Get an at-home HPV test

Most people who are eligible for publicly funded healthcare in Aotearoa can get an at-home HPV test sent to them if they:

• Are having their first cervical screen, or

• They've had cervical screening before, with normal results

You can do the test yourself and send it back in a free return envelope. This test is free for some people.

• If you're eligible for free cervical screening your at-home HPV test will be free

• If you're not eligible for free cervical screening you can get an at-home HPV test for $35*

If you’ve tested positive for HPV or abnormal cells before, and you haven’t had a negative test since, it’s best to get a cervical sample instead.

We may need to call you or email you to confirm some details.

Request an at-home HPV test

If you’ve tested positive for HPV or abnormal cells before, then you’ll need to get a cervical sample instead.

Book an appointment.  

*Prices are current at 18 September 2026. Prices are quoted in New Zealand dollars (NZ$) and are subject to change without notice.

1. Check if you're eligible to do an at-home HPV test

2. Request your test.
   If you need to go to a clinic to do an HPV test or a cervical sample we'll email you.
   If you're not eligible for free cervical screening, we'll send you a link to pay for the cost of this.

3. You’ll get an email when your test is on the way. 

4. Do your test following the instructions in the envelope.

5. Put the smaller (secondary) tube in the return envelope.

6. Make sure your laboratory form is in the return envelope.

7. Seal the envelope and put in a NZ post box. If you live rurally, put it in your letterbox and put the flag up. Send your test back within 30 days of doing it.

8. Wait to get your results. This normally takes around five days.
   If your results are normal, you’ll get a text message.   
   If you test positive for HPV, a nurse will call you. You’ll need to get a cervical sample taken by a nurse or doctor.

Request an at-home HPV test

Once the laboratory receives your test, they process it and let us know the results.

We get in touch with you about your results. This normally takes 12 working days. We’ll send you a text if your results are normal or call you to talk about any next steps. 

Testing positive for HPV doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer.

There are lots of different strains of HPV. Most don’t cause any issues and many clear on their own. But some lead to genital warts. And some cause cell changes in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer. Cervical screening just helps us catch the ones that need extra follow-up.

If your test shows you have HPV, you’ll need another test so we can check the cells on your cervix. We’ll look at whether there are early cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer. This might be a cervical sample taken in a clinic, or a referral to a clinic where they take a closer look at your cervix (colposcopy). 

HPV is very common. You don’t need to tell anyone you have sex with that you have HPV – but you can if you want to.

Great, you've done your at-home HPV test. Now what's next?

Cervical screening isn't a one-off thing. Getting regular screening saves lives. Testing should be done every three or five years between 25 and 70.

If your test results are normal, you’ll normally need to test every five years until you're 70.

If your test shows you have HPV, you’ll need to have a cervical sample to see what further tests or treatment you might need.

Depending on your results, you might need to get cervical screening more often, or you might be able to test every five years. But either way, you’ll need to keep screening until you’re 70.

The HPV vaccination is also very effective at preventing cervical cancer. You need two or three doses to be fully protected. The vaccination is free for all New Zealand residents aged 9 to 26 – including people with a penis. Getting vaccinated after 27 will cost, but is effective for many people.