SwissPrEPared

SwissPrEPared combines a national programme of medical support with a research study. The programme serves people already using PrEP and those interested in learning about it. It also provides clinical guidance and training for healthcare professionals. PrEP is medication used to prevent HIV infection and is prescribed by a healthcare professional.[3]

The FAQ allows participation by HIV-negative people older than 16 who have an interest in PrEP; taking the medication is not a requirement. Women and trans people can participate. The programme is offered in German, French, Italian and English. Programme eligibility is separate from the conditions governing insurance reimbursement.[3]

Guidance 4.0, dated August 2025, describes the initial assessment: a PrEP consultation, a fourth-generation HIV test, screening for syphilis and hepatitis C, and PCR swabs for gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Blood tests also assess kidney and liver function. Consultation topics include potential side effects and interactions with other medication.[7]

The guidance also discusses hepatitis A and B vaccination according to vaccination or immunity status, checking HPV vaccination status, and offering mpox vaccination to eligible people without a previous mpox infection. These are provisions of the clinical guidance. Insurance coverage for hepatitis A vaccination is restricted to certain population groups.[7]

Conditional coverage through compulsory health insurance began on 1 July 2024. The FAQ sets four requirements: Swiss health insurance, meeting the reimbursement criteria, a healthcare professional affiliated with SwissPrEPared, and that professional’s authorisation to bill the insurer. Affiliation alone is therefore insufficient for insurance billing.[4][3]

The first eligible group comprises cis and trans men and trans women who have sex with men and meet at least one additional criterion: past or intended condomless anal sex, an STI diagnosis or HIV PEP within the past twelve months, or substance use during sex. The second covers people having condomless sex with those men or trans women, or with sex workers from countries where HIV prevalence is high in the general population. The third covers condomless sex with partners living with HIV whose viral load is not below the detection threshold.[3]

The FAQ estimates annual costs of approximately CHF 2,000–2,500 for daily PrEP, including medication, medical services and laboratory work, without stating an effective date for that estimate. Patients still pay premiums, their chosen deductible of CHF 300–2,500 and then 10% coinsurance, capped at CHF 700 annually. Insurance coverage therefore does not make PrEP entirely free.[3]

People outside the eligible groups must cover the full cost themselves. Self-payment is generally possible, although not every doctor offers it. Some centres provide financial support for consultations for people on lower incomes; details are available from the individual centre.[3]

Access starts by contacting an affiliated centre to arrange an initial consultation. A medical discussion and tests precede PrEP. Programme participants complete a questionnaire before each visit to help prepare the consultation. A permanent referral is required when switching to a centre under a GP, telemedicine or similar insurance model.[3]

Guidance 4.0 describes a safety appointment four weeks after starting PrEP, followed generally by appointments every three months for daily use. For non-continuous use, it gives intervals of three to six months. The FAQ states that the actual frequency for non-daily use is discussed with the treating doctor.[7][3]

The “Nearest Centres” directory groups services by canton. Its list dated 26 October 2026 includes Checkpoint Bern, Checkpoint Genève, Checkpoint Zürich and Fondation PROFA’s Checkpoint Vaud in Lausanne, among others. Consultations are arranged with the chosen centre through its appointment process.[2][3]

For general questions or feedback, the website provides a contact form requesting a name, email address and message. For an initial medical appointment, the FAQ instead directs people to affiliated centres and the contact details in its directory.[6][3]