Ask any question
about PrEP
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a medication strategy that is 99% effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed.
When you’re on PrEP, you take medication that helps prevent you from getting HIV even if you’re exposed to it.
PrEP is most commonly prescribed as a once-a-day pill. The best way to find out what type of PrEP would work for you is to talk to a healthcare professional.
Is PrEP right for me?
If you are not living with HIV, PrEP can help protect you against HIV, no matter your gender or body type.
PrEP is typically prescribed to people considered at higher risk of HIV exposure.
Freddie’s HIV risk assessment tells you whether PrEP could meaningfully reduce your HIV risk — along with how much you’d likely pay for PrEP.
What are PrEP's side effects?
Side effects from PrEP are rare, typically minor, and usually go away in 1 to 2 weeks.
Less than 10% of people who start PrEP may experience short-term side effects including nausea, headaches, diarrhea and vomiting.
In a small number of people, PrEP can result in a decrease in kidney function and bone density. Research shows that this is rare (less than 1% of people). It can usually be reversed after stopping PrEP, and detected early through regular testing.
Ask the Freddie Care Team
Have more questions? Email the Freddie Care Team and an expert will be in touch soon!
How much does PrEP cost?
Get an estimate of how much you’d pay for PrEP by answering a few quick questions.
What province do you live in?
Do you have government healthcare coverage?
This includes your provincial healthcare number, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), or benefits through federal programs such as IFHB and NIHB.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0
per month
for people in Alberta with government healthcare coverage
PrEP is available in Alberta at no cost for people who:
Completing Freddie's HIV risk assessment will let you know if you meet the criteria for receiving PrEP in Alberta.
$0
per month
for people in Alberta with government healthcare coverage
PrEP is available in Alberta at no cost for people who:
Completing Freddie's HIV risk assessment will let you know if you meet the criteria for receiving PrEP in Alberta.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0-50
per month
for people in Alberta with private health insurance
Most private insurance plans cover about 80% of the cost of PrEP.
Do you have government healthcare coverage?
This includes your provincial healthcare number, BC Pharmacare, or benefits through federal programs such as IFHB and NIHB.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0-50
per month
for people in BC with government and private healthcare coverage
Most private insurance plans cover about 80% of the cost of PrEP.
PrEP is also available for free under BC's Medical Services Plan. However, due to provincial regulations, Freddie can only accept private insurance for BC patients at this time.
$0
per month
for people in BC with government healthcare coverage
You can get generic PrEP free with BC’s Medical Services Plan.
Due to provincial regulations, Freddie can’t offer PrEP to BC residents without private insurance. But you can still get PrEP at no cost by physically visiting a doctor or clinic within The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS network.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0-50
per month
for people in BC with private health insurance
Most private insurance plans cover about 80% of the cost of PrEP.
Do you have government healthcare coverage?
This includes your provincial healthcare number, Manitoba Pharmacare Program, or benefits through federal programs such as IFHB and NIHB.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0-50
per month
for people in Manitoba with private healthcare coverage
Most private insurance plans cover about 80% of the cost of PrEP.
$250
per month
for people in Manitoba without private health insurance
PrEP in Manitoba is not covered by provincial assistance programs.
If you are in one of the following groups, you may be eligible for federal assistance that could reduce your PrEP cost.
First Nations or Inuit
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
The NIHB program provides benefits for First Nations registered under the Indian Act and Inuit who are recognized by an Inuit land claim organization. You can learn more about the NIHB program’s eligibility criteria at the Indigenous Services Canada website.
Refugee or Temporary Resident
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
The IHFP 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.
Veteran Affairs Canada Card Holder
Treatment Benefits Program
The Treatment Benefits Program covers anyone with a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) health card. You can read more about this program’s eligibility here.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0-50
per month
for people in Manitoba with private health insurance
Most private insurance plans cover about 80% of the cost of PrEP.
Do you have government healthcare coverage?
This includes programs like OHIP, OHIP+, ODB, ODSP, IFHP, NIHB, and Trillium.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0-50
per month
for people 24 or younger in Ontario with government coverage and private health insurance
Most private insurance plans cover about 80% of the cost of PrEP.
Freddie’s financial assistance program covers the rest, meaning you get PrEP from Freddie for $0!
