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; MISTR telehealth (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.
Get free PrEP delivered anywhere in San Diego
MISTR operates across all of California — PrEP delivered to your San Diego address with no clinic visit required. Free consultation, free labs (at-home or local), and discreet home delivery.
Start free consultation →Using this code at signup helps us achieve our mission of getting free PrEP out to all who need it. MISTR's $0 PrEP is funded through insurance reimbursement and 340B program partnerships — you pay nothing whether you have insurance or not.
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
Skip the clinic wait — get PrEP delivered in San Diego
MISTR ships free PrEP to San Diego addresses in 3–5 days. Great option if you want privacy or can't fit a clinic visit into your schedule.
Get started with MISTR →Using this code at signup helps us achieve our mission of getting free PrEP out to all who need it.
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.
Not sure which San Diego option is right for you?
A free MISTR consultation can help you decide. If telehealth works, MISTR handles everything. If you need in-person care, they can direct you to the right San Diego provider.
Get started with MISTR →Using this code at signup helps us achieve our mission of getting free PrEP out to all who need it.
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.
Does MISTR work in San Diego?
Yes. MISTR operates statewide in California and delivers to any San Diego-area address. Free consultation, at-home or local labs, and discreet medication delivery.
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 our affiliate partners. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about PrEP.