Sexual Health STDs Herpes Best At-Home Herpes Tests A private way to find out if you have this condition. By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Learn about our editorial process Updated on August 27, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Rochelle Collins, DO Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO LinkedIn Rochelle Collins, DO, is board-certified in family medicine. She is an assistant clinical professor of family medicine at Quinnipiac University and works in private practice in Hartford, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Sean Blackburn Fact checked by Sean Blackburn LinkedIn Sean is a fact-checker and researcher with experience in sociology and field research. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Most often, when people are talking about herpes, they are referring to a genital herpes infection. An at-home herpes test may be a good option for those uncomfortable talking about sensitive topics like this in person or whose medical providers are not in favor of asymptomatic testing. Herpes refers to an infection caused by a herpes simplex virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 1 in every 8 people in the U.S. is diagnosed with genital herpes. Many people who acquire the herpes virus never have recognizable symptoms, and people who do not have symptoms are unlikely to be treated for herpes. However, they can still transmit the virus. This concern about transmitting the virus to a partner is one reason why some people want at-home herpes testing, even when their doctor doesn’t recommend it. In general, most doctors do not recommend that asymptomatic people be routinely screened for herpes because of the significant risk of false-positive results, leading to anxiety and other concerns. This is why doctors will generally only test for herpes if someone has symptoms or if they are at high risk. There are two types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Although HSV-1 used to be referred to as the oral herpes virus, a growing number of cases of genital herpes are now being caused by HSV-1. Because of this, people who are concerned about genital herpes need to be tested for both HSV-1 and HSV-2, not just HSV-2. Unfortunately, relatively few good options exist for at-home herpes tests. Indeed, several of the more reputable online sexual health sites do not offer at-home herpes tests. However, treatment may be available for you online at these sites if a doctor has previously diagnosed you. Suppressive therapy may also help reduce herpes symptoms and the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner. We have researched providers of at-home herpes tests and rounded up the best sites based on privacy, the accuracy of results, price, reputation, and more. If you’re showing symptoms or are concerned that HSV-1 or HSV-2 may have infected you, and you prefer to take a private, at-home herpes test, take a look below for sites you can order from. The Best At-Home Herpes Tests of 2022 Best Price: LetsGetChecked Best for Difficult Sexual Relationships: STDcheck.com Best for New Symptoms: PlushCare Best for Private Pay: HealthLabs.com Important: If you are concerned about genital herpes, you need to be tested for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. Best At-Home Herpes Tests View All Best At-Home Herpes Tests LetsGetChecked STDcheck.com PlushCare HealthLabs.com A Word From Verywell FAQ Methodology Best Price : LetsGetChecked Courtesy of LetsGetChecked Learn More Get 30% off with code Verywell30. Why We Chose It: LetsGetChecked tests are broadly available at drug stores and online. However, we chose it because it offers a discount if you want to undergo repeat testing. This can be useful if you are at high risk of being exposed to herpes. Pros Good price, particularly for repeat testing True at-home testing Your test results are completely anonymous and cannot be linked back to you FSA and HSA payment accepted Support from nurses available Cons Collecting a blood sample at home may be difficult for some people Improper sample collection could affect your results Some website information is not accurate. It should not be used for disease information All counseling is done by nurses, not doctors The LetsGetChecked Home Herpes Test is a real at-home herpes test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. You use a lancet (a small needle) to prick your finger and then collect the blood in the provided tube, which needs to be shipped back in the included envelope. Blood should be collected before 9 a.m. and taken immediately to the carrier for shipping. Tests should not be sent on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Results are ready in two to five days and accessed through a secure online portal. Nurses are available for consultation only for people who test positive for herpes. A single kit from LetsGetChecked can be purchased for around $119 at its website and other online sites, and certain drug stores. For people interested in repeat testing, a subscription can be purchased for as low as $84 per kit. This could be useful for people who don’t know when they were exposed or at high risk of herpes infection. The LetsGetChecked Home Herpes Test webpage does include incomplete information about the Herpes Simplex I (HSV-I) virus. HSV-I is most commonly associated with oral transmission as the company website states, but it can also cause genital infections as well. Due to the incomplete information about HSV-I transmission, we advise readers