$0
per month
for people 24 or younger in Ontario with government coverage
Ontario residents 24 years and younger are fully covered by OHIP+ as long as they are not on a private insurance plan.
You do not have to enroll or register — as long as you are under 25 and are not on any private insurance plan, you're covered.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0-50
per month
for people ages 25-64 in Ontario with private health insurance
Most private insurance plans cover about 80% of the cost of PrEP.
Freddie’s financial assistance program covers the rest, meaning you get PrEP from Freddie for $0!
Do you have government healthcare coverage?
This includes programs like OHIP, OHIP+, ODB, ODSP, IFHP, NIHB, and Trillium.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0-50
per month
for people ages 25-64 in Ontario with government coverage and private health insurance
Most private insurance plans cover about 80% of the cost of PrEP.
Freddie’s financial assistance program covers the rest, meaning you get PrEP from Freddie for $0!
$0-150
per month
for people ages 25-64 in Ontario with government coverage
The Ontario Drug Benefit program can reduce your PrEP cost if you are enrolled in:
With both the Ontario Drug Benefit and Freddie financial assistance, it’s likely the majority of your PrEP cost would be covered.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0-50
per month
for people ages 25-64 in Ontario with private health insurance
Most private insurance plans cover about 80% of the cost of PrEP.
Freddie’s financial assistance program covers the rest, meaning you get PrEP from Freddie for $0!
Do you have government healthcare coverage?
This includes programs like OHIP, OHIP+, ODB, ODSP, IFHP, NIHB, and Trillium.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
Almost $0
per month
for people 65 or older in Ontario with government coverage and private health insurance
Ontario residents aged 65 or over automatically qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program, which covers PrEP.
While there is a deductible for drugs purchased through the ODB program, it is extremely low. You'll pay almost nothing for PrEP.
Almost $0
per month
for people 65 or older in Ontario with government coverage
Ontario residents aged 65 or over automatically qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program, which covers PrEP.
While there is a deductible for drugs purchased through the ODB program, it is extremely low. You'll pay almost nothing for PrEP.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0-50
per month
for people ages 25-64 in Ontario with private health insurance
Most private insurance plans cover about 80% of the cost of PrEP.
Freddie’s financial assistance program covers the rest, meaning you get PrEP from Freddie for $0!
Do you have government healthcare coverage?
This includes your provincial healthcare number, Saskatchewan Drug Plan, or benefits through federal programs such as IFHB and NIHB.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0
per month
for people in Saskatchewan with government and private healthcare coverage
In Saskatchewan, PrEP is fully covered by the provincial government for individuals who are at a higher risk of HIV.
You can find out if you meet the criteria for getting PrEP covered by taking Freddie's HIV risk assessment.
$0
per month
for people in Saskatchewan with government healthcare coverage
In Saskatchewan, PrEP is fully covered by the provincial government for individuals who are at a higher risk of HIV.
You can find out if you meet the criteria for getting PrEP covered by taking Freddie's HIV risk assessment.
Do you have private health insurance?
This is health insurance through your employer, school, or other source that helps pay for prescription medications.
$0-50
per month
for people in Saskatchewan with private health insurance
Most private insurance plans cover about 80% of the cost of PrEP.
$250
per month
without coverage or financial assistance
If you are in one of the following groups, you may be eligible for federal assistance that could reduce your PrEP cost.
First Nations or Inuit
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
The NIHB program provides benefits for First Nations registered under the Indian Act and Inuit who are recognized by an Inuit land claim organization. You can learn more about the NIHB program’s eligibility criteria at the Indigenous Services Canada website.
Refugee or Temporary Resident
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
The IHFP 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.
Veteran Affairs Canada Card Holder
Treatment Benefits Program
The Treatment Benefits Program covers anyone with a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) health card. You can read more about this program’s eligibility here.
What province do you live in?
Freddie doesn't serve these provinces, but can still provide some cost information.
If you have private health insurance:
Most private health insurance plans cover PrEP. Contact your insurance provider to verify the exact details of your coverage.
If you have only government healthcare coverage:
While Medicare does not cover PrEP, you may be able to get PrEP covered through the New Brunswick Drug Plan.
If you have private health insurance:
Most private health insurance plans cover PrEP. Contact your insurance provider to verify the exact details of your coverage.
