PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) — known in Greek as αγωγή μετά από έκθεση — is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication that can prevent HIV infection. It must be started within 72 hours of a potential exposure. In Greece, PEP is available free through the public hospital system.
Where to Go in Athens
Primary: Andreas Syggros Hospital
Νοσοκομείο Ανδρέας Συγγρός Ionos Dragoumi 5, 161 21 Kallithea (Athens) Phone: 210 720 0100 | nosokomeio-syggros.gr
Go to the Εξωτερικά Ιατρεία (outpatient clinic) during daytime hours, or the emergency entrance outside hours. Andreas Syggros is the specialist dermatological and venereal disease hospital in Athens and the most experienced place for sexual health emergencies.
Say:
"Χρειάζομαι PEP — αγωγή μετά από πιθανή έκθεση στον HIV. Πριν [X] ώρες." (Phonetic: "Chreiazomai PEP — agogi meta apo pithani ekthesi ston HIV. Prin [X] ores.") ("I need PEP — treatment after possible HIV exposure. [X] hours ago.")
Alternative: Laiko General Hospital
Λαϊκό Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Agiou Thoma 17, 115 27 Athens Phone: 213 208 0000
Laiko has an infectious disease unit and can initiate PEP. Good alternative if Syggros is difficult to reach.
Where to Go in Thessaloniki
AHEPA Hospital
Πανεπιστημιακό Νοσοκομείο ΑΧΕΠΑ Stilponos Kyriakidi 1, 546 36 Thessaloniki Phone: 2310 993 111 | ahepa.gr
Go to the emergency department and ask for the infectious disease team. Mention HIV exposure and PEP urgency.
What Happens at the Hospital
- Triage — explain this is a potential HIV exposure; you'll be seen urgently
- Assessment — rapid HIV test, discussion of the exposure nature and timing
- Starter pack — if PEP is indicated, you receive the first few days of medication
- Follow-up — arrangement for the full 28-day course via the infectious disease outpatient clinic
- Monitoring — HIV test at day 28 and 3 months
PEP and EOPYY
With an AMKA and EOPYY coverage, PEP is free. Without coverage (tourists, visitors), you will be treated at the emergency department but may receive a bill for the medication. Greece cannot legally refuse emergency treatment.
EU visitors with EHIC — emergency care including PEP initiation should be covered. Keep your EHIC accessible.
For visitors without coverage who cannot cover costs, speak to the hospital's social work service — public hospitals have social workers (κοινωνικοί λειτουργοί) who can help navigate access.
The 72-Hour Rule
| Time since exposure | Action |
|---|---|
| Under 72 hours | Go to Syggros or nearest hospital immediately |
| Over 72 hours | PEP is not effective — get tested and monitor |
| 4–6 weeks later | HIV test even without PEP |