Frequently asked questions

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. The most common STIs in the Netherlands are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV. Many STIs cause no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know for sure.

Read more:Chlamydia: symptoms, test and treatmentThe Clap: test and treatmentSyphilis: symptoms, test and treatment

MSM stands for "men who have sex with men". GGDs classify this group as higher-risk, which means they are eligible for free testing and additional tests, e.g. for hepatitis B.

The GGD (Municipal Health Service) is the public health service of the Netherlands. Each regional GGD has a Sexual Health Centre (CSG) where you can be tested for free if you fall into a risk group. They also provide treatment, partner notification and advice.

You are eligible if you are under 25, have symptoms, have received a partner notification, are a man who has sex with men, are a sex worker, come from a high-prevalence country, or are a survivor of sexual abuse. Capacity is limited; Amsterdam, for instance, only has 40,000 slots per year.

You check in with your ID. A nurse asks about your sexual activity (honesty helps — it’s all confidential). Then you provide urine or swab samples and possibly blood. The full appointment takes 30–45 minutes. Results come within 48 hours to a week by email or phone. On a positive result you get treatment immediately and help with partner notification.

The "eigen risico" is the amount you pay yourself for care outside of the GP itself per year — €385 in 2026. The GP consultation is free, but the STI test goes to the lab and falls under your deductible. If you’ve already spent €385 on care this year, the test costs you nothing extra.

Read more:What does an STI test really cost in the Netherlands?

For the GP and ZIZ yes, for the GGD yes (ID), for commercial clinics like OneDayClinic and home tests no. Tourists usually choose a commercial clinic or a home test.

Yes, as long as you choose a provider recognised by Soa Aids Nederland — like Soapoli-online, Soapolinoord or SoaStudentArts. They use ISO-certified labs and the same process as the GP. The biggest risk factor is collecting the sample yourself.

If you test positive, your provider will ask which recent partners need to be notified. Through partnerwaarschuwing.nl you can do this anonymously, so they can also be tested and treated.

At the GGD and ZIZ, treatment is arranged directly. After a home test or via the GP you receive a referral. Antibiotics for chlamydia or gonorrhoea are simple and effective. Notify recent partners through partnerwaarschuwing.nl.

Read more:STI test result: now what?

Soa Aids Nederland advises: at every new partner, or at least once a year if you have multiple partners. MSM and sex workers are advised every 3–6 months.

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill that prevents HIV infection. Available through the GGD (long waiting list), your GP (find a PrEP-friendly GP via PrEPnu.nl), or commercial clinics like ZIZ and OneDayClinic. The pills cost around €20–€30 per month at a pharmacy. You need an STI test and kidney check every 3 to 6 months.

Read more:PrEP monitoring at home: cost and routes

Doxy-PEP is a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex; it lowers the risk of syphilis and chlamydia. It’s not officially approved in the Netherlands as a population strategy, but the ECDC advises that clinicians may prescribe it at an individual level for high-risk groups. In Amsterdam, an estimated 22% of MSM use it informally.

Read more:Syphilis: symptoms, test and treatmentChlamydia: symptoms, test and treatment

Mpox continues to circulate in the Netherlands and Europe, mainly among MSM. Since late 2025 the new clade 1b variant has also been reported here. GGDs vaccinate MSM and trans people at elevated risk free of charge until the end of 2026. Ask your regional GGD for an appointment.