Latvia has a higher HIV incidence than most EU countries — which makes getting this right matter more, not less. The good news: PrEP is reimbursed, LIC provides comprehensive clinical care, and Mozaika runs Testpunkts as a gay-friendly testing entry point. The challenge is that almost everything useful is in Riga.
Three Golden Rules for Latvia
1. Testpunkts First, LIC for Full Clinical Care
Testpunkts (Stabu iela 19, Riga, run by Mozaika) is the community-friendly rapid testing starting point — free, anonymous, no insurance required. LIC (Linezera iela 3) handles the full clinical picture: comprehensive STI panels, PrEP, PEP, and HIV treatment. Use both.
2. PrEP Is Reimbursed — Go to LIC
Since 2022, PrEP is state-reimbursed in Latvia. The infektologs at LIC prescribes it. Given Latvia's HIV rate, PrEP isn't an optional extra — it's a meaningful public health tool. Mozaika can advise on the fastest booking route.
3. PEP Is Free at LIC — 72 Hours, No Waiting
Go to LIC's Uzņemšanas nodaļa (Linezera iela 3) if you've had a potential HIV exposure. Free with NVD coverage or EHIC. Say: "Man bija HIV risks — man vajag PEP." Do not wait.
Getting Tested
Testpunkts (Mozaika, Stabu iela 19): rapid HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C — free, anonymous.
LIC: full STI panels including three-site swabs (throat/rectal/urethral), with referral or via anonymous cabinet.
Gulbja Laboratorija: private labs across Latvia for blood-based testing.
Three-swab rule: every STI screen needs throat, rectal, and urethral swabs — not just blood. Most infections at these sites are asymptomatic.
Testing frequency: every 3 months.
→ Testing at Testpunkts → Testing at LIC
PrEP
Reimbursed since 2022. Via infektologs at LIC. Monitoring every 3 months. Mozaika for navigation support.
PEP
Free at LIC Uzņemšanas nodaļa (Linezera iela 3, Riga). Within 72 hours. Regional hospitals (Daugavpils, Liepāja, Jelgava) handle PEP emergencies outside Riga.
General Education
HIV Basics → HIV Facts
The STI Landscape → STI Landscape
Testing Protocol → Testing Protocol
PrEP — How It Works → PrEP Mechanics
PEP — Emergency Treatment → PEP Emergency
Prevention Stack → Prevention Stack
Vaccines → Vaccines Guide
Vaccines
Mpox free for high-risk groups at LIC — Mozaika for current status. HPV: boys 12–18 in national programme; adults pay privately (~€140–160/dose). Hepatitis A and B: partially covered; ask at LIC or your GP.
Mental Health
Mozaika (mozaika.lv) provides peer support, counselling referrals, and community connection. Crisis line: Skalbes 67 222 922. For acute emergencies: 112 or LIC Uzņemšana.
→ Mental Health Support in Latvia
Chemsex
Mozaika is the most appropriate first contact. GHB emergencies: 03 or 112 immediately. Latvia's high HIV prevalence makes consistent PrEP use during chemsex particularly important.
DoxyPEP
Via your infektologs at LIC or via Mozaika referral. Very cheap. Ask at your PrEP appointment.
Outside Riga
Almost everything useful is in Riga. Regional hospitals handle PEP emergencies. Gulbja Laboratorija provides private blood testing nationally. Mozaika provides remote support.
Latvian Healthcare Vocabulary
Key terms for navigating the system.
→ Latvian Healthcare Vocabulary
Emergency Contacts
| Service | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 112 | General, English operators |
| Ambulance | 03 | Neatliekamā palīdzība |
| LIC (Riga) | lic.gov.lv | PEP/PrEP/HIV centre |
| Testpunkts / Mozaika | mozaika.lv | Community testing, LGBTQ+ support |
| Gulbja Laboratorija | gulbi.lv | Private lab network |
| Skalbes crisis line | 67 222 922 | Mental health, Latvian, 24h |
| Daugavpils hospital | 65 422 888 | Regional emergency |
| Liepāja hospital | 63 408 100 | Regional emergency |
About This Guide
Written for gay and bisexual men navigating Latvian healthcare. Latvia's high HIV incidence makes the prevention tools here — PrEP, regular testing, DoxyPEP — particularly important. Verify current details with Mozaika or LIC.