Getting HIV PEP in Greece: A Complete Guide for Tourists
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve recently experienced a possible HIV exposure while visiting Greece—and you’re searching for answers fast. First and foremost: take a deep breath. You are not alone, and there is help available right now.
As a physician who has spent over two decades working in HIV prevention and treatment across the globe—from rural hospitals in southern Africa to national programs in Latin America and mobile clinics in Southeast Asia—I’ve seen firsthand the power of fast, respectful, and science-driven HIV care. Timing truly makes the difference.
That’s why we created Altheum. Our mission is simple: to make urgent HIV care—especially Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)—accessible, private, and judgment-free, no matter where you are in the world.
What Is HIV PEP—and Why Every Hour Counts
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication that significantly reduces your risk of contracting HIV after a recent exposure. But the key is timing:
PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure.
The sooner you start, the more effective it is—ideally within 2 to 4 hours.
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as a risk, don’t wait for clarity to act. Delays can cost you the window of protection. At Altheum, we can help you assess your risk quickly and accurately via teleconsultation—so you can make an informed decision and act fast.
Accessing PEP in Greece as a Tourist
Greece has a well-established national health system, and PEP is available. But navigating emergency services as a non-resident—especially under stress—can be overwhelming. Below are the most reliable access points:
Athens
Evangelismos General Hospital
(45-47 Ipsilantou Street | +30 213 204 1242 | Open 24/7)
One of the largest hospitals in the capital, with 24/7 emergency services and an Infectious Diseases Unit.ATH Checkpoint
(Pittaki 4, Monastiraki | +30 210 33 10 400 | Mon–Sat, 12:00–20:00)
A trusted community-based HIV prevention center offering confidential testing, counseling, and multilingual support.
Thessaloniki
AHEPA University General Hospital
(Stilponos Kyriakidi 1 | +30 231 099 5111)
Major referral hospital with emergency services and access to antiretroviral therapy.Thess Checkpoint
(Dedicated to LGBTQ+ and HIV-related care, open weekday afternoons and evenings)
Tourist Islands
Mykonos: Mykonos Health Center (24/7 care) and private clinics
Crete: University General Hospital of Heraklion
Rhodes: General Hospital “Andreas Papandreou”
If you're within the 72-hour window, public hospitals in Greece are obligated to provide emergency care and initiate PEP—even before lab results confirm status.
How Altheum Can Help—Before You Even Step into a Hospital
This is where Altheum becomes your most valuable ally. Whether you're confused, panicked, or facing language barriers, we step in with clarity and action.
Here’s how we help:
✅ Immediate Teleconsultations with a doctor
✅ Risk Evaluation based on your situation
✅ Electronic Prescriptions for PEP, when indicated
✅ Navigation Support to help you find the nearest PEP-ready facility
✅ Follow-Up Care for the full 28 days, including side effect tracking and medication reminders
✅ Multilingual Communication with Greek clinics on your behalf
Our role is to simplify, support, and speed up your access to care—so you can focus on healing, not navigating a foreign health system.
What Will It Cost?
EU Citizens with an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card):
Emergency visits are free or low-cost, and antiretroviral medications may be partially covered.UK Citizens with a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card):
Similar benefits as EU citizens.Non-EU Tourists:
Emergency hospital care is free, but medications like PEP may cost upwards of €900 without insurance.
Altheum teleconsultations start at €25—and are often reimbursable by travel or international health insurance plans.
Why Digital Health—and Altheum—Make a Difference
Even in cosmopolitan cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, tourists report challenges like:
Long wait times in ERs
Unclear protocols around HIV
Language barriers
Fear of stigma or judgment
Altheum breaks through these obstacles with:
📱 Mobile App Access – Consult from your phone
🌍 Multilingual Doctors – English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and more
📍 Local Hospital Referrals – We guide you to facilities that stock PEP
🧾 Insurance and Documentation Help – So you're not lost in the paperwork
Wherever you are—from a beach in Crete to a bar in Mykonos—Altheum is just a tap away.
FAQs: Quick Answers When Time Is Short
Q: Can Altheum prescribe PEP in Greece?
Yes. Our licensed physicians provide consultations and issue prescriptions that comply with Greek regulations. We can either refer you to a nearby clinic or coordinate pharmacy access.
Q: Will I have to stop traveling if I start PEP?
Not at all. You can take PEP while continuing your trip. We’ll help you stick to the schedule, manage side effects, and coordinate refills if needed.
Q: What if I don’t speak Greek?
No problem. Altheum’s services are available in English and several other languages. We’ll also coordinate directly with Greek healthcare providers on your behalf.
Final Tips for Tourists Needing PEP in Greece
🆘 Save 112 in your phone—it’s the EU-wide emergency number (English-speaking operators available).
📸 Keep a photo of your passport and insurance card on your phone.
📞 Contact Altheum FIRST—before visiting a clinic, we can streamline your care.
⏰ Act immediately—don’t wait to “see if symptoms appear.” PEP works preventively.
A Final Word from Dr. Juliana Soares Linn
I’ve worked in more than 30 countries to improve access to HIV care, and I know what matters most when someone is scared, vulnerable, and far from home: being heard, being respected, and being treated quickly.
You don’t have to navigate Greece’s health system alone. Altheum is here to guide you every step of the way—from that first moment of fear to the last day of your treatment.
If you think you may need HIV PEP while in Greece, don’t wait, get in touch with Altheum.
We’re not just offering medicine. We’re offering peace of mind.