PrEP for HIV in British Columbia

Get PrEP prescribed online & delivered discreetly in BC.

No more awkward doctor visits or hassle. Welcome to Freddie.

The vast majority of Freddie patients in BC pay $0 for PrEP.

*Freddie’s service is only available for patients with private insurance at this time.

PrEP Clinic in British Columbia

Get PrEP prescribed online & delivered discreetly in BC.

No more awkward doctor visits or hassle. Welcome to Freddie.

The vast majority of Freddie patients in British Columbia pay $0 for PrEP.

Freddie can only serve patients with private insurance at this time.

PrEP from the comfort of your phone

PrEP for HIV in British Columbia

Get PrEP prescribed online & delivered discreetly in BC.

No more awkward doctor visits or hassle. Welcome to Freddie.

The vast majority of Freddie patients in BC pay $0 for PrEP.

*Freddie’s service is only available for patients with private insurance at this time.

Brooke
Lynn Hytes

How to get PrEP in British Columbia

With Freddie: 3 steps
With other providers: 10+ steps

find out if PrEP is for you with a short questionnaire
1.

Short survey & phone call

Answer a few questions and book a free consult with a Freddie clinician (20 minutes)

visit a lab
2.

Complete your lab work

Get some basic tests at your nearest lab so we can determine if PrEP is safe for you (it is for the vast majority of people!).

We'll help you figure out your testing site options.

get a PrEP prescription to your home
3.

Get your prescription

Your results are reviewed by your Freddie clinician. If HIV PrEP is safe for you, your prescription will be delivered confidentially to your door!


For details on Vancouver specifically, check out our guide to PrEP in Vancouver.

Have private insurance?
We make PrEP easy.

Freddie makes HIV prevention medication easy by offering online care, insurance navigation, and free discreet delivery.

Consultations are free and most patients with private insurance pay $0 for their PrEP & delivery.

Get Started Today

Cost and price of PrEP in British Columbia

PrEP is free for British Columbia residents who are enrolled under the province’s Medical Services Plan.

With public insurance: Patients can get PrEP for free by physically visiting a doctor or clinic within The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS network.

With private insurance: Most patients can access the newest form of PrEP with fewer reported side effects through Freddie for $0. Plus you have the added benefit of gaining access to online care.

For a quick estimate of what PrEP would cost you, please pick the description that best matches your status below.

BC resident, public insurance only
$0

Patients that meet eligibility requirements can get PrEP for free by physically visiting a GP or clinician approved by The BC Centre for Excellence.

BC resident, private insurance only
$0

Most Freddie patients with private insurance get Descovy, the newest form of PrEP with fewer side effects, for free.

Plus private insurance patients have exclusive access to online care and free, discreet delivery through Freddie.

Book a free consult with us and we'll help you get PrEP for as cost-affordable as possible!

BC resident, public & private insurance
$0

Most Freddie patients with private insurance get Descovy, the newest form of PrEP with fewer side effects, for free.

Because you have private insurance, you also have exclusive access to online care and free, discreet delivery through Freddie.

Book a free consult with us and we'll walk you through the PrEP process!

First Nations individual or Inuit
$0

First Nations individuals and Inuit may access PrEP at no cost through the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.

PrEP is covered under NIHB even if a designated PrEP prescriber does not issue the prescription.

We recommend getting in contact with The BC Centre for Excellence for getting on PrEP.

Refugee
$0

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) covers certain healthcare benefits (including PrEP) for resettled refugees, refugee claimants, and certain other groups until they become eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance.

We recommend getting in contact with The BC Centre for Excellence for getting on PrEP.

For a more in-depth look, take our one-minute questionnaire now and
book a free consultation with one of our LGBTQ2S+ inclusive clinicians today.

*Only available for patients with private insurance at this time.

Financial assistance programs

Looking for more information on financial assistance in British Columbia? Your options include the following programs:

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program: Benefits for First Nations individuals & Inuit

This program provides benefits for First Nations registered under the Indian Act and Inuit who are recognized by an Inuit land claim organization.

You can read more about this program here.

