For whether you need PEP, the 28-day protocol, what drugs you'll be given, and how to manage the side effects, read PEP: The Emergency Brake first. This guide covers the European-specific picture: how to get PEP fast wherever you are in Europe.
PEP must start within 72 hours of exposure. Ideally within 24. Don't read this guide — go to the nearest Emergency Room now and read it later.
The Universal Access Route: Emergency Room
In every EU country: go to the Emergency Room (A&E). Don't wait for a GP appointment. Don't search for a sexual health clinic. Go straight to the ER.
Walk in and say: "I've had a potential HIV exposure and I need PEP — Post-Exposure Prophylaxis."
That's enough. Staff understand what PEP is and how urgent it is. If they seem uncertain, add: "I need antiretroviral medication started immediately to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure."
112 works in every EU country. Call it if you need help locating the nearest ER or need medical assistance.
Local Word for "Emergency Room"
| Country | Term |
|---|---|
| France | Urgences |
| Germany | Notaufnahme |
| Spain | Urgencias |
| Italy | Pronto Soccorso |
| Netherlands | Spoedeisende hulp (SEH) |
| Poland | Szpitalny Oddział Ratunkowy (SOR) |
| Portugal | Urgência |
| Sweden | Akutmottagning |
Cost Across Europe
PEP through public health systems is free or heavily subsidised in most EU countries. Emergency treatment is almost universally accessible regardless of ability to pay at the time — billing is sorted after. Private provision, where used, costs €800–2,500 for the full 28-day course depending on country.
If you're travelling, bring your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) — it may cover PEP treatment costs in other EU countries under their public health system. Check country-specific guides for details.
After PEP: What Comes Next
Once the 28-day course is complete, you'll need HIV testing at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-exposure. See The Testing Protocol for the full post-PEP testing timeline.
If you've needed PEP, it's worth a conversation about PrEP — same protection, without the 28-day ordeal. See PrEP in Europe: Access & Costs.
☎️ Pan-European Medical Numbers (The 116 & 112 System)
The European Union has harmonised specific phone numbers across all member states to ensure you can get help even if you don't know the local emergency numbers.
- 116 117 (Non-Emergency Medical): Under EU Decision 2007/116/EC, this is the harmonised number for non-emergency medical on-call services. If you need PEP on a Sunday or late at night and don't know which hospital is open, call 116 117. The operator will direct you to the correct out-of-hours clinic or emergency room. (Highly active in countries like Germany, Finland, and Austria). - Note this number is not yet active in all EU countries.
- 112 (Emergency): The universal European emergency number. If you are experiencing a severe medical reaction or cannot find a PEP provider and the 72-hour window is closing, 112 is your safety net. It works from any mobile phone, even without a SIM card, anywhere in the EU.
Related: