PrEP treatment is free in Finland!

Page last reviewed 8.6.2022

PrEP treatment has decreased the amount of new HIV infections in all countries that it has been available. The number of PrEP users is growing also in Finland but until now the price has been an obstacle for many. According to the new Act on social and health care client fees PrEP treatment has been free of charge from the 1st of July 2021. Until this point the lowest price for 30 tablets has been around 52 euros, which is clearly too high for many. Now a PrEP medicine prescribed from public health care, the doctor appointments and laboratory tests will be covered free of charge. Those who are on PrEP treatment at private health care clinics will continue to pay for follow up visits, laboratory tests and the medicines themselves.

Who can prescribe PrEP medication?

There is a national guideline for using PrEP in Finland. Medicines for PrEP treatment can be prescribed by a doctor who has sufficient knowledge about HIV. PrEP treatments in Finland are mainly carried out in outpatient clinics for STIs or infectious diseases. At the moment there are around 700-1000 PrEP users in Finland. Most of the users are living in Helsinki or the capital area and get their treatment from Venereal Diseases Outpatient Clinic (HUS, Helsinki University Hospital).

Waiting period to start PrEP can be frustratingly long

Unfortunately the waiting period to start PrEP treatment is now up to one year (situation at May 2022) at HUS which is due to the increased demand, COVID-19 impacts and limited resources.

HUS is developing digitalized services that will hopefully ease the queue situation in the future. In many other cities in Finland, you can start the PrEP treatment without a waiting period.

Who can I talk to about the need for PrEP?

Hivpoint offers free PrEP counselling and makes referrals to PrEP treatment for its clients living in Helsinki or the capital area.

A preliminary assessment of the need for PrEP treatment can be made at Hivpoint’s Checkpoint rapid HIV testing service. PrEP issues can also be discussed via our chat counselling service. You can also book an appointment for a PrEP discussion at Hivpoint office, and if necessary, a referral can be made to a specialist for a PrEP treatment assessment at Venereal Diseases Outpatient Clinic (HUS, Helsinki University Hospital).

Book an appointment for a PrEP discussion: prep(at)hivpoint.fi

Based on research and user experiences, PrEP provides up to 99% protection against HIV infection in sex when it is taken as prescribed and used accordingly. PrEP users around the world have stated that they get more joy and pleasure out of sex when they don’t have to constantly worry about HIV. PrEP treatment also includes laboratory tests every three months. The tests include HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis tests. Many users feel that PrEP has lead them to take better care of their sexual health.

Contact your own Health Care District to get PrEP:

Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District, HUS

  • PrEP Treatment at Venereal Diseases Outpatient Clinic
  • a doctor´s referral
  • Further information from Venereal Diseases Outpatient Clinic +358 9 471 86220 from 8am – 4pm Mon-Fri.
  • or a referral from Hivpoint. Book an appointment for a PrEP discussion: prep@hivpoint.fi

Kanta-Häme Hospital District, Hämeenlinna

  • A doctor´s referral to an infectious disease outpatient clinic
  • Contact information here >>
  • A referral from Hivpoint to an infectious disease outpatient clinic to Hämeenlinna (a contact remotely)

Kai­nuu So­cial Wel­fa­re and Health Ca­re Joint Aut­ho­ri­ty, KAKS Central Hospital in Kajaani

  • Phone counselling: +358 8 61 561, contact information here >>
  •  A doctor’s referral to an infectious disease outpatient clinic
  • A referral from Hivpoint to an infectious disease outpatient clinic to Kajaani. Book an appointment: prep@hivpoint.fi (a contact remotely)

South Karelia Social and Health Care District, EKSOTE Lappeenranta

  • Access to the treatment can be requested from the health care center’s appointment number. A preliminary survey and referral to an infection decease clinic can be made at the health care station.

The South Savo Social and Health Care Authority (ESSOTE), Mikkeli Central Hospital

The East Savo Hospital District SOSTERI, Savonlinna Central Hospital

  • A doctor´s referral to an infection clinic
  • Further information
  • A referral from Hivpoint to an infection clinic to Savonlinna. Book an appointment: prep@hivpoint.fi (a contact remotely)

The Hospital Disctrict of Ostrobothnia, Seinäjoki

  • Access to the PrEP treatment can be requested from the Seinäjoki Central Hospital Infection Clinic +358 6 415 4111, contact information here >>

Central Ostrobothnia Hospital District, Kokkola Central Hospital

Access to the PrEP treatment can be requested from the Kokkola Central Hospital Infection Clinic +358 6 826 4560, contact information here (in Finnish) >>

Pirkanmaa Hospital District, TAYS Tampere

  • Telefone: +358 3 311 611
  • Infection clinic
  • Referal from Doctor
  • Referral from Hivpoint (a contact remotely)
  • Referral from Tays TAYS Outpatient clinic, tel. +358 33 5657 0150, Mon-Fri 8.30am – 11am and 12.30pm – 14.30pm