The Netherlands has good sexual health infrastructure — free GGD clinics, competent GPs, and accessible private labs. The main thing to understand is the triage system that determines whether you qualify for free GGD testing, and what happens if you don't.
The GGD — Soa Poli (Free)
GGD = Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst (Municipal Health Service). Every major Dutch city has one, and they run dedicated STI clinics (Soa Poli).
Cost: 100% free. Does not touch your Eigen Risico (insurance deductible). Anonymity: Yes — you can test without your name or insurance details.
How to book: Online via your city's GGD website (e.g., ggdamsterdam.nl, ggdrotterdamrijnmond.nl). The system asks a risk questionnaire that determines eligibility.
The triage reality: Gay and bisexual men are a priority group at the GGD — the questionnaire favours you. Saying you've had condomless anal sex with men will typically qualify you. But in Amsterdam especially, slots fill very quickly. Book as soon as possible, or you may be redirected to your GP.
Three-Site Testing: What to Ask For
A complete STI screen needs:
- Keelkweek — throat swab (gonorrhoea, chlamydia)
- Anale kweek — anal/rectal swab (gonorrhoea, chlamydia)
- Urethrakweek / Urine — urethral swab or urine (gonorrhoea, chlamydia)
- Plus blood tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B/C
Critical point: Even at a GGD, and especially with a GP, you may need to explicitly request all three sites. Dutch GPs sometimes skip swabs to avoid lab costs or because they're not thinking about receptive anal sex. Say: "Neemt u ook kweken van de keel en de anus?" (Are you also taking swabs of the throat and anus?)
Huisarts (GP) — When GGD Turns You Away
If the GGD says you don't meet their criteria or there are no slots:
- The GP (huisarts) consultation is free
- Lab tests (blood and swabs) come out of your Eigen Risico (annual deductible, minimum €385). Once you've met your deductible for the year, subsequent tests are free.
- If you've already used your Eigen Risico for other medical expenses, GP-based testing costs nothing more
See also: GGD vs. Huisarts: The Full Breakdown
Private Options
Private STI clinics (privékliniek) exist in Amsterdam and other major cities. Cost: typically €80–150 for a full panel. Fast, discreet, no referral. Useful if you want results quickly or prefer not to use your insurance.
Online test options: Services like VivoCare and CheckTest offer home kits for HIV and STI screening — useful for ongoing monitoring, though they may not include all swab sites.
Frequency
Every 3 months if sexually active with multiple partners. After a higher-risk period, go sooner. The GGD expects regular attendees from the gay and bisexual men's community.