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 Czechia, it is covered by health insurance (doplatek/copay applies), though it may require upfront payment that is reimbursed later.
🚨 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) | infekční ambulance (infectious disease outpatient) | Direct access to infectious disease specialists. |
| Evening / Weekend / Bank Holiday | pohotovost (emergency/on-call) at a major hospital | They will contact the infectious disease on-call. |
Major Hospitals
- Prague: Nemocnice Na Bulovce (Budínova 67/2, Prague 8) — the national HIV centre. Alternatively: ÚVN (U Vojenské nemocnice 1200, Prague 6).
- Brno: Fakultní nemocnice Brno (Jihlavská 20).
- Ostrava: Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava (17. listopadu 1790).
- Olomouc: Fakultní nemocnice Olomouc (I. P. Pavlova 185/6).
- Plzeň: Fakultní nemocnice Plzeň (alej Svobody 80).
Do not go to your praktický lékař (GP). Your registered GP cannot prescribe PEP and will only redirect you to a hospital, losing critical time.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
At the hospital, use clear language. English is often understood at Prague hospitals (especially Bulovka), but it helps to be prepared.
- Use the terminology: "Potřebuji postexpoziční profylaxi (PEP)." (I need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).) or "Měl jsem rizikový styk — potřebuji PEP." (I had risky contact — I need PEP.)
- State the timeline: "Bylo to před [X] hodinami." (It was [X] hours ago.)
- Be direct about the exposure: State exactly what happened (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom) and the partner's status if known.
The Starter Pack: The hospital provides a 5–7 day starter pack of PEP. The follow-up is mandatory. Before the starter pack runs out, you must attend the HIV Centrum at Bulovka (or your nearest HIV Centrum) for the full 28-day course.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Czech 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 Czech health insurance (zdravotní pojišťovna).
- Bring your průkaz pojištěnce (health insurance card). The medication and consultation should be covered with a standard copayment.
- Some hospitals may require upfront payment (~4,000–6,000 CZK) which you then claim back from your insurance.
- EU/EEA visitors with EHIC: Emergency care is covered.
- Non-EU visitors: Emergency care is provided; billing follows.
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