The Short Version
PEP (Postexpozičná profylaxia — PEP or PEP) must be started within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure. In Bratislava, go to Kramáre Hospital's Infekčná klinika or the Centrálna príjmová observácia (CPO). There may be a cost. Do not let cost uncertainty stop you — go, get the medication, sort the payment out afterward.
Emergency: 112
What Is PEP
PEP is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication taken after a potential HIV exposure — unprotected anal sex with a partner of unknown or positive status, a condom failure, or similar. When started within 72 hours (ideally within 24), it significantly reduces HIV transmission risk.
Where to Go in Bratislava
Kramáre Hospital — Infekčná klinika / CPO (Centrálna príjmová observácia) Limbová 5, 833 05 Bratislava Phone: 02 5954 1111 Open 24 hours
Kramáre Hospital is the main infectious diseases hospital in Bratislava and the primary PEP resource. Go to the CPO (central admissions) and specify that you need PEP for HIV.
Nemocnica sv. Michala (UNB) Cintorínska 21, Bratislava Alternative hospital with emergency capacity.
What to Say at CPO
"Mal som rizikový pohlavný styk a potrebujem postexpozičnú profylaxiu pre HIV." ("I had a risky sexual contact and I need post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV.")
"Potrebujem PEP pre HIV. Bolo to pred menej ako 72 hodinami." ("I need PEP for HIV. It was less than 72 hours ago.")
Be specific about when the exposure occurred. The doctor will assess whether PEP is clinically indicated.
Cost
Slovakia does not have the same blanket free PEP policy as some western European countries. Expected costs:
| Situation | Expected Cost |
|---|---|
| VšZP-insured Slovak resident | May be covered; check at time of visit |
| Dôvera/Union-insured | Likely out-of-pocket; ~€50–100 for starter pack |
| EU/EEA visitor with EHIC | Covered or minimal charge |
| Tourist without EHIC | May be out-of-pocket; ~€50–150+ |
Dom Svetla can advise on navigating costs and may be able to help find funding support in some cases. Cost uncertainty should never be a reason to delay going for PEP — start the medication and work out the payment afterward.
Where to Go in Košice
VÚSCH — Infekčné oddelenie Rastislavova 43, 040 01 Košice Phone: 055 789 2111 Main infectious disease facility for eastern Slovakia; 24-hour emergency capacity.
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 — request three-site swabs (výter z hrdla, rektálny výter, uretrálny výter)
- Discuss starting PrEP — Dom Svetla can guide you
Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency services | 112 | 24h |
| Kramáre Hospital (Bratislava PEP) | 02 5954 1111 | 24h |
| VÚSCH Košice (PEP) | 055 789 2111 | 24h |
| Dom Svetla (navigation) | +421 2 2102 8048 | Office hours |
See also: PrEP access | Dom Svetla testing | PEP emergency guide