing only on this page; it doesn't list other STI tests.
Source: harvardstreet.org (opens in a new tab) and harvardstreet.org (opens in a new tab)
Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS): Dorchester Office
Free or low cost1 Stoughton Street, Dorchester, MA 02125
Services
- No-cost, confidential tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis C
- Risk reduction planning, PrEP information and links to health care
- Cost
- No cost. MAPS says its tests are free and confidential.
- Walk-in or appointment
- Walk-in clinic on Mondays. MAPS also asks you to send a message or call the office to schedule your test.
- Hours
- Mondays, 4 to 6 p.m.
Source: maps-inc.org (opens in a new tab) and maps-inc.org (opens in a new tab)
Fenway Health Sexual Health Clinic
Free or low costWest Fens: 1340 Boylston Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02215
Services
- STI, HIV and hepatitis C testing (results take 3 to 5 business days)
- STI symptom checks and treatment
- HIV nPEP, same-day PrEP and Doxy-PEP, and PrEP telehealth visits
- Help with financial assistance and insurance
- Cost
- Fenway Health says clinic services have no out-of-pocket cost to you; it bills your insurance if you have it, and grant funding covers care for people without insurance. No one is denied services because they can't pay. Lab work sent to Quest bills your insurance and you're responsible for those costs, so tell staff if that's a concern.
- Walk-in or appointment
- Walk-in hours Tuesday to Friday, first come, first served; Monday is by appointment only. Check-in usually closes 30 minutes before the end time. If you're new to Fenway Health, call 617.927.6100 before you come. To book, call 617.267.0159.
- Hours
- Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (appointments only). Walk-in: Tuesday, 1 to 7 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Good to know
- The clinic is open to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, transgender and gender diverse people, and their partners. Fenway asks you to check its Instagram, @yourhealthboston, for changes to walk-in hours. AIDS Action, part of Fenway Health, lists this clinic for its HIV and STI testing.
Source: fenwayhealth.org (opens in a new tab) and fenwayhealth.org (opens in a new tab)
The Clinic at BAGLY
Free or low cost28 Court Square, Boston, MA 02108
Services
- Free testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV (blood test, not a rapid test) and syphilis
- PrEP enrollment with a partner nurse from MGH twice a month
- Help enrolling in MassHealth and finding care
- Cost
- Free. BAGLY says no payment or insurance is needed to book.
- Walk-in or appointment
- By appointment only: book online or email testing@bagly.org. No walk-ins at this time. Visits take about 45 minutes.
- Good to know
- For LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 29 and under. It's a clothes-on clinic: you collect genital or rectal samples yourself in a private room, and a provider takes blood and throat samples. BAGLY doesn't test for herpes, HPV, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B or mpox.
Source: bagly.org (opens in a new tab) and bagly.org (opens in a new tab)
Planned Parenthood in Boston
What a visit costs depends on the health center, your income and your coverage. What Planned Parenthood charges for STD testing
Planned Parenthood: Greater Boston Health Center
Free or low cost1055 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Services
- Testing and treatment for chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis and trichomoniasis
- Rapid HIV testing (finger stick, results in 10 to 40 minutes)
- HPV vaccine
- Cost
- Insurance not required; accepts MassHealth (Medicaid) and many private plans. The health center says it will never turn you away if you can't pay. Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts says uninsured patients may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale for family planning services, based on household income; bring a pay stub and photo ID. Call the center for STD testing prices. Payment is due on the day of your visit unless you've made other arrangements.
- Walk-in or appointment
- STD testing by appointment only, during all business hours. Book online or call 617-295-7235.
- Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sunday.
- Good to know
- Spanish spoken; interpreters available with advance notice. Take the Green Line B branch or the 57 bus to the Babcock Street stop.
Source: plannedparenthood.org (opens in a new tab) and plannedparenthood.org (opens in a new tab)
Order a private STD test in Boston
You order and pay online, then give a sample at a lab near you or use a home kit. The table shows offers sold in Massachusetts, lowest price first.