If you have only government healthcare coverage:
PrEP is covered by the Newfoundland Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP). Your exact co-pay will be determined by your eligibility criteria.
If you have private health insurance:
Most private health insurance plans cover PrEP. Contact your insurance provider to verify the exact details of your coverage.
If you have only government healthcare coverage:
PrEP is covered by the Extended Health Benefits (EHB) plan.
If you have private health insurance:
Most private health insurance plans cover PrEP. Contact your insurance provider to verify the exact details of your coverage.
If you have only government healthcare coverage:
PrEP can be covered through exception status if you are enrolled in the Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program, which is free.
Once you are enrolled in Family Pharmacare, your healthcare provider will need to complete a special authorization form before the cost can be covered. Co-pays are defined by the family’s size and annual income.
If you have private health insurance:
Most private health insurance plans cover PrEP. Contact your insurance provider to verify the exact details of your coverage.
If you have only government healthcare coverage:
PrEP is covered by the Extended Health Benefits (EHB) plan.
$0
per month
PrEP is provided at no charge through the province's HIV Drug Program.
To qualify, you must have a PEI health card and meet the criteria to be considered at risk of HIV transmission. Applications must be approved by the Chief Public Health Officer.
$50-95
per month
depending on your type of healthcare coverage
If you have private health insurance:
Most private health insurance plans cover PrEP. The cost is typically around $50 a month, but it depends on your specific policy.
If you have only government healthcare coverage:
The cost of PrEP is $95.31 per month unless you have received an exemption.
$0
per month
The Government of Yukon fully covers the cost of PrEP for anyone at-risk of HIV transmission.
¿Cuánto cuesta PrEP?
El 90% de los pacientes de Freddie obtienen su PreP recetado en línea y entregado discretamente por $0.
El precio de PrEP varía según el tipo de PrEP que elija, la cobertura de su seguro y su acceso a programas de asistencia financiera.
Hay tres tipos de PrEP disponibles en EE. UU.: Truvada de marca, Truvada genérico y Descovy.
Truvada genérico es el tipo más común de receta de PrEP y el más asequible sin seguro.
El precio de PrEP varía según el lugar donde vive y el tipo de seguro que tiene.
Hay tres tipos de PrEP disponibles en EE. UU.: Truvada de marca, Truvada genérico y Descovy.
Truvada genérico es el tipo más común de receta de PrEP y generalmente el más asequible.
Hay tres formas de medicamentos PrEP aprobados en EE. UU.:
Truvada de marca
Truvada genérico
Descovy
Todas las tres formas de PrEP son 99% efectivas en la prevención de la infección por VIH cuando se toman según lo recetado.
Truvada es un medicamento PrEP de marca desarrollado por Gilead Sciences.
Los costos de bolsillo (sin seguro) pueden ser tan altos como $2000/mes. Alternativamente, los costos de bolsillo del Truvada genérico son típicamente alrededor de $60/mes.
La PrEP genérica, o “Truvada genérico,” es la versión genérica de Truvada.
El Truvada genérico tiene los mismos ingredientes activos que el Truvada de marca y también es 99% efectivo en la prevención del VIH, pero a una fracción del costo.
Debido a este menor costo, el Truvada genérico es el tipo de PrEP más probable que se recomiende cuando no hay cobertura o programas de asistencia financiera disponibles.
Con Freddie, la mayoría de nuestros pacientes tienen la opción de obtener Descovy (la nueva forma de PrEP) de forma gratuita.
Descovy fue desarrollado para reducir los (pocos) efectos secundarios potenciales asociados con Truvada, particularmente con la salud renal y ósea.
¡Si tiene un seguro privado, Freddie puede ayudarlo a obtener Descovy gratis! La mayoría de los planes de seguro cubrirán Descovy sin ningún copago.
Con Freddie, más del 90% de los pacientes con seguro obtienen Descovy por $0.
Incluso si no tiene seguro, Freddie puede ayudarlo a trabajar con una clínica local para obtener PrEP a través de un plan del Acta de Cuidado Asequible que podría reducir sus costos de Descovy a $0.
Realice nuestro cuestionario de PrEP de 1 minuto para saber cuánto le costará la PrEP ($0 para la mayoría) y reserve una cita gratuita para obtener PrEP ahora!
Select your province to get your personalized PrEP cost estimate.
