You are in: STI Testing and Insurance Issues

Payment and Confidentiality:

If you have the student sponsored health insurance plane (SHIP) through Brown University:

Most STI screening will be covered, either as part of a routine GYN exam, or as part of a problem visit.

Correspondence from the insurance plan is generally directed to you, as the covered individual, at your University address.

If you have a private insurance (not Brown University sponsored):

Insurance varies widely. STI tests may not be covered. Many policies cover testing if there are symptoms of the STI. Some policies do not cover "screening STI tests", which are:

1. tests done as part of a routine GYN exam,
2. tests done when you may have been exposed to an STI but have no symptoms,
3. tests done for STI when you want "to be safe".

It will save you time if you contact your private insurance company before your visit to find out whether STI tests are covered in your situation.

Also, be aware that private insurance companies sometimes notify the subscriber (often parents) as to what tests are done for covered individuals. Therefore, the subscriber may get a notice from the private insurance company that "student X had a chlamydia test done on date X," though results are generally not reported.

You can opt for the contracted lab to bill you directly at your University box number for STI tests. This avoids using your private insurance altogether. Be aware though that tests can be costly out of pocket. For example, current prices for gonorrhea and chlamydia tests are approximately $75. each. Prices are subject to change by the contracted lab.

HIV testing is unique in that insurance (of any kind) cannot be used to cover it, because HIV tests in RI are run at a State Laboratory. HIV tests currently cost $25., which can be paid for with a check or money order, or billed to your Student Account, with the description "HS Lab".

There are some other local STI testing sites in RI, one of which provides sliding scales, or charge no fees for some tests. For this information, click on "STI Testing Options".

If your are still not sure about how you'd like to proceed with STI screening, you can always discuss this further at an appointment with a provider. Call 863-3953 for an appointment.

If you have made an STI appointment, but after reading this have changed your mind about testing, please call to cancel your appointment to avoid a charge for a missed appointment.