Whether STI testing is included in the abortion fee depends on the healthcare provider, the type of clinic visit, and your insurance coverage.
At many comprehensive health centers, basic routine STI screenings (such as chlamydia and gonorrhea) are bundled into the flat procedural lab fee or covered by insurance/Medicaid. However, for standalone self-pay care or telehealth packages, routine STI lab testing is often offered as an optional add-on or billed separately.
1. How Clinics Handle STI Testing & Abortion Fees
-
In-Clinic Care Packages: Many physical clinics include basic routine lab work—such as chlamydia and gonorrhea urine tests—in their overall package price, or provide preventative (prophylactic) antibiotics at no extra charge to reduce infection risks.
-
Telehealth Abortion Care: When receiving telehealth abortion care, the flat fee covers your virtual provider visit, prescription abortion medications (mifepristone and misoprostol), express home delivery, and 24/7 follow-up support. Because routine STI testing requires urine or blood samples, clinicians can order lab work to a local lab near you, which may be billed through insurance or paid separately.
-
Medicaid & Insurance Coverage: If you are covered by state Medicaid, such as Illinois Medicaid for abortion care, both the abortion services and comprehensive STI screening panels are fully covered at 100% with $0 out-of-pocket cost.
2. Why STI Testing Matters Before or During an Abortion
Testing for common infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea before or during treatment is highly recommended by reproductive health experts:
-
Preventing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): During an abortion or heavy uterine bleeding, the cervix opens slightly. If an untreated infection is present in the lower genital tract, bacteria can move up into the uterus or fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
-
Asymptomatic Infections: Most common STIs produce no visible symptoms, meaning testing is the only reliable way to catch and treat them early.
-
Easy Treatment: If an infection is identified, it can easily be treated with standard oral antibiotics alongside your recovery.
3. Financial Options & Low-Cost Testing
If STI testing is not included in your self-pay package or you are paying out of pocket, there are several ways to keep costs manageable:
-
Abortion Financial Assistance Funds: Independent networks and abortion financial aid programs can help cover auxiliary medical expenses or clinic fees.
-
Community Health Clinics: Local public health departments and community health centers often provide free or low-cost confidential STI screening panels.
-
Prescriptive Care: If you have symptoms or known exposure, your telehealth clinician can send an antibiotic prescription directly to your local pharmacy.
To learn more about what is included in at-home medication packages, explore how a virtual abortion works or review how to get an abortion pill through telehealth.
Confidential Care with Serenity Choice Health
At Serenity Choice Health, we prioritize clear pricing and complete reproductive support. Our medical team is available to discuss your care package, review necessary lab orders, and ensure you receive safe, well-rounded care.
Book Your Confidential Appointment Today
If you have questions about care fees, STI screening options, or scheduling a virtual visit, please book a telehealth appointment with our clinical team today.
Dr. James Carter is a board-certified physician and lead clinician at Serenity Choice Health, specializing in reproductive health access and medication abortion protocols. With over 20+ years of experience, he combines clinical expertise with patient-centered care to ensure safe, compassionate, and confidential reproductive healthcare.
