Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a preventive medication that reduces the risk of contracting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. It is recommended for individuals at substantial risk of HIV, such as men who have sex with men. As of 1 July 2024, PrEP is included in the compulsory health insurance coverage in Switzerland. This new policy aims to enhance the accessibility of PrEP as part of the National AIDS Program Strategy (NAPS), which targets the elimination of HIV and hepatitis B and C transmissions by 2030.
The Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) will assess whether covering PrEP costs under compulsory health insurance is effective, appropriate, and economically viable. The evaluation, running until December 2026, will determine if PrEP should be permanently included in the list of treatments covered by health insurance.
During this evaluation period, only providers affiliated with the SwissPrEPared network and authorized as service providers under the compulsory health insurance system will be able to bill PrEP costs through health insurance. This ensures that the implementation and impact of the policy can be closely monitored and analyzed. Individuals are still able to pay for PrEP themselves.