Sexual health: testing, contraception and support in Berlin

Sexual health is part of health. There's nothing to be ashamed of. But in Germany the system can look confusing at first: what's free and what isn't, where to go, and who will help you without judgement. This guide is here to answer these questions.

Tests: who pays?

• If you have symptoms (such as discharge, burning, itching or sores) or your partner has been diagnosed with an infection, statutory health insurance covers the test.
• Chlamydia screening: Free once a year until your 25th birthday. Chlamydia often causes no symptoms, but if left untreated it can lead to infertility. That's why this screening is so important.
• If you have no symptoms: Tests at a doctor's practice are often not free. Women are known to have a hard time finding free testing in Berlin. That's why the free and low-cost options below are especially important.

Where to go in Berlin

• Zentren für sexuelle Gesundheit und Familienplanung: Berlin has five centres: Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Mitte (Wedding) and Steglitz-Zehlendorf. They offer HIV and STI counselling and testing, anonymously if you wish. For example, in Marzahn-Hellersdorf an HIV test costs €10 and is free for people on a low income. The centres are open to everyone but mainly serve people without insurance or with limited German.
• Checkpoint BLN (Neukölln): Offers HIV and STI tests, PrEP and counselling. Tests are free for people on a low income. Mainly aimed at LGBTQI* people.
• Your gynaecologist: The first place to go if you have symptoms. If you don't, ask about the cost of the test in advance.

Contraception: know your rights

• Until age 22 (including age 21), statutory health insurance covers prescription contraception such as the pill, IUD or implant. Insertion and removal are included. You may only have to pay the statutory prescription co-payment.
• Age 22 and over, on a low income: Berlin covers the cost of prescription contraception, including condoms. You need to be registered in Berlin. You apply at the sexual health centres. Ask your doctor for a paper private prescription (Privatrezept), not an e-prescription. The centres can also fit an IUD or implant free of charge.

Protection from HIV: PrEP

PrEP is a medication that protects against HIV. Statutory health insurance covers it for people at high risk of HIV. You can talk to an HIV specialist or the sexual health centres about whether it's right for you.

Counselling and support

• pro familia Berlin: Offers counselling on contraception, sexual health, pregnancy and relationships.
• If you have experienced sexual violence: Get help without waiting. You can call the "Gewalt gegen Frauen" helpline free of charge at any time on 116 016. Counselling is available in many languages, including Turkish. In an emergency, call 110.

Practical tips from women

• Call early. Appointments at the sexual health centres fill up quickly.
• Find a doctor you feel comfortable with. If you feel judged by your doctor, you have the right to go to another one.

This section will grow with the experiences of women in the BACIM community. If something has worked for you, you're welcome to share it.

Sources

• Coverage of contraception costs (berlin.de)
• Chlamydia screening (Federal Ministry of Health)
• Sexual health centres (berlin.de)
• STI tests for women in Berlin (tip Berlin)
• Checkpoint BLN

This guide is not a substitute for medical advice. Information checked as of October 2026.