PrEP in Slovenia: Free via ZZZS, Starting at Legebitra

Slovenia has one of the more straightforward public PrEP systems in the region. Since 2022, PrEP is fully reimbursed by ZZZS (Zavod za zdravstveno zavarovanje Slovenije — the national health insurance) for eligible patients. The catch is that prescribing is highly centralized through the Infekcijska klinika in Ljubljana, so wait times can be a factor depending on clinic capacity.

Who Can Get It

If you have ZZZS health insurance, you can access PrEP for free. You must meet clinical eligibility criteria, which generally focus on individuals at elevated risk of HIV infection.

The criteria routinely cover:

• Men who have sex with men (MSM) who have condomless sex.
• Sex workers.
• Anyone with a recent history of an STI or who uses PEP.

You do not need to fit a specific demographic box; the decision is based on a physician's assessment of your actual HIV risk. If you do not have ZZZS insurance (e.g., you are a visitor), you cannot access the free programme and must use a private route.

How to Get It

While you could theoretically go through any GP, the reality of the Slovenian system is that the pathway runs through Ljubljana, and the NGO Legebitra is your best friend.

Step 1: Contact Legebitra or Book Directly You do not strictly need a GP referral to access the PrEP clinic. You can reach out directly to the clinic, or use the NGO Legebitra (Trubarjeva cesta 76A, 1000 Ljubljana / 030 361 280 / info@kajisces.si). Legebitra operates as the primary PrEP navigator. They will assess your eligibility and help arrange your pre-PrEP tests (HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Creatinine).

Step 2: The Referral While some GPs may offer a napotnica (referral), it is generally not required to visit the infectious disease clinic for PrEP. You can book directly with the clinic, or Legebitra can facilitate the appointment to the hospital's infectious disease team.

Step 3: UKC Ljubljana — Infekcijska klinika You will have an appointment with a specialist at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases (Japljeva ulica 2, Ljubljana). They are very experienced with PrEP. If approved, they will write the ZZZS prescription.

Step 4: The Pharmacy You collect the medication directly from the hospital pharmacy (bolnišnična lekarna) at UKC for free or at a minimal administrative cost.

If You Can't Wait

Wait times in the Slovenian public health sector can fluctuate. If you are stuck in a queue or do not have ZZZS coverage:

• Private Prescription: If you have the funds, you can get a private prescription from a willing GP or private clinic. Generic tenofovir/emtricitabine is available at private pharmacies for roughly €30–€60 per month.
• Self-sourcing by mail is PROHIBITED: Slovenian Customs strictly regulates medicinal imports. Ordering generic PrEP online from abroad to be delivered by mail is prohibited and packages are frequently seized. It is not recommended.
• Travel imports: If you travel outside Slovenia and buy PrEP with a valid prescription in another EU country, you can legally bring back a personal supply in your luggage.

Non-negotiable: You must confirm you are HIV-negative before starting any PrEP regimen, whether sourced privately or publicly. Starting PrEP with an undetected HIV infection risks developing drug resistance.

What Happens After

Once you are in the UKC programme, you will be monitored every 3 months.

• The Tests: You need an HIV test and a Syphilis test.
• Three-Site Swabs: Ask specifically for throat (bris žrela), rectum (rektalni bris), and urethra (uretralni bris) swabs for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Be explicit—do not assume the default blood draw covers everything.
• Kidney Function: A creatinine blood test must be done to monitor your kidney health.
• Vaccinations: Check with the clinic if you are up to date on Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, HPV, and Mpox.

What's Available

• Daily Oral PrEP: The standard daily pill (generic tenofovir/emtricitabine).
• On-demand (2-1-1): Taking two pills 2-24 hours before sex, one at 24 hours, and one at 48 hours. EACS guidelines support this, and UKC specialists are generally familiar with and supportive of this dosing strategy.
• Injectable PrEP (CAB-LA / Apretude): While cabotegravir is approved across the EU, practical rollout and ZZZS funding for the injectable format in Slovenia is still pending as of early 2026. Consult with UKC for the latest status.

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