🛡️ The Situation

Latvia has a higher HIV incidence than most EU countries — which makes getting this right matter more, not less. The good news: PrEP is state-reimbursed, the Latvian Infectology Center (LIC) provides comprehensive clinical care, and Mozaika runs Testpunkts as a gay-friendly testing entry point. The challenge is that almost everything useful is concentrated in Riga, and LGBTQ+-affirming care requires knowing where to go.

Latvia's state-funded healthcare is administered by the National Health Service (NVD):

  • EU Citizens: Covered by the NVD if legally employed in Latvia or holding an S1 form from their home country.
  • Non-EU Citizens: Must hold a permanent residence permit (or be married to a Latvian citizen) to access state-funded healthcare. Those on temporary residence permits typically need private health insurance.
  • National Health Hotline: For info on state-funded services, call NVD at +371 6704 5005 (abroad) or +371 8000 1234 (local). For non-emergency medical advice, call +371 6601 6001.

⚖️ The Golden Rules

1. Testpunkts First, LIC for Full Clinical Care

Testpunkts (Stabu iela 19, Riga, run by Mozaika) is the community-friendly rapid testing starting point — free, anonymous, no insurance required. LIC (Linezera iela 3) handles the full clinical picture: comprehensive STI panels, PrEP, PEP, and HIV treatment. Use both.

2. PrEP Is Reimbursed — Go to LIC

Since 2022, PrEP is state-reimbursed in Latvia. The infektologs at LIC prescribes it. Given Latvia's HIV rate, PrEP isn't an optional extra — it's a meaningful public health tool. Mozaika can advise on the fastest booking route.

3. PEP Is Free at LIC — 72 Hours, No Waiting

Go to LIC's Uzņemšanas nodaļa (Linezera iela 3) if you've had a potential HIV exposure. Free with NVD coverage or EHIC. Say: "Man bija HIV risks — man vajag PEP." Do not wait.

⚖️ The Reality of the System

The Pros:

  • PrEP has been state-reimbursed since 2022.
  • Emergency PEP is free with NVD coverage or an EHIC card.
  • Testpunkts offers an excellent, welcoming, and anonymous rapid testing entry point.

The Cons:

  • Essential sexual health services and LGBTQ+-affirming care are highly concentrated in Riga.
  • Higher national HIV incidence means proactive prevention is critically important here.
  • Non-EU citizens on temporary residence permits generally must rely on private health insurance.

💬 Anonymous Partner Notification

If you test positive for an STI and absolutely cannot face the direct message (e.g., safety concerns, extreme anxiety), you must still ensure partners are warned.

Latvia does not currently have a centralized, public anonymous notification portal. The most effective route is to ask the clinic or doctor who diagnosed you to assist; many local sexual health units or NGOs like Mozaika can facilitate confidential partner notification on your behalf without revealing your identity. It's always better than silence. Use Testpunkts or local clinics for support.

🗺️ Guide Map

Testing & Clinics

Prevention

Emergencies & Support

Result Management

Support & System