Time: < 72 Hours. Cost: Free (Public).

Where to Go

Crucial Distinction:

  • DO NOT GO to a "Centro de Salud" (Primary Care Clinic). They do not stock HIV meds.
  • GO TO the "Urgencias" of a large Hospital.
    • Madrid: La Paz, Ramón y Cajal, 12 de Octubre.
    • Barcelona: Hospital Clínic, Hospital del Mar.

The Process

  1. Admisión: Give your ID/Passport and SIP Card (if you have one).
  2. Triage: Tell them: "He tenido una situación de riesgo de VIH. Necesito profilaxis post-exposición."
  3. The Wait: You are low priority compared to car accidents. Expect 2-4 hours.
  4. The Doctor: You will see an internist or infectious disease specialist.
  5. The Meds: You typically get the full 28-day course from the Hospital Pharmacy (Farmacia Hospitalaria) immediately, or a starter pack.

Tourists / Non-Residents

  • Spanish law guarantees emergency care for everyone, regardless of nationality or residency status.
  • EU/EEA citizens: Bring your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC. This covers emergency treatment at public hospitals at no cost.
  • Non-EU tourists: Emergency care will be provided, but you may be billed retrospectively if you do not have travel insurance or a reciprocal healthcare agreement.
  • Do not let billing fear stop you. Get the meds first. Argue about the bill later. The virus doesn't wait for accounting.

PEP as a Bridge During the PrEP Access Crisis

If you are on a PrEP waitlist and have an exposure incident, do not hesitate to seek PEP. The emergency system works — even when the prevention system does not. PEP is available immediately through any major hospital ER, regardless of whether you are enrolled in PrEP or not. The 72-hour window is absolute. Do not wait.

If you find yourself needing PEP repeatedly because you cannot access PrEP, this is a strong signal to explore > online ordering as a bridge or to push harder through community clinics (BCN Checkpoint, Sandoval, Apoyo Positivo) to accelerate your PrEP enrollment.

Summary

Go to a big Hospital. Say "Profilaxis Post-Exposición."

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