Mā wai te tono whakamātautau?
Who is request a test for?
Who can use Get Tested NZ?
The Get Tested NZ website is for everyone. It connects people with services, information, and support for STI testing and treatment across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Anyone in Aotearoa New Zealand can use the request a test service if they don’t have symptoms of an STI, and they are eligible for publicly funded healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand. If you're not a NZ citizen you'll need to upload proof of your eligibility (like your passport and visa) for subsidised healthcare the first time you request a test.
This is an inclusive, confidential service where you can request free tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, and syphilis.
But I don’t have any STI symptoms
Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms. This means people can have an STI without realising it. The request a test service is designed for people who don’t have symptoms.
Can I request a test if...
Yes. If you’re under 16, you can use Request a Test to request:
- self-test kits chlamydia and gonorrhoea (that you do at home or in a laboratory)
- blood tests at a laboratory for syphilis and HIV
But you need to talk to a medical professional before they can order any tests for you.
That means if you’re under 16, a nurse will give you a call before they order your tests.
If you’re under 16 and you want to do an HIV self-test only, you won’t be able to request this online – you need to speak to a nurse first. Get in touch by web chat or on 0508 438 8378 and we can help.
Yes, absolutely. The most accurate way to test for STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhoea is based on your body parts.
If you’ve had gender-affirming surgery, testing could look a little different. After vaginoplasty, the most accurate way to test for STIs is with both a urine sample and a vaginal swab.
When you Request a Test, you have the option of indicating that you have had gender-affirming surgery. If you select “gender-affirming surgery” or “another”, you’ll be sent a packet with all the options – throat swab, vaginal swab, anal (rectal) swab, and urine sample – so you can choose to use the tests that are relevant for you.
If you prefer, please reach out via web chat or call us for a kōrero about which options would be best for you – we’re here to help.
The best way to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea depends on what body parts you have. Usually, if you have a vagina, you’ll use a vaginal swab, and if you have a penis, you’ll take a sample of your urine. But we know “penis” and “vagina” don’t describe everyone’s genitals.
If you don’t feel like these words describe your body, or you’re unsure which test you need, you can select “another” or “gender-affirming surgery” when you request a test – or get in touch with us to discuss.
If you select “gender-affirming surgery” or “another”, you’ll be sent a packet with all the testing options – throat swab, vaginal swab, anal (rectal) swab, and urine sample – so you can choose to use the swabs that are relevant for you.
If you prefer, please reach out via web chat or call us for a kōrero about which options would be best for you – we’re here to help.
Before we can arrange your free STI tests, we need to find you in the New Zealand health system so your laboratory results can be added to your health record. This means we’ll ask for your name and date of birth, so we can look up your NHI number.
Sometimes the online Request a Test service can’t find you using your name and date of birth and you need to provide your NHI number.
Where can I find my NHI number?
If you don’t know your NHI number, you can find it on:
- a prescription or prescription receipt
- a prescription medicine bottle label
- a hospital letter
- an x-ray or test result
- your profile on the online patient portal provided by your general practice
You need an NHI number to use the request a test service.
If you don’t have an NHI number, you need to see a provider in person. You’ll need to show your ID to confirm your identity before you can get an NHI number. It's fastest to come to a Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa clinic to do this.
If you are working in sex work, you may need more tests.
Talk to a nurse on free phone 0508 438 8378 or by starting a web chat to make sure you get the tests you need.
Yes. You can request a test through this website if you had sex you didn't want to – so long as it was more than a week ago.
If it happened within the last week, you can find information on the sexual harm website Safe to talk. The MEDSAC website also has information on support after sexual harm, including getting medical help after sexual assault.
Please know: If someone made you have sex that you didn’t want to have, you can also talk to us.
If your situation is unsafe, you can use the Shielded Site tool at the bottom of this page to contact Women's Refuge.
If you have STI symptoms, you need see a nurse or doctor in person. They know what to look for to get you the right care, fast.
If you think you’ve been exposed to an STI, it's best to have an in-person appointment to make sure you get the right tests and treatment straight away if you need it.
If you can’t get to a clinic, it's a good idea to talk to us (free phone 0508 438 8378 or start a webchat) to make sure you test at the right time.
Do I need an STI test?
Lots of STIs don’t have symptoms, so people don’t know they have them and don’t get treated quickly. This can lead to serious health problems. Get tested regularly to look after your health – and the health of your whānau, sexual contacts and partners.
How does it work?
If you don’t have symptoms, you can use this website to request a free test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, and syphilis.
This includes self-tests you can do at home. If you do have symptoms or you’d rather go to a clinic, this website can help you find somewhere near you to take an STI test.
Kōrero with a nurse
Not sure what type of test you need or where to go, and want to talk through the options? We’re here to help. Talk to a nurse – call us on freephone 0508 GET TESTED or start a web chat.