These are the provinces where Freddie is currently able to serve patients.
PrEP is available for no cost through the government’s publicly funded PrEP program administered by Alberta Blue Cross. To access PrEP for no charge under this program, an individual must:
•
Be registered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
•
Meet the Alberta PrEP eligibility criteria
•
Receive their prescription from a designated PrEP prescriber
By choosing to get PrEP through Freddie, patients gain free access to virtual appointments & discreet delivery.
Start Free AssessmentDue to provincial regulations, Freddie can only serve BC patients with private insurance at this time.
With private insurance: Most patients with private insurance can get PrEP free from Freddie. Plus, you have the added benefit of gaining access to online care & discreet delivery.
Without private insurance: PrEP is free for BC residents enrolled under the province’s Medical Services Plan. Patients can get generic PrEP for free by physically visiting a doctor or clinic within The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS network.
With public insurance: PrEP in Manitoba is not covered by provincial assistance programs. Individuals who fit eligibility requirements for certain federal programs may be able to get the price of PrEP covered. Without any additional coverage, costs can be around $250,
With private insurance: Most patients with private insurance can get PrEP free from Freddie.
With OHIP, 24 years old and younger: $0
With OHIP, 25 years old and older, no private insurance: $150 per month.
No insurance: Same as above
With OHIP, 25 years old and older, with private insurance: $0; Most plans cover 80% of the cost, so insurance covers $200, and the patient pays $50. However, Freddie’s financial assistance programs lower the $50 cost to $0.
Without OHIP, with private insurance: Same as above.
In Ontario, the price of PrEP is covered for some residents automatically. For others, several other options are available to assist with the cost of PrEP for individuals without private insurance.
Ontario residents 24 years and younger are fully covered by OHIP+ as long as they are not on a private insurance plan. Anyone in this category can rest assured that they do not have to enroll or register to access OHIP+ coverage and will get PrEP for free. If they are 24 and under and on a private insurance plan, they can get PrEP for free through a mix of their private insurance coverage and Freddie’s financial assistance programs.
For Ontarians 65 years and older, coverage is offered under the Ontario Drug Benefit plan (ODB). Enrolment in ODB is automatic, and coverage begins on the first day of the month after turning 65 years old.
Residents of Ontario between and including 25 and 64 years of age may be covered under a private insurance plan through their employer or educational institution. For those who fit this age group and don’t have private insurance, there are a few different governmental options to consider before purchasing an individual private insurance plan.
Provincial aid is offered through Service Ontario for Ontarians with continuous or recurrent impairment or disability under the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Under ODSP, a benefit member is eligible for drug coverage if income support is being paid on their behalf.
For Ontarians in temporary financial need, Ontario Works may be an option that provides support with health benefits and financial assistance for housing, food, and other living costs.
The Trillium Drug Program (TDP) is a government-run program that assists Ontarians 25-64 years old who are responsible for paying out-of-pocket for high-cost, recurring prescriptions. TDP will help cover prescription drug costs for all eligible household members. Though an application process is required, annual enrollment is automatic.
Our team has worked with 1000’s of Ontario patients. Book a free consultation now, and we’ll help you navigate insurance and financial assistance programs to find PrEP for $0 or as low-cost as possible.
For residents of Saskatchewan, PrEP is fully covered by the provincial government for individuals who are at a higher risk of coming in contact with HIV. During your initial consultation, your clinician will go through the criteria with you and determine your level of risk.
If you meet the criteria and have a valid Saskatchewan Health Card, PrEP will be available to you at no cost.
By choosing to get PrEP through Freddie, patients gain free access to virtual appointments & discreet delivery.
Eventually, Freddie hopes to serve all of Canada’s provinces and territories. We’re not established in the following provinces and territories yet, but here is a brief overview of what coverage looks like for PrEP across the rest of Canada:
PrEP may be covered under plans available to seniors, uninsured individuals, and social assistance programs, but co-pays may be required.
PrEP coverage is available through the provincial drug program, and some co-pays are defined by the program’s eligibility criteria.
The Northwest Territories provides universal coverage with no clinical criteria for PrEP.
PrEP in Nova Scotia can be covered through exception status via the Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program and requires enrolment in the Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program. Co-pays are defined by the family’s size and annual income.
