PEP (Postexpozičná profylaxia — PEP or PEP) 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 Slovakia, it may not be free, but you should not let cost uncertainty delay your treatment.
🚨 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime | CPO (Centrálna príjmová observácia) or Infekčná klinika | 24/7 capacity. They will assess risk and initiate PEP. |
Major Hospitals
- Bratislava: Kramáre Hospital — Infekčná klinika / CPO (Limbová 5). Kramáre Hospital is the main infectious diseases hospital in Bratislava and the primary PEP resource.
- Bratislava (Alternative): Nemocnica sv. Michala (Cintorínska 21). Alternative hospital with emergency capacity.
- Košice: VÚSCH — Infekčné oddelenie (Rastislavova 43). Main infectious disease facility for eastern Slovakia; 24-hour emergency capacity.
Do not go to your obvodný lekár (GP / family doctor). They cannot prescribe PEP. Go directly to Kramáre Hospital's CPO in Bratislava, or the nearest hospital emergency.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
At the CPO, state your needs clearly so they can assess the risk properly.
- Use the terminology: "Mal som rizikový pohlavný styk a potrebujem postexpozičnú profylaxiu pre HIV." (I had a risky sexual contact and I need post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV).
- State the timeline: "Bolo to pred menej ako 72 hodinami." (It was less than 72 hours ago). Tell them exactly how long ago it was.
- Be direct about the exposure: Explain exactly what happened (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom) to help the doctor assess the risk.
The Starter Pack: The hospital will give you either a starter pack (a few days of medication) or the full 28-day course immediately. If you receive only a starter pack, the follow-up is mandatory. You must return before it runs out to complete the course.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Slovak 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
Slovakia does not have a blanket free PEP policy.
- VšZP-insured Slovak resident: May be covered; check at time of visit.
- Dôvera/Union-insured: Likely out-of-pocket; ~€50–100 for starter pack.
- EU/EEA visitor with EHIC: Covered or minimal charge.
- Tourist without EHIC: May be out-of-pocket; ~€50–150+.
- Dom Svetla can advise on navigating costs. Cost uncertainty should never be a reason to delay going for PEP — start the medication and work out the payment afterward.
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