PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) is available in the Netherlands through the GGD or hospital emergency departments. Where you go depends entirely on what time it is. Act within 72 hours — sooner is significantly better.
During GGD Hours (Monday–Friday, typically 8am–5pm)
Call your city's GGD immediately.
Most GGDs have a dedicated PEP line or urgent slot system. Phone the GGD before going in — they'll assess urgency and direct you. GGD Amsterdam Soa Poli: 020 555 5822 (check current hours at ggdamsterdam.nl).
Why GGD during hours: The GGD Soa Poli staff are specialists in sexual health and HIV — they're better equipped to assess PEP need than a general A&E triage nurse, and the process is faster for clear-cut cases.
Cost via GGD: Free.
Outside GGD Hours (Evenings, Nights, Weekends, Public Holidays)
Go to the SEH (Spoedeisende Hulp) — the emergency department of a major hospital.
Do not go to the Huisartsenpost (out-of-hours GP service) for PEP — they cannot dispense HIV medications from their limited pharmacy. You need a hospital with a ziekenhuisapotheek (hospital pharmacy).
Amsterdam:
- OLVG West (Jan Tooropstraat 164) — well-experienced with HIV-related emergencies
- Amsterdam UMC / AMC (Meibergdreef 9) — major academic medical centre
Rotterdam:
- Erasmus MC (Dr. Molewaterplein 40) — main academic hospital, SEH experienced
The Hague:
- HMC Westeinde (Lijnbaan 32) — major hospital SEH
Other cities: Go to the nearest significant ziekenhuis (hospital) SEH and say: "Ik heb risico gelopen op HIV-besmetting en ik heb PEP nodig binnen 72 uur." (I've been at risk of HIV infection and I need PEP within 72 hours.)
The Risk Assessment
Whether at GGD or hospital, a doctor will assess your exposure:
- What type of sex occurred (receptive anal being the highest risk)
- Whether the source is known HIV positive or unknown status
- Whether the source is on treatment and undetectable (if known)
If the exposure is judged to carry meaningful HIV risk, PEP is initiated. For receptive condomless anal sex with an unknown-status partner, PEP is typically indicated.
Cost
Via GGD: Free. Via hospital SEH: Covered by your basisverzekering (basic insurance), but comes out of your Eigen Risico. The 28-day PEP course costs approximately €700–900 at retail price, but is covered by Dutch health insurance (it counts as emergency care). You'll pay your deductible portion.
After PEP
Complete the full 28-day course. HIV test at 6 weeks and 3 months post-exposure. If PEP reflects ongoing risk, discuss PrEP — see PrEP Access in the Netherlands.