How to Get HIV PEP in Spain

Spain
Written By Juliana Soares Linn

I’m Dr. Juliana Soares Linn, physician, infectious disease specialist, and co-founder of Altheum. Over the past two decades, I’ve worked in HIV prevention and care around the world—from sub-Saharan Africa to Southeast Asia to right here in Europe. I know how critical timely HIV prevention is. And I know how overwhelming it can feel when you think you may have been exposed.

If you're in Spain and believe you've had a recent HIV exposure, the most important thing to know is this: you have options—and you are not alone.

Let’s talk about how to get PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) in Spain, what your rights are, and how Altheum’s telehealth platform can help you start treatment as quickly and safely as possible.

What Is HIV PEP?

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication that can stop HIV from taking hold after a possible exposure. It’s emergency HIV prevention—meant for situations like:

  • Unprotected sex with a partner of unknown or positive HIV status

  • A condom break during intercourse

  • Sexual assault

  • Needle-sharing or accidental needlestick

  • Other high-risk contact with blood or bodily fluids

But PEP only works if started within 72 hours—and the sooner you start, the better it works.

Real Talk: You Are Not Alone

Every year, thousands of people—locals, tourists, students, expats—seek help after an HIV risk event. This includes people in committed relationships, LGBTQ+ individuals, travelers on holiday, and more.

You’re not alone, and you don’t need to feel ashamed. What matters most is taking action now.

The Challenges of Getting PEP in Spain’s Public System

Spain has a strong public healthcare system, and PEP is technically available for free through most hospital emergency departments. But when you're dealing with a potential HIV exposure, what you really need is clarity, speed, and support—and that’s where the system can fall short.

Even in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, patients often face major hurdles:

  • ⏳ Long ER wait times, especially at night or on weekends

  • 🗣️ Language barriers and complex medical explanations

  • 🤷 Confusion about eligibility, especially for tourists or undocumented individuals

  • 😟 Fear of being judged, misunderstood, or turned away

  • 🚫 No centralized hotline or digital system for fast HIV PEP access

These are not small issues. They’re the kinds of barriers that can lead to dangerous delays—and when it comes to HIV prevention, every hour counts. PEP must be started within 72 hours, and ideally within the first 24.

If you’re alone in a new country, not fluent in Spanish, unsure where to go, and anxious about what’s happening—you shouldn't have to navigate this process by yourself.

That’s Where Altheum Comes In

At Altheum, we’ve built a platform to do one thing: make timely, respectful access to HIV prevention simple—no matter where you are in Spain.

Whether you’re a resident, tourist, student, digital nomad, or undocumented individual, you deserve fast, private, and expert care.

How Altheum Helps You Get PEP in Spain—Fast

✅ Same-Day Telehealth Consultations

No need to navigate the ER alone. You can book a video appointment with one of our licensed physicians in minutes—and often be seen same day.

Our doctors are trained in HIV prevention and speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. They’ll assess your situation, answer your questions, and walk you through every step.

✅ Immediate Prescription Support

If PEP is indicated, we’ll help you access it as quickly as possible, either by:

  • Coordinating with a local pharmacy

  • Directing you to a specific hospital ER with a written referral in Spanish

  • Advising on where medication is in stock near you

We currently support patients across Spain, including:

  • Madrid

  • Barcelona

  • Valencia

  • Málaga

  • Seville

  • Bilbao

  • Palma de Mallorca

And many more locations.

✅ Optional Follow-Up and Testing Support

PEP is a 28-day course—and we’re here for the entire journey. With Altheum, you can request paid follow-up services, including:

  • Side-effect check-ins

  • Medication reminders

  • Mental health and emotional support

  • Post-PEP HIV testing guidance (at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months)

What Does PEP Cost in Spain?

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Public Hospitals: PEP is usually free, but access depends on your ability to navigate the ER system.

  • Private Pharmacies: PEP costs range from €200 to €400 for a full course.

  • Altheum: You’ll pay for the medical consultation and the medication—but in return, you skip the ER lines, language barriers, and confusion.

If you have travel insurance, we can provide receipts and documentation for reimbursement.

Why Choose Altheum?

Because when you’re scared, uncertain, or in a time crunch, the last thing you need is bureaucracy. You need someone who listens, acts fast, and respects your privacy.

At Altheum, we are:

  • HIV prevention experts

  • Queer-affirming and sex-positive

  • Multilingual and multicultural

  • Clinically excellent, emotionally human

We don’t just prescribe pills—we offer peace of mind.

Need HIV PEP in Spain?

If you’ve had a possible HIV exposure, don’t wait.

👉 Visit Altheum to book a same-day video consult with one of our doctors.
👉 Or reach out to ask: “Can I get PEP in my city?”

Your health matters. Your time matters. And with Altheum, help is just a tap away.

Juliana Soares Linn
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