Quick Nurx Review

Overall rating: 4.8/5 stars

Nurx is an online subscription-based birth control delivery service offering an assortment of competitively priced at-home STD testing packages, including HPV screenings and annual or quarterly PrEP tests.

Founded in 2005, Nurx is an online health care corporation based in San Francisco. Its team of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants focuses on serving women who are looking for a convenient way to renew their birth pill prescription or for a more suitable contraceptive that they can have delivered to their door. Today, Nurx also offers a range of STD testing services with an emphasis on women’s health and screenings required for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily medication used to prevent HIV.

Lab tests offered by Nurx are available as in-home test kits that are delivered to your door, along with a prepaid envelope to return to the lab. The kit may include swabs for oral, rectal, or vaginal samples, as well as supplies for a simple finger-prick blood test. These samples are processed by Molecular Testing Labs, a CLIA- and CAP-accredited facility. Within seven days, your Nurx provider will follow up with your results and a treatment plan. Read on to learn more about the test kits that Nurx offers.

Interested in one of these at-home tests?

Pros and Cons of Nurx

What we like about Nurx:

  • Basic and comprehensive STD testing packages.
  • In-home PrEP testing and prescriptions with or without insurance.
  • Free shipping and prepaid return postage for test kits.
  • Multidisciplinary physician-led care team.
  • Assistance with prescriptions and referrals.

The drawbacks of Nurx:

  • Prices vary for those with or without insurance.
  • Clients are automatically billed a $15 consultation fee after signup.
  • Tests cannot be ordered individually.

What kinds of tests does Nurx offer?

Nurx offers a number of targeted tests and packages with an emphasis on women’s health and sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Customers can choose from several tiered plans depending on their budget and concerns. Some of the most common tests in these packages include:

  • Chlamydia
  • HIV
  • HPV
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis

Is Nurx the Best At-Home Test?

Compare Nurx to other popular testing brands:

Methodology: Ratings are based on trust, cost, convenience, and comprehensive service. All test options use CLIA certified labs. Cost ratings are based on affordability compared to other testing options and insurance acceptance. Convenience is rated on the results time and testing location. Comprehensive service rates the number of available tests and the opportunity for physician support. Overall rating is an unweighted average of all rating factors.

How does Nurx testing work?

Where is the testing done?

Nurx offers 100% in-home test kits that are delivered to your door with a prepaid return envelope. The kit may include oral and rectal swabs, as well as a finger-prick blood test card. You send these items to Molecular Testing Labs, the company’s accredited laboratory partner in Vancouver, Washington, and a Nurx clinician will follow up to review your results within seven days.

Do I need a prescription?

Clinicians at Nurx provide a personalized treatment plan based on your test results. The medical team can prescribe certain medications, including antibiotics and PrEP, if needed. They can also provide lab orders if you would rather use an in-person testing service.

Does Nurx take insurance?

Yes, Nurx accepts many private insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Tricare. Coverage for laboratory services performed by Molecular Testing Labs varies by network and by state, and these services are subject to deductibles and copays. Visit Nurx, or contact your provider for specifics.

Will they connect me to a health care provider?

Nurx services include a consultation with a qualified medical professional who is authorized to practice in your state. If needed, the company will refer you to an in-person provider for related services, such as antibiotic injections.

Are test results accurate?

Test samples are processed by Vancouver-based Molecular Testing Labs. The company is an industry-leader in at-home testing, HPV screening, and infectious diseases. Its HIV-prevention screening program, which uses self-collected samples, recently received recognition from the CDC. MTL’s laboratory is certified by the College of American Pathologists and approved by the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program. While MTL meets the industry’s highest quality standards, accuracy may also be affected by the quality of the specimen. For best results, follow all instructions when collecting, packaging, and shipping your samples.

Interested in one of these at-home tests?

What Customers Say About Nurx

Positive reviews about Nurx

“A friend told me about this app -which is the ONLY reason I tried it. Everything is 100% legit it came faster than expected … With my insurance it was completely free even shipping!”

“I never even write reviews for apps, but I figured since this is truly the best thing I have found on the app store for women’s health (besides other period apps).”

“I used Nurx for PrEP services and it was one of the easiest processes. … Customer service was very helpful when I had an issue and needed to reorder another test. Payment was handled very well too through insurance and the copay program.”

Negative reviews about Nurx

“Misleading, was charged $90 for nothing. Even if you decide to not take the test.”

“I had to wait for a month then I can get to my new insurance network … So I decided to try Nurx. But every time, it took 5-7 days to move a small step. And they charged me $35 for home testing kit. … 22 days and [they] still didn’t mail the PrEP out. I’m definitely gonna wait for seeing my family doctor to get all test for FREE.” 

“Everything is wonderful…..except the customer service is the absolute worst and has ruined my entire experience with this company. I’ve used this service for at least three years.”

Nurx Bottom Line

Nurx offers a limited selection of multipanel test packages designed for consumers who want to maintain their sexual health. These at-home testing services have the potential to be fast, effective, and affordable. However, Nurx may collect its $15 consultation fee before you have a chance to decide. Once your test kit has shipped, you can’t return it. Still, Nurx may be one of the easiest ways to handle routine testing for STDs or PrEP without leaving your home.

Ask a Laboratory Scientist

Ask A Laboratory Scientist

This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your questions will be answered by a laboratory scientist as part of a voluntary service provided by one of our partners, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team.

Send Us Your Question