References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily or event-based medication that prevents HIV infection. It’s free on the NHS across the UK through sexual health clinics. Getting PrEP is straightforward — you don’t need a GP referral, and appointments are confidential.
Here’s how to access it.
Order a discreet home HIV test
Where to Get PrEP
| Country | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| England | NHS sexual health clinics — walk-in or book online |
| Scotland | NHS sexual health clinics |
| Wales | NHS sexual health clinics |
| Northern Ireland | NHS sexual health clinics |
You do not need a referral from your GP. Sexual health services are free, confidential and open to everyone.
Who Can Get PrEP?
PrEP is offered to people at higher risk of HIV, including:
- Gay and bisexual men and their partners
- Trans people who have condomless sex with partners at risk
- Anyone having condomless sex with an HIV-positive partner not confirmed undetectable
- People who inject drugs and share equipment
- Anyone assessed as being at substantial risk
What Happens at Your Appointment
- HIV test — must be negative before starting PrEP
- STI screening — chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis
- Kidney function blood test — PrEP can affect kidneys in a small number of people
- Hepatitis B and C screening
- Discussion — daily vs event-based dosing, how PrEP works, follow-up
- Prescription — usually generic Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir DF)
Daily vs Event-Based PrEP
- Daily — one tablet every day, regardless of sexual activity. Most reliable option.
- Event-based (2-1-1) — take 2 tablets 2-24 hours before sex, then 1 tablet 24 hours later, then 1 tablet 24 hours after that. Only validated for men who have sex with men.
Your clinic will help you choose the right approach.
Follow-Up
While on PrEP, you’ll attend clinic every 3 months for:
- HIV test
- STI screening
- Kidney function check
- Prescription renewal
Cost
PrEP is completely free on the NHS. The appointments, tests and medication are all provided at no cost.
Read more: PrEP benefits and risks | PrEP and STIs | What is HIV?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get PrEP from my GP?
PrEP is currently provided through sexual health clinics, not GPs. Some areas are piloting GP prescribing, but the standard route is via a sexual health service.
How long does it take to start working?
For daily PrEP, maximum protection for anal sex is reached after about 7 days. For vaginal sex, it takes about 21 days of daily use.
Can I stop PrEP when I’m not having sex?
Yes. PrEP can be stopped and restarted as needed. If using daily PrEP, allow 7 days of daily use before relying on it again for anal sex protection.
Related reading
- Are HIV Tests Accurate If You're on PrEP, PEP or ART?
- Choosing the Right PrEP Drug: Truvada vs Descovy
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV
- PrEP and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