Showing providers that sell in Massachusetts. Prices are the same in every state unless a note says otherwise, and some providers confirm availability at checkout.
| Provider | What's included | Price | Route | Results time | Same-day? | HSA/FSA | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best valueSTDcheck.com | Included in Essential Protection (10 Test Panel)10 tests as the provider counts them
HIV test is 4th-generation antigen/antibody; also includes hepatitis A. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee. | $139 | Lab visit | 1 to 2 days | Yes | Yes | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Everlywell | Included in STD Screening Panel - Expanded
Sample collected at a Quest location; all fees included; results in about 1–2 days. | $189 | Lab visit | 1 to 2 days | Yes | Yes | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Rapid STD Testing | Included in RapidSTD Test Panel10 tests as the provider counts them
Also called the 10-Test STD Panel: ten tests for nine infections. Hepatitis A, trichomoniasis and Mycoplasma genitalium are separate tests. | $249 | Lab visit | 1 to 2 days | Yes | Yes | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Priority STD Testing | Included in 10-Panel STD Test10 tests as the provider counts them
HIV test is 4th-generation. Trichomoniasis ($89) and Mycoplasma genitalium ($99) can be added at checkout. | $249 | Lab visit | 1 to 3 days | Yes | Yes | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Wisp | Included in 9-Panel STI Test9 tests as the provider counts them
Includes HSV-1 and HSV-2. HIV is an included oral rapid antibody self-test; a positive needs confirmation elsewhere. Telehealth consult included if positive; medication is paid at the pharmacy. Free shipping both ways. | $249 | Home kit | 3 to 5 days | No | Yes | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Quest DiagnosticsNot available in AZ, HI, PR | Included in STD Screening Test Panel – Expanded
Results in 2–3 business days; positive HIV and syphilis results are confirmed at no extra cost. A $6 physician service fee is added per order. | $282 | Lab visit | 2 to 3 days | Yes | Yes | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| myLAB Box | Included in Total Box (14-panel)14 tests as the provider counts them
Kit without the optional HPV add-on ($409 with HPV, women 30+). HIV is a rapid at-home self-test included in the box. Free physician consultation if positive. Ships free (orders of $150 or more). | $379 | Home kit | 2 to 8 days | No | Yes | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Labcorp OnDemand | Included in Complete STI Test
Blood and urine; results 1–4 days after the lab receives the sample. Price includes the ordering provider's fee and sample collection. | $489 | Lab visit | 1 to 4 days | No | Yes | Order (opens in a new tab) |
- Best value
Included in Essential Protection (10 Test Panel)10 tests as the provider counts them
$139- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
+4 more
- HIV
- Herpes
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Route
- Lab visit
- Results time
- 1 to 2 days
- Same-day?
- Yes
- HSA/FSA
- Yes
HIV test is 4th-generation antigen/antibody; also includes hepatitis A. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee.
Order at STDcheck.com (opens in a new tab) Included in STD Screening Panel - Expanded
$189- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
+4 more
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Trichomoniasis
- Route
- Lab visit
- Results time
- 1 to 2 days
- Same-day?
- Yes
- HSA/FSA
- Yes
Sample collected at a Quest location; all fees included; results in about 1–2 days.
Order at Everlywell (opens in a new tab)Included in RapidSTD Test Panel10 tests as the provider counts them
$249- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
+4 more
- HIV
- Herpes
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Route
- Lab visit
- Results time
- 1 to 2 days
- Same-day?
- Yes
- HSA/FSA
- Yes
Also called the 10-Test STD Panel: ten tests for nine infections. Hepatitis A, trichomoniasis and Mycoplasma genitalium are separate tests.
Order at Rapid STD Testing (opens in a new tab)Included in 10-Panel STD Test10 tests as the provider counts them
$249- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
+4 more
- HIV
- Herpes
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Route
- Lab visit
- Results time
- 1 to 3 days
- Same-day?
- Yes
- HSA/FSA
- Yes
HIV test is 4th-generation. Trichomoniasis ($89) and Mycoplasma genitalium ($99) can be added at checkout.
Order at Priority STD Testing (opens in a new tab)Included in 9-Panel STI Test9 tests as the provider counts them
$249- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
+5 more
- HIV
- Herpes
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Trichomoniasis
- Route
- Home kit
- Results time
- 3 to 5 days
- Same-day?
- No
- HSA/FSA
- Yes
Includes HSV-1 and HSV-2. HIV is an included oral rapid antibody self-test; a positive needs confirmation elsewhere. Telehealth consult included if positive; medication is paid at the pharmacy. Free shipping both ways.
Order at Wisp (opens in a new tab)Included in STD Screening Test Panel – Expanded
$282- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
+4 more
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Trichomoniasis
- Route
- Lab visit
- Results time
- 2 to 3 days
- Same-day?
