Time window: Under 72 hours. Ideally under 24. Every hour matters. Cost: Covered by health insurance (doplatek/copay applies). May require upfront payment reimbursed later.

For the full clinical picture — what PEP is, how it works, and who it's appropriate for — see PEP: The Emergency Protocol first.

Where to Go

Prague

Nemocnice Na Bulovce (Bulovka Hospital) Budínova 2, 180 81 Prague 8 — Libeň The primary infectious disease hospital in Prague and the national HIV centre. Go to the infekční klinika (infectious disease clinic) or the pohotovost (emergency/on-call) entrance.

During business hours: go to the infectious disease outpatient (infekční ambulance) directly — they have the most expertise. After hours and at weekends: go to the emergency (pohotovost) — they will contact the infectious disease on-call.

Alternative in Prague: ÚVN (Ústřední vojenská nemocnice), U Vojenské nemocnice 1200, Prague 6 — the Military University Hospital, also an HIV Centre.

Outside Prague

Go to the nearest university or regional hospital (fakultní nemocnice / krajská nemocnice) and ask for the infectious disease department (infekční oddělení) or emergency (pohotovost).

  • Brno: Fakultní nemocnice Brno — Jihlavská 20, Brno-Bohunice
  • Ostrava: Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava — 17. listopadu 1790
  • Olomouc: Fakultní nemocnice Olomouc — I. P. Pavlova 185/6
  • Plzeň: Fakultní nemocnice Plzeň — alej Svobody 80

What to Say

"Měl jsem sexuální kontakt s vysokým rizikem HIV před [X] hodinami a potřebuji postexpoziční profylaxi (PEP)."

(I had a sexual contact with high HIV risk [X] hours ago and need post-exposure prophylaxis.)

Or more briefly: "Měl jsem rizikový styk — potřebuji PEP." (I had risky contact — I need PEP.)

Provide context: was your partner HIV-positive or unknown status? What type of exposure? English is often understood at Prague hospitals, especially at Bulovka.

Cost

PEP is covered by Czech health insurance (zdravotní pojišťovna). In practice:

  • Bring your průkaz pojištěnce (health insurance card). The medication and consultation should be covered with a standard copayment.
  • Some hospitals may require upfront payment (~4,000–6,000 CZK) which you then claim back from your insurance. Confirm with the treating team.
  • EU/EEA visitors with EHIC: Emergency care is covered.
  • Non-EU visitors: Emergency care is provided; billing follows.

Do not let cost uncertainty delay you. Go immediately.

The Process

Starter pack: The hospital provides a 5–7 day starter pack of PEP.

Follow-up: Before the starter pack runs out, attend the HIV Centrum at Bulovka (or your nearest HIV Centrum) for the full 28-day course, monitoring, and follow-up HIV testing (6 weeks and 3 months post-exposure).

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