Welcome @m68, According to what I've read, you can test negative and still have herpes. Here's some information that might be helpful:
"Can you have herpes symptoms and test negative?
Image result for herpes symptoms +test negative
If the infection occurred very recently (within a few weeks to 3 months), the test may be negative, but you may still be infected. This is called a false negative. It can take up to 3 months after a possible herpes exposure for this test to be positive."
--- Serum herpes simplex antibodies Information - Mount Sinai:
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/serum-herpes-simplex-antibodies.
You mentioned you are without health insurance. Here is some information that might be helpful.
--- Where can I go to get free or low-cost health care? Is there a web site that helps me locate inexpensive health care?: https://www.hhs.gov/answers/health-insurance-reform/where-can-i-find-free-or-low-cost-health-care/index.html.

Have you looked into any state or local government aid?