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP): Benefits for refugees and other groups

This program covers certain healthcare benefits for resettled refugees, refugee claimants, and certain other groups until they become eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance.

You can read more about this program's eligibility here.

The Treatment Benefits Program: Benefits for Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) health card holders

This program covers anyone that has a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) health card.

You can read more about this program here.

Have private insurance? Get the newest form of PrEP.

Descovy was developed by Gilead to lessen the (few) potential side effects associated with traditional PrEP, particularly with kidney and bone health.

Only patients with private insurance have coverage for Descovy at this time.

Get PrEP now

Freddie is the #1 PrEP provider in Canada

Unfiltered and honest reviews!

Sexual health clinics in British Columbia that offer PrEP [Alternatives to Freddie]

Due to provincial regulations and funding limitations, Freddie is not able to offer PrEP to BC patients without private insurance at this time.

We’re committed to reducing the transmission of HIV, even if it’s not through us!

Patients without private insurance will need to visit one of the clinics through The BC Centre for Excellence (clinics listed below) to access PrEP in British Columbia.

If you get PrEP through public insurance, you'll have:
1. An in-person visit to a GP or clinician for your initial consult.
2. An in-person visit to a local lab for testing.
3. An in-person visit to your GP/clinician, or Centre for Excellence-approved pharmacy.

Patients with private insurance can skip the wait and book an online PrEP appointment now.

Abbotsford Youth Health Centre

Google Rating

(

reviews)

#101-32555 Simon Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4Y3

6047463392

Offers PEP:

Aboriginal Health society

Google Rating

(

reviews)

625 Powell st, Vancouver, BC V6A 1H2

6044161517

Offers PEP:

BC Centre for Disease Control

3.1

Google Rating

(

reviews)

655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC

(604) 707-2400

Offers PEP:

3.1

BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

4.8

Google Rating

(

reviews)

608–1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6

(604) 806-8477

Offers PEP:

4.8

Clinic Prevention Services

Google Rating

(

reviews)

655 W 12th AVE, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4

6047075600

Offers PEP:

Health Initiative for Men (HIM) on Davie

3.6

Google Rating

(

reviews)

416 – 1033 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC

(604) 488-1001

Offers PEP:

3.6

Health Initiative for Men (HIM) on Drive

2.6

Google Rating

(

reviews)

1145 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC

(778) 708-3568

Offers PEP:

2.6

Island Sexual Health Society - Camosun College

Google Rating

(

reviews)

Lansdowne Campus, Richmond House Victoria, V8P 5J2

2505923479

Offers PEP:

Island Sexual Health Society - Tsawout First Nations

Google Rating

(

reviews)

7728 Tetayut RD Saanichton, Victoria, BC V8M 2E4

2505923479

Offers PEP:

Island Sexual Health Society - Victoria Clinic

Google Rating

(

reviews)

3960 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC

2505923479

Offers PEP:

Kelowna Outreach Urban Health Centre

Google Rating

(

reviews)

1649 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC V17 1P6

2508682230

Offers PEP:

North Surrey Public Health Unit (STI)

Google Rating

(

reviews)

220-10362 King George Highway Surrey, BC V3T 2W5

6044767087

Offers PEP:

STOP HIV/AIDS Team - Vancouver coastal health

Google Rating

(

reviews)

1128 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2L4

Offers PEP:

Surrey North Community Health Centre

Google Rating

(

reviews)

10697 125A Street, Surrey, BC V3T 4E3

6045835666

Offers PEP:

Victoria Health Unit - STI clinic

Google Rating

(

reviews)

1947 Cook Street Victoria, BC V8T3P7

2503882225

Offers PEP:

Get PrEP for $0

Prefer to start your PrEP journey from the comfort of your home? Try Freddie for free today!

Most Freddie patients with private insurance get Descovy, the newest form of PrEP with fewer side effects, for free.

Try Freddie (it's free)

Why British Columbia patients (with private insurance) love Freddie

convenient healthcare

#1 in patient care

It can be hard to talk about your sexual health. At Freddie, our inclusive clinicians “get” LGBTQ2S+ health. No judgement, no hassle.

affirming & LGBTQ+ friendly clinicians

Choice & convenience

Freddie makes Descovy, the latest form of PrEP, more accessible for those who want it.

