One of the most common questions we hear is: "Is STI testing covered by Medicare?" The answer is yes — and understanding how it works can save you a significant amount of money, while making it easier than ever to get tested.

What is Medicare bulk-billing?

Medicare is Australia's universal health insurance system, which covers a wide range of medical services at no direct cost to eligible patients. When a provider bulk-bills, they bill Medicare directly — meaning you pay nothing out of pocket for that service.

Pathology testing — including STI testing — is included in what Medicare covers. When you visit a participating pathology collection centre with a valid referral, the lab testing itself (blood draw, urine sample collection, and processing) is bulk-billed via Medicare for eligible patients.

What is covered — and what is not?

Medicare covers the pathology component: the actual laboratory testing and sample collection at an accredited pathology centre. What Medicare does not cover is the cost of obtaining the referral itself — which is where online services like STI Clinic Australia come in.

  • The referral fee ($38.95 AUD) — paid to STI Clinic Australia for the online consultation, questionnaire review, and doctor-issued referral. This is not covered by Medicare.
  • The lab testing — the blood draw and sample processing at your chosen pathology centre. This IS bulk-billed via Medicare — zero cost at the lab.

Do I need a Medicare card?

Yes. To access bulk-billed pathology testing, you need to present a valid Medicare card (or have your Medicare number available) at the collection centre. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and some visa holders are eligible for Medicare.

If you do not have a Medicare card, some pathology providers may still be able to assist — contact them directly to discuss private payment options.

Which labs accept the referral?

Your referral from STI Clinic Australia is valid at any participating pathology collection centre across Australia — including Australian Clinical Labs, Laverty Pathology, Douglass Hanly Moir, 4Cyte Pathology, QML Pathology, Dorevitch, and Sullivan Nicolaides, among others. With over 10,000 locations nationally, there is likely one near you.

Is my GP notified when I bulk-bill?

No. The bulk-billing claim is made directly between the pathology provider and Medicare. Your regular GP is not notified of the claim, and it does not appear on any shared health record visible to other healthcare providers. Your test remains completely private.

The total cost breakdown

Here is what you actually pay when using STI Clinic Australia:

  • Online referral: $38.95 AUD (one-time)
  • Lab testing at the pathology centre: $0 (bulk-billed via Medicare)
  • Results notification: included
  • Telehealth consult if positive: included

Total cost: $38.95 AUD. That is it.