to independently verify any disease information found on the company website. For Verywell users, there's a 30% discount; the code is Verywell30. Best for Difficult Sexual Relationships : STDcheck.com STDcheck.com Learn More Why We Chose It: STDcheck.com is very easy to use and offers several options for at-home herpes testing. However, what’s notable about the site is that it lets you send online anonymous text alerts to sexual partners who might need to be tested. That’s not as good as talking with them in person, but it can help with some awkward conversations you might not otherwise be willing to have. Pros For $139, individuals get access to both HSV-1 and HSV-2 testing. A 10-test panel with other STDs costs $249 Ability to alert sexual partners by anonymous text Results within 1-2 days Tests are run at the same labs used by a doctor’s office Cons The least expensive option does not detect genital herpes cases caused by HSV-1 Doctor consultations are only available for people who test positive Insurance is not an option for payment STDcheck.com allows people to order sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests online and then go to a local lab for testing (so it’s not technically at-home, but you still don’t have to go to your primary care physician). Over 4,500 testing locations are available nationwide, and most people will be able to find a site that is convenient for them. After the test is ordered, you go to the lab and have your blood drawn. The lab sends it for analysis and, in a few days, you can access your results by phone or online. Recommended herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2) testing options run from $139 to $249, and telephone doctor consultations are free for individuals who have a positive test. (We do not recommend the $79 genital herpes test, as any genital herpes infections caused by HSV-1 would not be detected.) One benefit of this service: The website also offers a tool to send anonymous text alerts to previous sexual partners to suggest they get tested. Best for New Symptoms : PlushCare PlushCare Learn More Why We Chose It: If you think you may have herpes symptoms for the first time, blood tests are not accurate. It’s best to see a doctor—and PlushCare offers that from home because PlushCare is a telemedicine provider. Pros Accepts insurance from several major companies A doctor may be able to diagnose you with herpes without testing, which is faster and less expensive than other options Meeting with a doctor allows you to ask questions and get educated about your sexual health concerns PlushCare is a telemedicine provider. It may be a good option for people who also need other online or at-home healthcare Cons A doctor visit is required to access testing You’re not actually buying a herpes test. If your doctor doesn’t think you need one, you may not be offered one When you use PlushCare for STI testing, you’re not purchasing an at-home herpes test. Instead, you are making a virtual appointment with a doctor to discuss your concerns about herpes and other STIs. Then, if the doctor thinks a test is warranted, he or she will write an order for a test and send you to fill it. Results are usually communicated to the doctor within three to five days, and then the doctor will follow up with you by telehealth and provide treatment or further testing as appropriate. PlushCare’s website states that it is in-network with most major health insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and many others. New PlushCare customers have access to a 30-day free trial, and after that, membership is $14.99 per month. If you have insurance that PlushCare accepts, the cost of a visit is the cost of your copay. For individuals without insurance, visits cost $99. If a test is required, it may come at an additional cost, depending on your insurance status and whether testing is covered. PlushCare is a good option for people who want to discuss their herpes and other STI risks with a health professional. It is not a good option for people interested in at-home herpes testing because they’re not comfortable talking about sexual health with their doctor. Best for Private Pay : HealthLabs.com HealthLabs.com Learn More Why We Chose It: HealthLabs.com offers a price guarantee. If you find the test that you ordered for a lower price elsewhere, it will match that price and provide a 10% discount. Pros Price Guarantee Has a variety of testing options that include at-home herpes testing Tests are run at the same labs that doctors use Cons Offer single type-specific tests for HSV-1 or HSV-2, which some people might choose to save money, not realizing that both viruses can infect the genitals No medical consultation included, although patients can get help interpreting results With HealthLabs.com, your order and pay for your test online and then go to a local lab to have your blood drawn. Thousands of testing locations are available around the country, and you should be able to find a site near you. Some locations may allow you to make an appointment in advance for testing. Then when you arrive, they will draw your blood and send it off for testing. The least expensive herpes test that looks for HSV-1 and HSV-2 is $158, and a variety of other testing options are available. FSA cards can be used for purchase. When your test results are available, generally within 1-3 days, you will be sent email instructions to log into your secure online account and access your results. Medical consultations are not available with this company, although