The GGD (Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst — Municipal Health Service) runs dedicated STI clinics called Soa Poli in every major Dutch city. This is the backbone of sexual health testing in the Netherlands: it is free, anonymous, and comprehensive. The main thing to understand is the triage system that determines whether you qualify, and what happens if you don't.

🏥 The GGD — Soa Poli (Free)

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 presents a risk questionnaire that determines eligibility before allowing you to book.

The triage reality: Gay and bisexual men are a priority group at the GGD — the questionnaire is designed to favour 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 for men who have sex with men requires samples from three sites:

  • 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, and hepatitis B/C

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 considering 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 available slots:

  • The GP (huisarts) consultation itself 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 cost nothing more.
  • If you've already exhausted your Eigen Risico on other medical expenses, GP-based testing is effectively free.

🔹 Private Clinics

Private STI clinics (privékliniek) exist in Amsterdam and other major cities. Cost: typically €80 to €150 for a full panel. Fast, discreet, no referral needed. Useful if you need results quickly or prefer not to involve your insurance.

🔹 Frequency

Every 3 months if sexually active with multiple partners. After a higher-risk exposure, go sooner. The GGD expects and welcomes regular attendees from the gay and bisexual men's community.

Related: