07 July 26

Ending HIV

What are online sexual health services?

We’re moving testing into the modern era! That’s right, you can now access sexual health services that are virtual and judgement-free.

So what are online sexual health services?

Online sexual health services are essentially sexual health clinics that are virtual, meaning they take place online through filling out a questionnaire via a website and/ or booking a telehealth or phone consult with a doctor.

Some offer a range of different services, including PrEP, HIV and STI testing.

Many of these services are either completely covered by Medicare or require a small co-payment. Be sure to check the arrangement on the provider’s website.

How does testing for HIV and STI online work?

The exact process will differ from service to service; however, in general, each service will involve:

• a questionnaire, which captures your sexual history
• a pathology request form, which you take to a nearby pathology centre to complete your testing
• a doctor reviewing your results and contacting you via SMS or through a telehealth call to discuss your results

For those seeking PrEP too, it will also likely involve:

• a telehealth consult to discuss suitability with your doctor
• if suitable, and after receiving your testing results, an e-script for PrEP is sent to your phone
• That e-script can be taken to a pharmacy, or you may be given the option to buy PrEP through the service and have it mailed to you

Can I get PrEP online too?

Yes, usually you can get PrEP at the same time! Some, but not all, services will offer PrEP appointments, and you’ll need to make sure you book the correct type of appointment via the provider’s website.

Keep in mind that the cost of PrEP medication will not be covered in the appointment fee. Often services will provide an e-script for PrEP, which you can take to a pharmacy to have it dispensed. Or some services may offer to sell it to you and have it mailed to your address.

What if I test positive for an STI?

If you test positive for an STI through an online testing service, a doctor will call you to discuss your result and provide treatment. Some STIs can be treated by oral medication alone, but others may require a medical professional to administer them, such as an antibiotic injection.

If this is required, you’ll be referred to a trusted General Practitioner (GP) near you – or you can request to attend a specific practice if you’d prefer.

Are people without Medicare able to access services?

Yes, however, it will be costly for most services. The majority of these services are designed for people with Medicare in mind, and most of the cost of your medical appointments and testing is made affordable by Medicare.

Without Medicare, you’ll instead have to pay for the service and any testing you receive. This is usually in the range of hundreds of dollars, so we’d recommend calling the NSW Sexual Health Infolink (1800 451 624) or visiting a public sexual health clinic instead.

Current online HIV and STI testing and PrEP services

We’ve put together a short list of currently available online services. Some services have been accredited by ASHM, Australia’s peak body for sexual health, HIV and other blood-borne viruses, which you can find in the table below with a ✅.

Service Name	ASHM Accredited	HIV/STI Testing	Offers PrEP	Bulk-billed (no cost with Medicare)
Hey Fella	✅	✅	✅	❌
PrEP Health	✅	❌	✅	✅
NSW Sexual Health Infolink	❌	❌	☑️	☑️
SISTR	✅	✅	✅	✅
Stigma Health	✅	✅	❌	✅
Teldoc	❌	✅	✅	✅

Key: ✅ = yes | ❌ = no | ☑️ Medicare-ineligible people can access this service for free. Not available for people who are Medicare-eligible.

Spotted a service we haven’t listed? Let us know, and we’ll add it to the list.