it will offer help understanding your test results over the phone or through live chat. A Word From Verywell Medical professionals do not recommend that people without symptoms be tested for herpes. For people who do have symptoms, seeing a doctor is the best way to be diagnosed. At-home herpes tests are considered unreliable by medical professionals. In addition, blood tests take 2-12 days for incubation, so as a result, they might not suitable for detecting new infections. Should you choose to use an at-home test, we recommend you consult a doctor to interpret test results, confirm results, and advise regarding the best ways to manage herpes. FAQ What is herpes? Herpes is a general term that is most often used to describe genital infection with Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) or 2 (HSV-2). Both viruses can affect the genitals, causing genital herpes. HSV-1 is responsible for most cases of oral herpes. It is far less common for HSV-2 to cause oral herpes infection. Although historically HSV-1 has been referred to as the cold sore virus and HSV-2 as the genital herpes virus, a growing numbers of genital herpes infections have been caused by HSV-1. How does the at-home herpes test work? At-home herpes tests take advantage of the fact that blood tests for herpes are widely available through commercial lab-testing sites. The vast majority of at-home herpes tests use the same tests that would be ordered at the doctor’s office, provided by the same laboratories. However, instead of going to a doctor, the tests are ordered online. This can be a good option for people who are uncomfortable discussing sexual behavior with their doctor or whose doctor is not willing to test for herpes. Are at-home herpes tests reliable? At-home herpes tests are reasonably reliable at detecting established herpes infections. Useful at-home herpes tests are the same type-specific tests that would be ordered in a doctor’s office. These tests rely on your body having time to produce antibodies so that they can be detected. It can take up to four months after exposure for antibody tests to detect an infection. If you are newly experiencing sores that you think might have acquired herpes, you would be better off going to the doctor for a physical exam. Doctors can generally recognize herpes by the sore's look, and the sore can also be tested directly for viruses using a viral culture. This can be more reliable for a new herpes infection. However, viral culture is very sensitive to the stage of healing. It is most effective on new sores. How much do at-home herpes tests cost? Most insurance companies do not cover herpes testing, either at-home or in-person. At-home tests cost an average of around $120 to $130, although some companies offer a discount for people who subscribe to regular testing. If your insurance does cover herpes testing, consider using one of the companies that bill insurance. This may be able to reduce your cost significantly. In some instances, you may be able to get reimbursed by your insurance company for testing. Does Medicare cover at-home herpes tests? Medicare does not cover at-home herpes tests. Medicare does not cover herpes testing at all, although it will cover testing for other STIs. It is possible that some at-home herpes tests can be covered by private insurance, and Nurx.com accepts Medicaid but only in three states (California, Illinois, and Texas). People who want to try to have their herpes test covered by insurance may be easier to go to their doctor or local STI clinic. Planned Parenthood and other Title X clinics may also offer free or low-cost STI testing, including testing for herpes. However, insurance coverage of herpes testing may be limited to people who have symptoms. How We Chose the Best At-Home Herpes Tests The at-home herpes test providers chosen for this list had to meet several criteria. First and foremost, the test used to detect the virus had to be highly reliable. That means laboratories had to use one of the type-specific herpes tests considered to be the gold-standard for herpes blood tests. (Herpes blood tests that are not type-specific are less reliable.) Test kits had to look for HSV-1 and HSV-2 because both virus types can cause genital infections, and HSV-2 testing alone can be misleading. The company had to offer counseling or access to a doctor when results were received to enable people to seek appropriate care. Finally, results from all providers had to be returned in a secure and timely manner. As most people interested in at-home herpes tests are doing so because of privacy concerns, companies had to take those concerns seriously. More than 20 companies that offer at-home herpes tests were reviewed for this list. Tests were only eligible for inclusion if they met all of the above requirements. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. McQuillan G, Kruszon-Moran D, Flagg EW, Paulose-Ram R. Prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in persons aged 14-49: United States, 2015-2016. NCHS Data Brief. 2018;(304):1-8. Yousuf W, Ibrahim H, Harfouche M, Abu Hijleh F, Abu-Raddad L. Herpes simplex virus type 1 in Europe: systematic review, meta-analyses and meta-regressions. BMJ Glob Health. 2020;5(7):e002388. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002388 Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1 World Health Organization. Herpes simplex virus. LeGoff J, Péré H, Bélec L. Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory. Virol J. 2014;11:83. doi:10.1186/1743-422X-11-83