How to Get PrEP for Free in San Diego in 2026
San Diego County is an EHE priority jurisdiction with a concentrated HIV epidemic in central San Diego neighborhoods. The county has strong community infrastructure led by Family Health Centers of San Diego and local ASOs. Here's every pathway to $0 PrEP in San Diego.
TL;DR
Free PrEP in San Diego: OA-HIPP (Office of AIDS Health Insurance Premium Payment) (state program); Medi-Cal covers PrEP as preventive service; telehealth PrEP (free statewide, no clinic visit); and Gilead Advancing Access (free medication for uninsured, ≤500% FPL). See our California PrEP guide for complete state-level details.
Pathways to free PrEP in San Diego
PrEP is covered at $0 under the ACA — medication, labs, and visits. Use the Gilead Co-Pay Coupon (1-877-505-6986) for any remaining costs.
PrEP is covered as a preventive service. Enroll at coveredca.com or call 1-800-300-1506.
California's OA-HIPP program helps cover insurance premiums and PrEP-related costs. PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) covers medication, labs, and clinical visits for uninsured and underinsured residents at ≤500% FPL.
Free PrEP delivered to your San Diego address — consultation, labs, and medication at $0. No clinic visit required.
Compare PrEP access options
Telehealth providers, local clinics, state programs, Medicaid, and manufacturer assistance can all be valid routes. Compare cost, lab method, medication options, location, privacy, and follow-up instead of defaulting to one provider.
Compare providers and programs →San Diego-area providers to know
Family Health Centers of San Diego
One of the largest FQHCs in the nation. Multiple locations throughout San Diego County. PrEP, HIV care, sliding-scale fees. Serves uninsured patients. fhcsd.org
San Diego County HIV, STD & Hepatitis Branch
Free and low-cost STI/HIV testing and PrEP referrals. Multiple clinic locations throughout the county.
Christie's Place
PrEP navigation, HIV care, and support services focused on women and families affected by HIV.
San Diego LGBT Community Center
PrEP navigation, HIV/STI testing, and health services for the LGBTQ+ community. thecentersd.org
State-level programs and links
San Diego residents benefit from California's broader PrEP infrastructure. For state-level programs, eligibility details, and additional providers, see our California PrEP guide or the complete state-by-state directory.
Pharmacist PrEP prescribing: California allows trained pharmacists to directly prescribe oral PrEP. Ask your local pharmacy if they participate.
Special populations in San Diego
If you're undocumented: OA-HIPP (Office of AIDS Health Insurance Premium Payment) may serve undocumented residents — check eligibility. FQHCs serve patients regardless of immigration status. Gilead Advancing Access does not require SSN. MISTR is available without documentation.
If you're transgender: Community health centers and LGBTQ+ providers in San Diego offer trans-affirming PrEP care. See our California guide for specific trans-affirming providers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get free PrEP in San Diego without insurance?
Yes. MISTR provides free telehealth PrEP delivered to any San Diego address. OA-HIPP (Office of AIDS Health Insurance Premium Payment) covers PrEP costs for eligible residents. Gilead Advancing Access provides free medication for uninsured patients under 500% FPL. Local FQHCs serve patients on sliding-scale fees.
Does Medi-Cal cover PrEP?
Yes. Medi-Cal covers PrEP as a preventive service. Enroll at coveredca.com or call 1-800-300-1506.
Related guides
Information sourced from state and county health departments, CDC, NASTAD, AIDSVu, and verified provider websites. Last updated April 22, 2026.
FreePrEP.org is an independent public health resource. We maintain editorial independence from providers, affiliates, and potential sponsors. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about PrEP.