Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

What is PrEP?

Several treatments and supports are available to help prevent HIV, including PrEP. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a medication that can be taken every day to prevent HIV. 

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How To Access PrEP 

In London, the HIV Prevention Clinic is delivered in partnership with SpecialtyRx Pharmacy to improve access to PrEP with help from a nurse practitioner. At our HIV Prevention Clinic, you can can:

• Receive a prescription for PrEP or have it dispensed  
• Receive full STI screenings
• Find connections to sexual health counselling
• Receive treatment and continual follow-up care 

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Covering the Cost of PrEP

Many private and public drug plans in Ontario provided coverage for the cost of PrEP. PrEP is covered through the Trillium Drug Program and by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program for people enrolled in Ontario Works (OW), the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), and Home or Community Care. PrEP is also covered by OHIP+ for Ontarians who are: 

• 24 years old or younger, have a valid OHIP health card, and do not have private insurance; or
• Those over the age of 65 years old who have a valid OHIP card

Coverage for PrEP is provided to eligible First Nations and Inuit people with status through the Federal Non-Insured Health Benefits Program. The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) also covers PrEP for refugees and refugee claimants.  

‍PrEPStart is a program that provides three months of PrEP free for people without a drug plan, allowing you to start PrEP right away and make arrangements to find the drug coverage plan that works for you to stay on PrEP as long as you need.