- Yes
- HSA/FSA
- Yes
Not available in AZ, HI, PR
Results in 2–3 business days; positive HIV and syphilis results are confirmed at no extra cost. A $6 physician service fee is added per order.
Order at Quest Diagnostics (opens in a new tab)Included in Total Box (14-panel)14 tests as the provider counts them
$379- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
+5 more
- HIV
- Herpes (HSV-2 only)
- Hepatitis C
- Trichomoniasis
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Route
- Home kit
- Results time
- 2 to 8 days
- Same-day?
- No
- HSA/FSA
- Yes
Kit without the optional HPV add-on ($409 with HPV, women 30+). HIV is a rapid at-home self-test included in the box. Free physician consultation if positive. Ships free (orders of $150 or more).
Order at myLAB Box (opens in a new tab)Included in Complete STI Test
$489- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
+4 more
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Trichomoniasis
- Route
- Lab visit
- Results time
- 1 to 4 days
- Same-day?
- No
- HSA/FSA
- Yes
Blood and urine; results 1–4 days after the lab receives the sample. Price includes the ordering provider's fee and sample collection.
Order at Labcorp OnDemand (opens in a new tab)
Same-day lab testing
These providers let you order online and give a sample at a lab the same day. Results still take time. How same-day STD testing works
Full panel
STDcheck.com
Essential Protection (10 Test Panel)
Order from STDcheck.com (opens in a new tab)$139Common 4
Everlywell
STD Screening Panel - Basic
Order from Everlywell (opens in a new tab)$119
Cheapest option per route in Massachusetts
The lowest current price on each route among the providers we track. Results times are what each provider states.
| Test | Cheapest offer | Price | Results time | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common 4See all Common 4 prices | Lab visitEverlywellIncluded in STD Screening Panel - Basic4 tests as the provider counts themSample collected at a Quest location; all fees included; results in about 1–2 days. | $119 | 1 to 2 days | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| ChlamydiaSee all Chlamydia prices | Lab visitSTDcheck.comSingle testUrine test. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee. | $59 | 1 to 2 days | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Home kitEverlywellIncluded in Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test2 tests as the provider counts themUrine sample. Free shipping. | $69 | 5 to 7 days | Order (opens in a new tab) | |
| HIVSee all HIV prices | Lab visitSTDcheck.comSingle testHIV-1/2 4th-generation antigen/antibody blood test. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee. | $49 | 1 to 2 days | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Home kitEverlywellSingle testOraQuick oral-swab rapid antibody test, read at home in about 20 minutes; a positive result needs a follow-up test. Free shipping. | $49 | Same day | Order (opens in a new tab) | |
| SyphilisSee all Syphilis prices | Lab visitSTDcheck.comSingle testRPR blood test. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee. | $49 | 1 to 2 days | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Home kitLabcorp OnDemandSingle testFirst To Know rapid antibody self-test (finger prick), read at home in about 15 minutes; no lab or physician service. Shipping cost is shown at checkout. All sales final. | $39 | Same day | Order (opens in a new tab) |
Common 4
- $119
- Results time
- 1 to 2 days
Chlamydia
- $59
- Results time
- 1 to 2 days
- $69
- Results time
- 5 to 7 days
HIV
- $49
- Results time
- 1 to 2 days
- $49
- Results time
- Same day
Syphilis
- $49
- Results time
- 1 to 2 days
- $39
- Results time
- Same day
Find a draw site near you
Each provider's own lab finder shows its draw sites near you. We link to them; we don't copy their lists.
- Labcorp OnDemand lab finder (opens in a new tab)Draw sites: Labcorp
- Priority STD Testing lab finder (opens in a new tab)Draw sites: Quest Diagnostics
- Quest Diagnostics lab finder (opens in a new tab)Draw sites: Quest Diagnostics
- Rapid STD Testing lab finder (opens in a new tab)
- STDcheck.com lab finder (opens in a new tab)Draw sites: Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp
Massachusetts rules and programs
Checked Nov 2, 2026
Low-cost public testing
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) says it supports programs where people can get screening for HIV, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis, with linkage to treatment, PrEP services and help notifying partners, and it lists them in an online locator. DPH says everyone is welcome at the sexual and reproductive health clinics it funds, including people who don't live in Massachusetts, and that services there are on a sliding fee scale, with most low-cost or free. It also says MassHealth covers STI testing, treatment and counseling with no co-pays or deductibles.
