PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of emergency HIV medication. It must be started within 72 hours of a high-risk exposure (e.g., a condom break with a partner of unknown status), but the sooner you start it, the more effective it is. In Austria, it is free via the public hospital system (ÖGK covers emergency care).
🚨 Where to Go Right Now
Do not wait for a convenient appointment. Your route depends entirely on the time of day.
| Time / Day | Where to Go | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (Daytime) | AKH Wien (Infektionsambulanz) or nearest Universitätsklinikum | Direct access to infectious disease specialists. |
| Evening / Weekend / Bank Holiday | Notfallaufnahme (Emergency Dept) at AKH or Universitätsklinikum | Expect to wait in triage. They will contact the infectious disease on-call. |
Major Cities
- Vienna: AKH Wien (Währinger Gürtel 18–20) or Klinik Favoriten (Kundratstraße 3)
- Graz: LKH Universitätsklinikum Graz (Auenbruggerplatz 1)
- Linz: Kepler Universitätsklinikum (Wagner-Jauregg-Weg 15)
- Salzburg: Universitätsklinikum Salzburg / SALK (Müllner Hauptstraße 48)
- Innsbruck: Universitätsklinik Innsbruck (Anichstraße 35)
- Klagenfurt: Klinikum Klagenfurt (Feschnigstraße 11)
- Bregenz: LKH Bregenz (Carinagasse 47)
Do not go to your Hausarzt (GP). General practitioners cannot prescribe or stock PEP. They will redirect you to a hospital, wasting critical hours.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
At the Notfallaufnahme, be direct and specific to ensure efficient triage.
- Use the terminology: Say, "Ich hatte vor [X] Stunden einen HIV-Risikokontakt und brauche Post-Expositions-Prophylaxe (PEP)." (I had a high-risk HIV exposure [X] hours ago and need PEP).
- State the timeline: Emphasize exactly how many hours ago the exposure was.
- Be direct about the exposure: State exactly what happened (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom). Being specific speeds assessment.
The Starter Pack: The hospital gives you a 5–7 day starter pack of PEP medication to begin immediately. The follow-up is mandatory. Before the starter pack runs out, you must attend the Infektionsambulanz (infectious disease outpatient) to continue the full 28-day course.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Austrian PEP regimen usually consists of Truvada (or a generic equivalent) taken alongside either raltegravir or dolutegravir (Tivicay).
- It is a strict regimen: PEP is not a morning-after pill. It is a mandatory 28-day course, and you cannot miss doses.
- Side effects are manageable: You may experience nausea, fatigue, or diarrhea, though not everyone does. The clinic will often prescribe anti-sickness medication alongside your PEP.
- Do not stop: Never stop taking PEP without speaking to a doctor first.
💶 Cost
PEP is covered by ÖGK (public health insurance) as an emergency treatment. You show your e-card; the cost of the medication and hospital consultation is covered. If you don't have an ÖGK e-card:
- EU/EEA visitors with EHIC: Emergency care is covered. Present your EHIC card at the hospital.
- Non-EU visitors: Emergency care is provided. A bill may follow — manage it afterward.
- Uninsured residents: Emergency care is provided regardless. Costs can be negotiated.
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