PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) — known in Greek as αγωγή μετά από έκθεση — 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 Greece, PEP is available free through the public hospital system.
🚨 Where to Go Right Now
Do not wait for a convenient appointment. Your route depends entirely on the time of day.
Useful numbers:
- 166 — EKAB (ambulance / national emergency medical service). Free from any phone. Call if you need transport or are unsure which hospital is on duty tonight.
- 112 — Pan-European emergency number; routes to all emergency services including EKAB.
- 210 722 2222 — EODY HIV/AIDS information line (daily 09:00–21:00). For guidance on whether your exposure warrants PEP, or to be directed to the right service. Not a substitute for going to hospital.
| Time / Day | Where to Go | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (Daytime) | Εξωτερικά Ιατρεία (outpatient clinic) at a specialized hospital | Direct access to infectious disease or venereal disease specialists. |
| Evening / Weekend / Bank Holiday | Emergency Entrance at a major hospital | Expect to wait in triage. Ask for the infectious disease team. |
Major Hospitals with Infectious Disease Units (ΜΕΛ)
Athens:
- Andreas Syggros Hospital (Ionos Dragoumi 5, Kaisariani) — Primary specialist dermatological and venereal disease hospital.
- Laiko General Hospital (Agiou Thoma 17, Goudi)
- Evangelismos General Hospital (Ipsilantou 45-47, Kolonaki)
- Attikon University General Hospital (Rimini 1, Chaidari)
- G. Gennimatas General Hospital (Mesogeion 154, Ampelokipi)
- Ippokrateio General Hospital (Vasilissis Sofias 114, Ambelokipi)
- Nikaia General Hospital "Agios Panteleimon" (Mantouvalou 3, Nikaia)
Thessaloniki:
- AHEPA University Hospital (Stilponos Kyriakidi 1)
- Papageorgiou Hospital (Periferiakos Dromo Thessalonikis-N. Efkarpias)
Patras:
- University General Hospital of Patras "Panagia i Voitheia" (Rio)
Heraklion (Crete):
- University Hospital of Heraklion (PAGNI) (Voutes Crossroad)
- Venizeleio General Hospital (Knossou Ave)
Do not go to your οικογενειακός ιατρός (family doctor / GP). They cannot prescribe PEP. Go directly to a hospital emergency department.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
At the hospital, you must establish clinical urgency.
- Use the terminology: "Χρειάζομαι PEP — αγωγή μετά από πιθανή έκθεση στον HIV." (I need PEP — treatment after possible HIV exposure).
- State the timeline: "Πριν [X] ώρες." ([X] hours ago).
- Be direct about the exposure: State exactly what happened (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom). Most specialists speak English, but it helps to be clear.
The Starter Pack: If PEP is indicated, you receive a starter pack (first few days of medication). The follow-up is mandatory. You must attend the infectious disease outpatient clinic before it runs out to get the rest of the 28-day course. Missing the follow-up means an incomplete course.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Greek PEP regimen usually consists of Truvada (or a generic equivalent) taken alongside an integrase inhibitor — typically 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
With an AMKA and EOPYY coverage, PEP is free. Without coverage (tourists, visitors), you will be treated at the emergency department but may receive a bill. Greece cannot legally refuse emergency treatment.
- EU visitors with EHIC: Emergency care including PEP initiation should be covered.
- Without coverage: For visitors without coverage who cannot cover costs, public hospitals have social workers (κοινωνικοί λειτουργοί) who can help navigate access.
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