Getting your first HIV test in Australia is easy, private and usually free.
Testing for HIV helps protect your health and stop the spread of HIV in the community.
Most new HIV transmissions happen when someone does not know they have it. This is why most gay and bisexual men in Australia test for HIV every three months. We recommend that you get tested regularly, too!
Getting an HIV test lets you:
- Know your HIV status to stop the spread of HIV in the community.
- Learn about HIV and sexual health from experienced nurses and doctors.
- Stay healthy by detecting HIV early and getting on HIV treatment quickly.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours (3 days), start PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) now. It’s free from a public hospital pharmacy.
In this article:
Where to get an HIV test in Australia?
HIV self-test kit
You can buy a HIV self-test kit at a pharmacy or chemist. You don’t need a Medicare card. It costs around $25 and takes less than 15 minutes to do.
You can also order a free rapid test at HIVTest.au. It comes to your home in a plain package. You can do the test privately. The instructions are in:
- English
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Hindi
- Indonesian
- Malaysian
- Spanish
- Vietnamese.
Sexual health centre
You can visit a sexual health centre for a HIV test. We have a map of them here. Check their website or reception to see if there are any costs.
- The test is usually free, but check first.
- You do not need a Medicare card.
- You can get free interpreter services to have your appointment in your language.
Your doctor
If you have a doctor (also called a General Practitioner, GP), they can also give you an HIV test. There may be a cost for a test with your doctor. Check if your insurance will cover the test with a doctor.
Watch this video as an example of when and where to get an HIV test:
Is a HIV test confidential in Australia?
HIV tests in Australia are private and confidential. This means only you and your doctor will know about your results.
You can do HIV self-test kits in private (in your bedroom or bathroom).
At a sexual health centre, they generally do not ask for identification (such as a passport). You can also:
- Make your appointment under a different name.
- Use your correct phone number and email to get your results.
- Ask to visit at a quiet time.
- Get tested somewhere in a different suburb (maybe near your work).
Will a HIV test show up on my insurance?
Some sexual health centres have free HIV tests, which do not require health insurance. This means HIV tests will not show up on your insurance claims. Check with the service for fees.
HIV tests with a doctor (GP) may show up, but only with generic practice names.
What is a window period?
A ‘window period’ is the amount of time between exposure to HIV and when it shows up in a test. HIV may not show up on a test if you have been exposed to it within this ‘window period’.
The HIV window period is:
- 6 weeks for tests with a doctor
- 12 weeks for rapid or self-tests.
If you are in the window period, HIV may not show up on a test. That’s why getting tested every three months is important to know your status. You can learn more about window periods in this article.
What is a HIV test like?
A HIV test is quick and simple. It will go like this:
- Check in at reception and wait for your name.
- Someone will ask you about the sex you are having. They are not there to judge, but to make sure they give you the best care. It is a safe space to be honest and open; they are there to help. Ask for both an HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) test.
- A nurse or doctor will give you a blood test.
- For Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), you will do a mouth swab, bum swab, and urine (pee) sample. You can often collect the samples yourself in private.
- Done!
What questions will they ask?
They may ask some questions to know what tests to give you:
- How many partners have you had in the past 3-6 months?
- When was the last time you had sex (for the ‘window period’)?
- What gender are your partners?
- Are you in the ‘top’ or ‘bottom’ position during anal sex?
- Do you have any symptoms of a Sexually Transmitted Infection?
- Do you use condoms or PrEP?
- They may also help answer any questions you have about HIV prevention.
How long does a HIV test take?
The tests should take less than ten minutes at a doctor or sexual health centre. A rapid HIV test will take less than 15 minutes to do.
How long do results take to come back?
Your results may take up to a week to get to you. They may send a text message or email with your results. Some places will not send you a message if you are negative (no news = good news). Ask the nurse or doctor doing the test how you will get your results.
Rapid HIV test results take 15 minutes. If the test comes back as ‘reactive’ visit a sexual health service to confirm the result.
What happens if it’s positive?
If you test positive for HIV, your doctor will call you to come back in for more tests. Then they will connect you with HIV treatment options (which are free). Your results will remain confidential. This means that only you and your doctor will know your HIV status.
Support is also available for mental health. Many organisations offer peer support to help you process your diagnosis. Remember, that HIV is a manageable condition. Treatment is simple and free. People living with HIV on treatment in Australia live long and healthy lives.
Testing for HIV is important to stay healthy and keep the community safe. Book a test today!
Along with regular HIV tests, it’s a good idea to use condoms, PrEP or an Undetectable Viral Load to prevent HIV.