Does Aetna cover STD testing? 

If you have Aetna insurance and are wondering whether STD testing is included in your plan, this guide will help. We’ll cover what types of STD tests are included, which may be excluded, eligibility requirements, how to confirm your coverage, and how to access testing, both in-person and online. We’ve also included real experiences from Reddit and Quora to provide real-world insights.

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Does Aetna cover STD testing? 

Yes, Aetna typically covers STD testing as part of preventive and diagnostic care, but coverage varies depending on the specific STD, your risk factors, your plan, and whether the testing is deemed medically necessary. We’ll unpack the details below.

What types of STD testing does Aetna cover?

Aetna follows guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). STD screenings that meet these guidelines are usually covered at no cost if classified as preventive care. Covered testing types can include:

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Covered for sexually active women under 25, pregnant individuals, and those at increased risk. Aetna also covers retesting in the third trimester when clinically indicated. Testing typically uses nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) via urine or vaginal/urethral samples.
  
• Syphilis: Covered for all pregnant individuals and those at higher risk. Testing includes non-treponemal (e.g., RPR) and treponemal antibody confirmation.
  
• HIV: Annual HIV screening is covered for individuals aged 15–65, with more frequent testing for high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and people who inject drugs. Aetna also covers opt-out HIV screening during pregnancy.
  
• HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus): Diagnostic testing for symptomatic individuals is covered (like lesion swab with PCR). However, routine HSV-2 antibody testing in people without symptoms is not recommended by the USPSTF orCDC and therefore is not covered by Aetna per Clinical Policy Bulletin 0433.
  
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): For women aged 30–65, Aetna covers co-testing (Pap smear and an FDA-approved high-risk HPV test) every 5 years as part of preventive care. Only FDA-approved high-risk HPV tests qualify under ACA rules.
  
• Hepatitis B: Screening during the first prenatal visit is included in Aetna’s coverage. Repeat testing may be covered if the individual is at continued risk during pregnancy.

What types of STD testing does Aetna not cover?

Routine HSV-2 serologic screening in asymptomatic individuals, including pregnant women, is not recommended by the USPSTF or CDC and is not covered by Aetna, as per Clinical Policy Bulletin 0433.

FDA-approved home-use HIV test kits (such as OraQuick) are not covered unless ordered by an in-network provider or administered in an in-network laboratory. But, provider-ordered diagnostic HIV tests are covered.

Home collection or mail-in kits for chlamydia/gonorrhea are generally considered investigational and not covered unless medically necessary

Eligibility criteria for Aetna coverage for STD testing

You may qualify for no-cost STD screening if you meet one or more of the following:

• Age and risk level: It can vary by STD, but commonly pregnant or high-risk individuals who are sexually active and aged 15 to 65.
• Symptomatic testing: If you’re experiencing symptoms or have been exposed, testing may still be covered, but may be billed as diagnostic.
• Provider order: The test must be ordered by a licensed, in-network healthcare provider.

Most screenings are $0 for eligible members, but diagnostic tests may be subject to copays or deductibles.

How to check whether my Aetna covers STD testing

To verify your coverage:

• Review your plan documents: Look for Preventive Services Summaries or Clinical Policy Bulletins (CPBs).
• Log in to your Aetna Member Portal: You’ll find coverage details, test eligibility, and estimated costs.
• Call Aetna Member Services: Use the phone number on your insurance card to confirm specific benefits and ask about prior authorization requirements.

Does Aetna cover STD testing online?

As long as the testing is ordered by an in-network healthcare provider and meets coverage criteria, it can be covered by Aetna. Self-ordered mail-in kits are generally not covered. The following platforms may offer Aetna-compatible services:

Why Aetna might deny STD testing coverage

If Aetna denies your STD testing coverage, you may be able to review your claim and appeal if you find an error was made. Here are reasons why Aetna might deny coverage:

• It wasn’t medically necessary because you’re asymptomatic.
• Incorrect test codes or non-covered providers were used. Out-of-network labs were used 
• Prior authorization wasn’t given 
•  Excluded services were used, like home HIV or STD kits without a prescription.

Tips for improving your chances of approval for Aetna coverage for STD testing

For the best chances of Aetna covering your STD testing, make sure: 

• You align with USPSTF and CDC guidelines regarding things like symptoms, exposure, and age 
• Your provider documents risk factors or symptoms clearly.
• Use in-network labs.
• Get pre-authorization if required by your plan.
• Double-check that the correct CPT codes are submitted by  your provider.

How to get prior authorization from Aetna for STD testing

Some testing may require prior authorization, also known as pre-authorization or precertification, which is where health insurance companies require providers to get approval from the health plan before providing certain medical services. If you need prior authorization, complete the following: 

• Identify from your plan if STD testing (like HPV DNA or HIV RNA) needs pre-auth.
• Ask the provider to complete Aetna’s Clinical Policy Bulletin form, including medical justification.
• Your provider should submit it via Aetna’s provider portal or phone/fax.
• Decisions are typically made within 14 calendar days of submission, with expedited options available for urgent cases. 
• Don’t hesitate to follow up with your provider if it’s nearing the deadline.

Aetna usually, but not always, covers STD testing 

Aetna typically covers STD testing that meets USPSTF and CDC guidelines and is deemed medically necessary. However, coverage often excludes self-ordered at-home kits and herpes (HSV) testing without symptoms or clinical justification. The good news? Online STD testing through telehealth services like Klarity Health can still be covered, as long as it’s ordered by an in-network provider and properly documented for insurance billing.

Next steps to get STD testing covered by Aetna online

Book a telehealth appointment with Klarity Health today and take the first step toward confident, insurance-informed STD testing.

While we can’t guarantee coverage, Klarity can provide you with structure, medical documentation, and in-network coordination to help maximize your chances of Aetna coverage.

STD testing—with or without Aetna coverage

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