Plus patients with private insurance can skip the doctor visit and attend their appointment from the comfort of home.

free or low cost PrEP

Quick, discreet delivery

All delivered prescriptions come in unmarked packages, so you do not need to worry about nosy neighbours or roommates.

Or you can pick-up from a local pharmacy.

Get the sexual healthcare you deserve

No one should be made to feel uncomfortable about their sexual health.

Our medical staff provides affirming and evidence-driven care, without judgement.

*Only available for patients with private insurance at this time.

Get Started Today

Types of PrEP medication available in BC

There are 3 forms of PrEP medication approved in British Columbia:

1. Name-Brand Truvada
2. Generic Truvada
3. Descovy

All three forms of PrEP are 99% effective in preventing HIV infection when taken as prescribed.

Truvada (Name-brand)

Truvada is a brand name PrEP medication developed by Gilead Sciences.

Truvada is approved for use in BC, but is not covered by provincial health plans.

As a result, out-of-pocket costs can be as high as $800/month.

This is why Freddie focuses on offering affordable alternatives instead.

Generic Truvada ("Generic PrEP")

Generic PrEP, or “generic Truvada”, is the generic version of Truvada.

It has the exact same active ingredients and is also 99% effective at preventing HIV, but is a fraction of the cost.

In BC, provincial plans and almost every private insurance plan cover generic Truvada.

Descovy

Descovy was developed by Gilead to lessen the (few) potential side effects associated with Truvada, particularly with kidney and bone health.

If you have private insurance, Freddie can help you get Descovy for free! Descovy is covered by most private insurance plans.

Unless you have a pre-existing condition, you cannot opt-in for Descovy through the Centre of Excellence, even if you have private insurance.

Most Freddie patients with private insurance get Descovy, the newest form of PrEP with fewer side effects, for free.

Due to differences in individual needs, it is important to refer to a healthcare professional and find out which option is best for you.

Additional questions you may have

Is PrEP covered in BC?

Yes, PrEP is free for most Vancouver residents that have public or private insurance.

If you have private insurance, Freddie can likely help you get Descovy, a form of PrEP with fewer side effects, for free.

Is PrEP available in Canada?

Yes, PrEP is available for prescription in Canada.

Where can I buy PrEP in BC?

You have two options for accessing PrEP in BC.

Patients without private insurance will need to visit one of the clinics through The BC Centre for Excellence. 

Patients with private insurance can likely get their PrEP for free and online through Freddie. All you need to do is book a free virtual PrEP consultation and we’ll walk you through the rest of the steps.

Who is eligible for PrEP?

In order to qualify for PrEP, you must:

- Display a high risk for acquiring HIV, based on provincial guidelines.

- Be HIV negative.

- Be able to healthily tolerate the medication.

- Receive a prescription from a medical professional licensed in your province.

- Consistently participate in standard testing to re-confirm your HIV status and medication tolerance.

Can I get PrEP over the counter?

No, you cannot access PrEP over the counter. You must have a prescription in order to access PrEP.

Is PrEP safer than condoms?

PrEP reduces HIV risk by 99% when taken as prescribed, but it does not prevent other STIs.

Condoms, when used consistently and correctly, prevent the transmission of HIV by 98%.

It is recommended to use both PrEP and condoms for maximum protection.

How much is PrEP a month?

With provincial or private insurance, PrEP is usually $0 per month.

Without insurance, the monthly cost of PrEP is around $250.

How can I get free PrEP?

If you meet the clinical criteria for PrEP, based on your HIV risk, you can get PrEP through:

Public insurance in BC - you can physically visit a local clinic to obtain PrEP for $0.

Private insurance in BC - you can skip the waiting room and get your PrEP virtually through Freddie. Most Freddie patients get Descovy, a version of PrEP with fewer side effects, for free.

For those without insurance, there are additional financial aid programs through which PrEP can be obtained for free.

Convinced yet?

We're impressed that you made it this far. 😳

If this page hasn't convinced you yet, set up a free call with us and we'll address your concerns.

We really think you'll like us.

Book Free Consult