⚠️ Heads up! This information about PrEP is for general guidance and doesn’t replace a medical consultation. If you have questions, talk to your doctor. They’ll be able to give you advice based on your specific situation. You can also message me on WhatsApp if you need help in English.
Living in Chile and managing your health can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t speak Spanish fluently. If you’re already taking PrEP and need a refill, or if you’re thinking about starting it, here’s some useful info for you.
This guide will walk you through how to get PrEP in Chile through public or private healthcare, what to expect, and how to stay on track with your routine health checks.
Two ways to get PrEP in Chile
In Chile, PrEP is available through both the public and private healthcare systems. The public option, available through selected hospitals and clinics, is free but has eligibility criteria, waiting lists, and requires navigating a system mostly in Spanish. You can find official information on the Chilean Ministry of Health website.
If you prefer a faster, more flexible option, or if you don’t meet public program criteria, private access may be your best choice. Keep reading for more details!
Do I need to have a RUT or to be covered by Fonasa to get PrEP in Chile?
No. You don’t need a RUT or a Chilean health insurance.
In Chile, PrEP is available through both the public and private healthcare systems. The public option is free but it has waiting lists, and requires navigating a system mostly in Spanish. You’ll need to be covered by Fonasa, the public health insurer. Also, it’s available only through selected hospitals and clinics. Not all of the hospitals have a PrEP clinic.
If you prefer a faster, more flexible option, or if you don’t meet public program criteria, private access may be your best choice.
How to get PrEP through private healthcare
If you have decided to get PrEP via the private options, here’s how to go about it confidently:
1. Visit a Private Clinic
Book an appointment at a private clinic with a general practitioner or with an infectious disease doctor. Expect to pay around CLP $40.000 to $50.000 (USD $40-50 or € 35-45) for the first consultation.
⚕️ If you’re looking for an English-speaking doctor who’s kind, empathetic, and takes the time to explain everything clearly, feel free to message me on WhatsApp. I’ll be happy to help.
2. Prescription and Pharmacy Purchase
Once the doctor confirms your eligibility, they’ll write a prescription for PrEP (typically oral tenofovir + emtricitabine). Currently, there is no widespread availability of injectable PrEP options in Chile, like Apretude (cabotegravir).
The prescription is electronic, generated via a centralized system provided by the Chilean Ministry of Health. You won’t need to print it.
Then, you’ll need to go the any pharmacy to fill the prescription.
Prices vary: generics start around CLP $ 12.000 (USD $13 or € 12), but branded options like Truvada may cost more. Ask your doctor for the difference between these options.
3. Insurance Can Help
If you’re enrolled in an isapre (a Chilean private health insurer, alternative to Fonasa), your plan may cover some or all of the cost of the consultation. Coverage depends on your plan. Even without insurance, you can still purchase PrEP privately.
Routine 3‑Month Monitoring
When you take PrEP, you need to do some basic lab tests every 3 months. These check that everything is working as it should and that you stay healthy.
Most private doctors will only renew your prescription once you’ve done the tests and reviewed the results. Lab tests are paid separately and vary in price depending on the lab or clinic.
What tests do I need to do?
- HIV test (must be negative to continue PrEP)
- Kidney function (creatinine)
- VDRL or RPR (to check for syphilis)
- Screening for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and other STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea)
Why do these tests matter?
- To ensure you’re still HIV-negative.
- To detect and treat other STIs early.
- To watch for early kidney changes from medication. These are rare, but they’re important if they do happen.
Doctors refill PrEP only after reviewing lab results.
Final Thoughts
- You don’t need public programs to get PrEP in Chile.
- Private care offers flexibility, faster appointments, and fewer eligibility rules.
- Routine checks every 3 months keep you safe, help detect health changes early, and ensure continued protection.
Getting PrEP privately in Chile is straightforward and secure when you stick with regular care. If you need more guidance in English, I’ll be happy to help! Text me via WhatsApp.
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