The Short Version

PEP (Profilaksa po izpostavljenosti — PPI in Slovenian) must be started within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure. Go to the Urgenca (emergency department) at UKC Ljubljana's Infekcijska klinika. PEP is free for ZZZS-insured patients and generally available for EU/EEA visitors with EHIC.

Emergency: 112

What Is PEP

PEP is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication taken after a potential HIV exposure. When started within 72 hours — ideally within 24 — it significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Earlier is better.

Where to Go in Ljubljana

UKC Ljubljana — Klinika za infekcijske bolezni in vročinska stanja Japljeva ulica 2, Ljubljana Phone: 01 522 22 00 Open 24 hours — urgenca for infectious disease emergencies

This is the first and best choice for PEP in Slovenia. The Infekcijska klinika has 24-hour urgent care specifically for HIV and infectious disease emergencies.

Alternative: UKC Ljubljana — General Urgenca Zaloška cesta 2, Ljubljana Phone: 01 522 50 50 Open 24 hours If the Infekcijska klinika urgenca is unclear to find, the main hospital A&E will assess you and direct to the infectious disease team or initiate PEP.

What to Say

"Imel/a sem tvegan spolni stik za HIV in potrebujem profilakso po izpostavljenosti." ("I had a risky sexual contact for HIV and I need post-exposure prophylaxis.")

"Potrebujem PEP za HIV. Minilo je manj kot 72 ur." ("I need PEP for HIV. It has been less than 72 hours.")

Be specific about when the exposure occurred. The doctor will assess the risk level and decide whether PEP is indicated.

Cost

Free for ZZZS-insured Slovenian residents. EU/EEA visitors with EHIC receive care on the same terms as Slovenian nationals — PEP should be free. Visitors without EHIC may face an administrative charge, but PEP is not withheld for cost reasons at UKC.

After PEP

Complete the full 28-day course. Then:

  • HIV test at 4–6 weeks post-exposure
  • HIV test at 12 weeks (definitive result)
  • STI screen — specifically request three-site swabs (bris žrela, rektalni bris, uretralni bris), not just blood
  • Discuss starting PrEP — Legebitra can help navigate this

Emergency Contacts

Service Number Hours
Emergency services 112 24h
UKC Ljubljana Infekcijska klinika (PEP) 01 522 22 00 24h
UKC Ljubljana General Urgenca 01 522 50 50 24h
Legebitra (next-day follow-up) 01 430 51 44 Office hours

See also: PrEP access | Legebitra testing | PEP emergency guide