When you're navigating the Dutch dating scene — whether through apps, social events, or safe adult dating in the Netherlands — taking care of your sexual health is a key part of the experience. The GGD (Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst, or Municipal Health Service) operates sexual health clinics across the country, offering free or low-cost STI testing, treatment, and prevention services. These clinics are confidential, non-judgmental, and designed for everyone, regardless of insurance status. This article explains what to expect, how to book an appointment, and why regular testing matters.

What Services Do GGD Sexual Health Clinics Offer?

GGD sexual health clinics (also called Sense clinics for youth under 25) provide a range of services:

  • STI testing and treatment – for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and more.
  • PrEP and PEP – pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention.
  • Contraception advice – including birth control pills, IUDs, and emergency contraception.
  • Pregnancy testing and counseling – including abortion referrals.
  • Vaccinations – hepatitis B and HPV vaccines.
  • Sexual health education and counseling – for individuals and couples.

Clinics are located in major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and many smaller towns. Each GGD region runs its own schedule and pricing, so check your local GGD website.

Who Can Use GGD Sexual Health Clinics?

The GGD clinics are open to everyone, but some groups get priority or reduced fees:

  • Young people under 25 – can often get free STI testing and contraception at Sense clinics.
  • Men who have sex with men (MSM) – targeted services for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
  • People with symptoms or after a risk contact – testing is free if you have symptoms or were notified by a partner.
  • Sex workers – free, anonymous testing is available.
  • People from countries with high HIV prevalence – free testing and counseling.

If you don't fall into these categories, you may still get tested at a GGD clinic but might have to pay a fee (typically €10–€50 depending on the tests). Alternatively, you can visit your GP (huisarts) for STI testing, which is covered by basic health insurance after the deductible.

How to Make an Appointment at a GGD Sexual Health Clinic

Appointments are usually required. Here's the typical process:

  1. Visit your regional GGD website – search for "GGD [your city] soa spreekuur" (STI consultation hour).
  2. Fill out an online intake form – you'll answer questions about symptoms, sexual history, and risk factors.
  3. Get a call or email – the clinic will assess your risk and offer an appointment if needed. High-risk cases are prioritized.
  4. Attend your appointment – at the clinic, a nurse will discuss your situation, take samples (urine, blood, swabs), and possibly offer treatment for symptoms.
  5. Receive results – usually within 1–2 weeks via a secure online portal or phone call. Positive results are communicated faster.

Some GGD regions also offer walk-in hours for specific groups (e.g., MSM). For example, the GGD Amsterdam has walk-in STI testing for MSM on certain days. Check local details.

Costs and Insurance

For most people, STI testing at the GGD is free if you fall into a priority group. If you need to pay, the costs are low compared to private clinics:

  • Basic STI test (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV): often €10–€20.
  • Full STI test (including hepatitis B and C): around €30–€50.
  • PrEP consultation and monitoring: PrEP medication itself is not free (except through the national PrEP pilot program for eligible groups), but the GGD provides free HIV testing and kidney function checks for PrEP users.
  • Contraception: free for under-21s at Sense clinics; otherwise, covered by insurance.

If you have Dutch health insurance, you can also go to your GP for STI testing. The GP will order lab tests, and you pay only the annual deductible (eigen risico) if you haven't met it yet. For 2025, the deductible is €385. Many GGD services are free regardless of insurance.

PrEP and PEP at the GGD

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill that prevents HIV infection. The GGD is a key provider of PrEP care in the Netherlands:

  • Eligibility: The national PrEP program is for people at high risk of HIV, especially MSM and transgender persons. You must be 18 or older and have a negative HIV test.
  • Cost: The PrEP medication costs about €50 per month (if you buy it through the GGD or a pharmacy). The GGD provides free quarterly check-ups (HIV test, kidney function, STI screening).
  • How to start: Make an appointment at a GGD PrEP clinic. You'll have an intake consultation, then receive a prescription. You can also get PrEP from your GP, but the GGD offers integrated monitoring.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is for emergency HIV prevention after a potential exposure (e.g., condom break, assault). You must start within 72 hours. Go to the nearest GGD emergency room or hospital emergency department. PEP is free at GGD clinics for eligible cases.

Why Regular STI Testing Matters for Daters

If you're actively dating and meeting new partners, regular STI testing is a responsible practice. Here's why:

  • Many STIs have no symptoms – chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV can be asymptomatic. Testing is the only way to know.
  • Protect your partners – knowing your status helps you talk about STIs with a partner openly.
  • Reduce stigma – when testing becomes routine, it normalizes sexual health care.
  • Early treatment – catching an STI early prevents complications like pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility.

Many GGD clinics offer partner notification services – if you test positive, they can anonymously notify your recent partners so they can get tested too.

Tips for a Smooth GGD Visit

  • Bring your ID – required for registration (BSN number if you have it).
  • Be honest – the nurse needs accurate information about your sexual activities to recommend the right tests.
  • Prepare questions – write down any concerns about symptoms, prevention, or setting boundaries early with partners.
  • Check your region's website – each GGD has slightly different procedures. For example, GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond uses an online appointment system, while GGD Haaglanden (The Hague) uses a call-back system.

Common STIs in the Netherlands and Their Symptoms

Knowing what to look for can help you decide when to get tested. Here are the most common STIs diagnosed at GGD clinics:

  • Chlamydia – often asymptomatic; can cause discharge, burning during urination, and pelvic pain.
  • Gonorrhea – similar symptoms to chlamydia; can infect the throat, genitals, or rectum.
  • Syphilis – painless sores, rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes. Easily treatable with antibiotics.
  • HIV – early symptoms like flu-like illness; later stages cause immune deficiency. With treatment, people live long, healthy lives.
  • HPV – genital warts; some strains cause cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is offered by GGD to young people.
  • Hepatitis B – fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain. Preventable with vaccine.

If you have any symptoms, avoid sexual contact until you're tested and treated. The GGD can provide treatment on the spot for some infections.

Sexual Health and Consent: A Holistic Approach

Taking care of your sexual health goes hand in hand with practicing consent and communication. When you're planning a safe first date, consider discussing STI testing and protection beforehand. It's a great way to ask for consent and show respect. The GGD also offers counseling on sexual communication and red flags in communication.

GGD Sexual Health Clinics vs. Other Options

You have several choices for STI testing in the Netherlands:

  • GGD – low-cost, confidential, specialized in sexual health, fast results.
  • General practitioner (huisarts) – covered by insurance after deductible, but may have less specialized knowledge.
  • Private clinics – like SoaPolikliniek or Sense (for youth), faster but more expensive (€50–€150).
  • Home test kits – available online (e.g., Homed-IQ, Soa Aids Nederland), but not always covered by insurance. Results are reliable but may lack counseling.

For most people, the GGD offers the best balance of cost, expertise, and accessibility.

Related Articles

  • The Complete Guide to Safe Adult Dating in the Netherlands
  • Talking About STIs with Your Partner
  • PrEP and PEP in the Netherlands
  • Planning a Safe First Date
  • Setting Boundaries Early in Dating