STD Insurance: What it is, Why You Need it, and How to Get it

If you are sexually active, it is important to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). One way to do this is to have safe sex practices, such as using condoms and getting regular STD screenings. Another way is to have STD insurance. In this article, we will discuss what STD insurance is, why you need it, and how to get it.

What is STD Insurance?

STD insurance is a type of health insurance that covers the costs of testing, diagnosis, and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. This includes STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HIV. STD insurance can be purchased as a standalone policy, or as part of a broader health insurance plan.

STD insurance typically covers the cost of STD testing at a doctor’s office or clinic. It may also cover the cost of treatment for confirmed STDs, such as antibiotics or antiviral medication. Some STD insurance policies also cover the cost of follow-up visits and counseling.

What Does STD Insurance Not Cover?

While STD insurance covers the cost of testing, diagnosis, and treatment for STDs, it does not cover the cost of other types of medical care or procedures. For example, it will not cover the cost of birth control, pregnancy care, or infertility treatments.

Additionally, all STD insurance policies have exclusions and limitations. These vary depending on the policy, but common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, experimental treatments, and elective procedures.

Why Do You Need STD Insurance?

There are several reasons why you may need STD insurance. First and foremost, STDs are common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 20 million new STD cases in the United States each year. Having STD insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that you have coverage for testing and treatment if you are ever diagnosed with an STD.

Second, STDs can be expensive to treat. While the cost of testing and treatment varies depending on the STD and the location, it can easily run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Having STD insurance can help protect you from these costs.

Finally, having STD insurance can encourage you to get regular STD screenings. Knowing that you have coverage for testing can make it easier to schedule and attend appointments. This can help you catch and treat STDs early, before they have a chance to cause more serious health problems.

Do You Really Need STD Insurance?

You may be wondering if you really need STD insurance, especially if you practice safe sex and get regular STD screenings. While these are important steps to take, they are not foolproof. People can still contract STDs even if they use condoms or other forms of protection. Additionally, some STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning that they do not show any visible signs or symptoms. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested.

How to Get STD Insurance

If you are interested in getting STD insurance, there are a few ways to do so. First, check with your current health insurance provider to see if they offer STD coverage as part of your plan. If they do not, you can look into purchasing a standalone STD insurance policy.

To find a standalone STD insurance policy, you can search online or contact an insurance broker. Be sure to compare policies from different providers to find one that fits your needs and budget. Keep in mind that STD insurance premiums can be higher than other types of health insurance, especially if you have a history of STDs or high-risk sexual behaviors.

FAQs

Question
Answer
What STDs are covered by STD insurance?
STD insurance typically covers the costs of testing, diagnosis, and treatment for STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HIV.
Does STD insurance cover the cost of birth control?
No, STD insurance does not cover the cost of birth control, pregnancy care, or infertility treatments.
Can I get STD insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?
It depends on the policy. Some STD insurance policies have exclusions for pre-existing conditions, while others do not.
Does STD insurance cover the cost of follow-up visits and counseling?
Some STD insurance policies do cover the cost of follow-up visits and counseling, but not all.
Is STD insurance expensive?
STD insurance premiums can be higher than other types of health insurance, especially if you have a history of STDs or high-risk sexual behaviors.

Conclusion

STD insurance is an important type of health insurance that can protect you from the costs of testing, diagnosis, and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. If you are sexually active, consider getting STD insurance as part of your overall health and wellness strategy. Be sure to compare policies from different providers and read the fine print to ensure that you are getting the coverage that you need.