Sources: Massachusetts Department of Public Health (opens in a new tab), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (opens in a new tab)
Testing for people under 18
Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c.112 §12F) lets a minor (in Massachusetts, a person under 18) consent on their own to medical care if they reasonably believe they are at risk of exposure due to sexual activity, or have or have come in contact with a disease the Department of Public Health defines as dangerous to the public health. The consent covers diagnosis and treatment of that disease, and HIV prevention if the minor is sexually active. A parent's or guardian's consent isn't needed, they don't have to pay unless they agree to, and the records stay confidential between the minor and the physician unless the minor consents in writing or a court orders their release. If the physician believes the minor's life or limb is in danger, the physician must notify the parents or guardian and tell the minor. Under M.G.L. c.111 §117, which covers public clinics for HIV prevention and the treatment of venereal diseases, an exam, HIV prevention or treatment given to a minor who comes in voluntarily is not assault and battery.
Sources: Massachusetts Legislature (opens in a new tab), Massachusetts Legislature (opens in a new tab), Massachusetts Legislature (opens in a new tab)
Expedited partner therapy
CDC lists expedited partner therapy as permissible in Massachusetts (its status page is dated February 3, 2023), based on a Department of Public Health regulation, 105 CMR 700.003(J), in effect since July 1, 2011, that lets a registered physician, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner or nurse midwife prescribe or dispense treatment for the sex partners of a patient diagnosed with chlamydia. The partner's prescription must be separate and show either the partner's name or the words Expedited Partner Therapy, E.P.T. or EPT. CDC also cites a 2003 Board of Registration in Medicine policy that a prescription needs a physician-patient relationship and an appropriate exam, which predates the regulation.
Medicaid at Planned Parenthood
Massachusetts is not among the seven states that KFF listed in June 2026 as barring Planned Parenthood from Medicaid, and KFF names Massachusetts among the states that used state-only funds to keep Planned Parenthood and other affected providers running for their Medicaid enrollees. Planned Parenthood says the federal provision that blocked its Medicaid payments expired on July 4, 2026, and asks Medicaid patients to check with their health center. Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, which runs the Greater Boston Health Center, lists MassHealth, the state's Medicaid program, among its in-network plans. It says uninsured patients may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale for family planning services based on household income.
Sources: KFF (opens in a new tab), Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab), Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (opens in a new tab)
Free option: public clinics
Free and low-cost testing is available at health department clinics and Title X family planning clinics. CDC's GetTested site finds confidential, free or low-cost testing near you by ZIP code.
What to expect
- Clinics usually test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV, and often hepatitis B and C, following CDC screening advice for your age, anatomy and the kind of sex you have.
- A clinician can examine you, swab sores and often treat you in the same visit.
- Some tests sold in private panels are usually not offered without symptoms, such as herpes blood tests and HPV tests for men, because CDC doesn't recommend them as screening tests.
- Hours can be limited, and you may wait for an appointment or a walk-in slot.
- Free testing usually isn't anonymous either (some publicly funded sites offer anonymous HIV testing). Positive results for reportable infections are reported to the health department, confidentially.
Questions about STD testing in Boston
Hours and services change. Call ahead or check the clinic's own page before you go.
Where can I get a free STD test in Boston?
The Boston Public Health Commission says free or low-cost, confidential STI testing is available at clinics throughout Boston. Boston Medical Center's Boston STD Clinic says routine testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis C is free. The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) offers no-cost tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis C at its Dorchester office on Mondays. Whittier Street Health Center in Roxbury says its HIV testing is free, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center offers free rapid HIV tests, and Codman Square Health Center says HIV testing costs you nothing and testing for teens is free. Fenway Health's Sexual Health Clinic, for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, transgender and gender diverse people and their partners, says its services have no out-of-pocket cost, and The Clinic at BAGLY offers free testing to LGBTQ+ people 29 and under. Codman Square and Whittier Street say no one is denied services because they can't pay, Harvard Street and NeighborHealth say they serve people regardless of ability to pay, and Planned Parenthood's Greater Boston Health Center says it will never turn you away if you can't pay.
Do I need an appointment at the Boston STD Clinic?
Yes. Boston Medical Center asks everyone, with or without symptoms, to contact the clinic to schedule; call 617.414.2803. Its page lists two schedules, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Tuesday and Thursday until 7 p.m., or Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Thursday until 7 p.m., so call to check Tuesday. To walk in instead, Codman Square's X-Clinic takes walk-ins for express visits, Whittier Street tests walk-ins Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., MAPS Dorchester holds a walk-in clinic on Mondays, 4 to 6 p.m., and Fenway Health's Sexual Health Clinic has walk-in hours Tuesday to Friday for the groups it serves. The Boston Public Health Commission's AHOPE center on Albany Street offers walk-in HIV, hepatitis and STI testing for people who inject drugs, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Planned Parenthood and NeighborHealth's Project SHINE test by appointment only.
Can teens get tested without a parent in Boston?
Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c.112 §12F) lets a minor (in Massachusetts, a person under 18) consent on their own to medical care if they reasonably believe they are at risk of exposure due to sexual activity, or have or have come in contact with a disease the state defines as dangerous to the public health. That covers diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and HIV prevention if the minor is sexually active. A parent's consent isn't needed, parents don't have to pay unless they agree to, and the records stay confidential between the minor and the physician unless the minor agrees in writing or a court orders it; a physician who believes the minor's life or limb is in danger must tell the parents or guardian. M.G.L. c.111 §117, on clinics for HIV prevention and the treatment of venereal diseases, says an exam, HIV prevention or treatment given to a minor who comes in voluntarily is not assault and battery. Codman Square Health Center says testing for teens at its X-Clinic is completely confidential and free, and The Clinic at BAGLY serves LGBTQ+ youth and young adults 29 and under.
Can I use MassHealth at Planned Parenthood in Boston?
Yes. Planned Parenthood's Greater Boston Health Center on Commonwealth Avenue lists Medicaid among the insurance it accepts, and Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts lists MassHealth as an in-network plan. Massachusetts is not among the seven states that KFF listed in June 2026 as barring Planned Parenthood from Medicaid, and KFF names it among the states that used state-only funds to keep Planned Parenthood and other affected providers running for their Medicaid enrollees. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health says MassHealth covers STI testing, treatment and counseling with no co-pays or deductibles. If you're uninsured, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts says you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale based on household income.
Can I order an STD test online in Boston?
Yes. The price table on this page shows the providers that sell in Massachusetts, each price with the date we checked it. You order and pay online, then give a sample at a lab near you, or use a home kit. Some providers let you order and give a sample the same day.
Sources
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) (opens in a new tab), Boston Public Health Commission
- Services for Active Users (opens in a new tab), Boston Public Health Commission
- Boston STD Clinic (opens in a new tab), Boston Medical Center
- Treatments and Services (opens in a new tab), Boston Medical Center
- X-Clinic (opens in a new tab), Codman Square Health Center
- HIV/Hep C/STD (opens in a new tab), Codman Square Health Center
- Health Insurance (opens in a new tab), Codman Square Health Center
- Infectious Disease and Special Populations Department (opens in a new tab), Whittier Street Health Center
- Access to Service (opens in a new tab), Whittier Street Health Center
- Infectious Diseases (opens in a new tab), Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center
- Sliding Fee (opens in a new tab), Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center
- HIV/ Sexually Transmitted Infections (opens in a new tab), Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS)
- Project SHINE (opens in a new tab), NeighborHealth
- Patient financial assistance program (opens in a new tab), NeighborHealth
- Sexual Health Clinic (opens in a new tab), Fenway Health
- Clinic at Bagly (opens in a new tab), BAGLY
- Greater Boston Health Center (opens in a new tab), Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
- Payment and Insurance Information (opens in a new tab), Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
- The Sunsetting of the Federal Planned Parenthood Medicaid Ban Shifts Decisions to States (opens in a new tab), KFF
- Sexual and reproductive health service insurance and cost (opens in a new tab), Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- M.G.L. c.112 §12F: Emergency treatment of minors (opens in a new tab), Massachusetts Legislature
- M.G.L. c.111 §117: Establishment and maintenance of clinics for prevention of HIV or treatment of venereal diseases; examinations; minors (opens in a new tab), Massachusetts Legislature
- M.G.L. c.4 §7: Definitions of statutory terms (clauses 48 and 51: minor, age of majority) (opens in a new tab), Massachusetts Legislature
- Integrated testing and linkage services (opens in a new tab), Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Legal Status of Expedited Partner Therapy (opens in a new tab), CDC
- Legal Status of EPT in Massachusetts (opens in a new tab), CDC
- Medicaid at Planned Parenthood Health Centers (opens in a new tab), Planned Parenthood
- Get Tested: HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Testing Near You (opens in a new tab), CDC