If you've had a potential HIV exposure, you have a 72-hour window to start PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). In Hungary, the primary place to go is Szent László Kórház in Budapest. Do not wait — every hour matters.
Go Here: Szent László Kórház
Dél-pesti Centrumkórház — Szent László Telephely Address: Albert Flórián út 5-7, Budapest (District X) Emergency: 104 (ambulance) or 112 (general emergency)
This is the main infectious disease hospital in Budapest and the national centre for HIV treatment. The Infectious Diseases department (Infektológia / Ambulancia) handles PEP around the clock. Go to the Ambulancia entrance and say:
"HIV expozíció történt. PEP-et kérek." (HIV exposure happened. I am requesting PEP.)
If you're alone or it's the middle of the night: go. The emergency department is open 24 hours. You will not be turned away.
The 72-Hour Rule
PEP must begin within 72 hours of exposure. The sooner the better — starting within 24 hours is significantly more effective than waiting until hour 70. If you're unsure whether you need it, go anyway and let the doctor assess.
PEP is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication taken daily. It is highly effective when started promptly and taken consistently.
Cost
PEP is not free in Hungary unless the exposure is classified as an occupational accident (needle stick in a healthcare setting). For most people:
- Expect to pay approximately 50,000–80,000 HUF for the 28-day medication course
- This is paid at the hospital pharmacy when you receive your starter pack
- Some private insurance policies cover this — check yours
Bring a card or cash. Do not let cost stop you from going — you can figure out the financial side afterward. PEP courses have been provided on flexible arrangements in some cases; explain your situation to the doctor if cost is a barrier.
Outside Budapest
If you're not in Budapest and cannot reach Szent László within the window:
Go to the nearest kórház sürgősségi (hospital emergency department) and ask for the infectious disease on-call doctor (ügyeletes infektológus). PEP medication may need to be sourced from a larger hospital pharmacy, but emergency departments can initiate the process.
Key regional hospitals with infectious disease capacity:
- Debrecen: Kenézy Gyula Campuskórház, infectious disease department
- Pécs: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Klinikai Központ (University Clinical Centre)
- Győr: Petz Aladár Egyetemi Oktató Kórház
- Miskolc: Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén Megyei Központi Kórház
In any regional hospital, saying "HIV expozíció — PEP" to emergency staff will communicate what you need clearly.
What PEP Is and Isn't
PEP prevents HIV infection after a specific exposure. It is not:
- A substitute for PrEP (ongoing prevention)
- Effective against other STIs
- 100% guaranteed (though it is highly effective when started early)
After completing your PEP course, get an HIV test at Anonym AIDS at 6 weeks and again at 3 months post-exposure to confirm the outcome.
See the general PEP Emergency guide for full detail on how PEP works.