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 Estonia, it is covered by Haigekassa insurance.
🚨 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 | Emergency Department at Nakkuskliinik (Infectious Disease Clinic) | They are experienced with PEP requests and will test and initiate treatment. |
| Eastern Estonia | Linda Kliinik (Narva) or call +372 35 74 455 | During clinic hours, they can assist. Outside hours, you may need to travel to Tallinn or Tartu. |
Major Hospitals
- Tallinn: Lääne-Tallinna Keskhaigla (Paldiski mnt 62, Tallinn). Open 24/7.
- Tartu: Tartu University Hospital (Kliinikumi tee 6, Tartu). The emergency department can initiate PEP.
- Narva: Linda Kliinik (Linda 4, Narva).
Do not go to your perearstikeskus (GP / family health centre). GPs cannot prescribe PEP. You need the hospital emergency department directly.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
Walk in and tell the reception or triage nurse exactly what happened.
- Use the terminology: "Ma vajan PEP-i." (I need PEP.)
- State the timeline: "See oli [X] tundi tagasi." (It was [X] hours ago.)
- Be direct about the exposure: "Mul oli riskantne seksuaalvahekord." (I had a risky sexual contact.) Being specific speeds up the assessment.
The Process: After assessment and a rapid HIV test, if PEP is appropriate, you receive the first doses on the spot. The full 28-day course is then prescribed digitally (Digilugu) and can be dispensed at any pharmacy. Baseline blood work and follow-up HIV tests (28 days and 3 months) are also part of the process.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Estonian 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
- Haigekassa insured: PEP is covered. Standard treatment copayments apply.
- EHIC (visiting EU citizens): Emergency/medically necessary PEP should be covered under EHIC.
- Uninsured: You will be assessed and treated — Estonia does not turn away emergency patients. You will receive a bill; contact the hospital's social services team if cost is a barrier.
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