Nunavut provides universal coverage through Extended Health Benefits for eligible Nunavut residents with a valid Nunavut Health Care card.
PrEP in Prince Edward Island is provided at no charge if approved by the chief public health office.
The cost of PrEP differs based on whether you have public health coverage through RAMQ or private insurance.
With private insurance: The cost of PrEP has historically been ~$50 per month (but it depends on the policy).
Without private insurance: If you are covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), the cost of PrEP is $95.31 per month unless you have received an exemption. That being said, if you already have recurring prescriptions that you are filling with RAMQ, the most you will pay to add on PrEP is the maximum fee of $95.31.
The Government of Yukon fully covers PrEP.
Looking for more information on additional financial assistance? Your options include the following programs:
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) 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’s eligibility here.
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) 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 covers anyone with a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) health card.
You can read more about this program’s eligibility here.
La mayoría de los pacientes de Freddie reciben apoyo clínico, pruebas de laboratorio en casa, recetas de PrEP y entrega discreta; todo por $0.
Freddie se asocia con Organizaciones Basadas en la Comunidad (CBO) para ofrecer todos nuestros servicios clínicos de forma gratuita. Estas CBO también se asocian con farmacias que ofrecen envío de recetas gratuito, y pueden ayudarlo a navegar su plan de seguro.
La PrEP es gratuita con la mayoría de los planes de seguro de salud, incluyendo Medicaid y Medicare, según lo dispuesto por el Acta de Cuidado Asequible.
Gracias a la asociación de Freddie con CBO, también podemos ofrecer todos nuestros demás servicios clínicos, como citas con el médico, kits de laboratorio en casa y apoyo continuo, de forma gratuita.
Freddie ha ayudado a miles de pacientes a navegar planes de seguro y opciones de asistencia financiera para obtener PrEP al costo más bajo posible.
La mayoría de los planes de seguro privado cubren el Truvada genérico o Descovy como PrEP. La gran mayoría de los pacientes de Freddie con seguro privado pueden obtener Descovy, la forma más nueva de PrEP con incluso menos efectos secundarios, por $0.
Para una estimación de costos más precisa, realice nuestro cuestionario de PrEP de 1 minuto.
El precio de PrEP sin seguro vara mucho según; el medicamento recetado.
Descovy y Truvada, los dos medicamentos de PrEP disponibles en los EE. UU. - pueden costar hasta $2,000 al mes pagados de su bolsillo. La versión genérica de Truvada cuesta aproximadamente $60 por un suministro de un mes.
Incluso si no tiene seguro, Freddie puede ayudarlo a trabajar con una clínica local para obtener PrEP a través de un plan de la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a un costo que podra reducir sus costos de PrEP a $0.
¡Concierte una cita con nosotros para obtener más información!
Dependiendo de su elección de PrEP, la cobertura de su seguro y el acceso a programas de asistencia financiera, PrEP puede variar de $0 a más de $2000 por mes.
Para obtener el cálculo más preciso de cuánto le costaría la PrEP, contáctenos o reserve una cita gratuita con un clínico de Freddie.
Para obtener la PrEP gratis, necesitará encontrar un clínico capacitado para navegar la cobertura del seguro y los programas de asistencia financiera.
Freddie ha ayudado a más de 22,000 pacientes a comprender mejor sus opciones de PrEP gratuitas y asequibles. Reserve una consulta gratuita hoy para obtener más información sobre sus opciones.
Freddie está disponible actualmente para residentes de Florida, Nueva Jersey y Virginia. ¿Pensamos ampliar nuestras ofertas a más EE. UU. estados en un futuro próximo!
No, la PrEP no está disponible sin receta médica. Obtener PrEP requiere una receta de un proveedor médico aprobado como Freddie, un médico de familia o una clínica de salud sexual.
Revisado por:
Dr. Caley Shukalek
Caley está apasionado por la atención centrada en el paciente basada en evidencia, incluida la telemedicina que puede proporcionar atención de alta calidad desde donde el paciente elija.
Ayudó a crear algunas de las primeras pautas de PrEP y trabaja como especialista en Medicina Interna General con capacitación adicional en salud sexual, incluido el VIH y las infecciones de transmisión sexual.
Caley está apasionado por la atención basada en evidencia y centrada en el paciente, incluida la telemedicina de alta calidad.