This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

PrEP is medicine that people who do not have HIV take to lower their chance of getting it. If you are looking into PrEP in Minneapolis, you have real options. This guide covers who PrEP is for, the forms it comes in, what happens at a first visit, what it can cost, and where to begin in the city.

Some details, such as state assistance programs, were not published on the pages we could confirm. Where that is the case, we say so and point you to the right place to ask.

Key takeaways

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is prescribed by a clinician to people who do not have HIV.
The CDC describes PrEP as highly effective when taken as prescribed, and says it does not protect against other STIs.
PrEP comes as a daily pill and as a longer-acting injection given at a clinic. A clinician decides which fits you.
A start-up visit includes an HIV test and other lab work. Follow-up visits continue while you use PrEP.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most private plans must cover services the USPSTF rates A or B without cost sharing. PrEP has an A rating.
In Minneapolis, the Red Door Clinic and the Thrive Clinic at The Aliveness Project list PrEP among their services. Both state that people are not turned away because they cannot pay.

What PrEP is and how it works
Who PrEP is for
Types of PrEP: daily, on-demand and injectable
How to get PrEP in Minneapolis
What happens at the visit and the lab tests
HIV PrEP cost and coverage
Staying on PrEP and protecting your overall health
Next steps and local testing

What PrEP is and how it works

PrEP means pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is HIV prevention medicine. A clinician prescribes it to people who do not have HIV and who may be exposed to it.

The CDC says PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when it is taken as prescribed. Effectiveness depends on how consistently the medicine is used. That is why the visits, lab checks and conversations with a clinician are part of the care.

When protection begins

PrEP does not work the moment you take the first dose. The CDC says daily oral PrEP reaches maximum protection at about 7 days for receptive anal sex. It says it takes about 21 days for receptive vaginal sex and for injection drug use. Ask your clinician what applies to the form of PrEP you are prescribed.

What PrEP does not do

PrEP prevents HIV only. It does not prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes or HPV. This is why PrEP visits usually include STI testing. Condoms lower the chance of many STIs. Doxy-PEP, a clinician-prescribed option the CDC addressed in 2024 guidance, is a separate topic to raise with a clinician if you are interested.

PrEP and PEP are different

PEP is post-exposure prophylaxis. It is for use after a possible exposure to HIV and has to be started quickly. PrEP is taken before exposure. If you think you were exposed to HIV recently, contact a clinic or urgent care right away and ask about PEP.

Who PrEP is for

PrEP is for anyone who does not have HIV and wants added protection, as long as a clinician agrees it fits. It is for people of every gender and orientation.

The CDC's clinical guidance says PrEP should be discussed with sexually active adults and adolescents, and with people who inject drugs. The USPSTF recommends that clinicians offer PrEP to people at increased risk of getting HIV. The CDC points to situations such as these:

A partner who has HIV, especially if their viral load is not consistently undetectable
Recent bacterial STIs such as syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia
Anal or vaginal sex without consistent condom use, with partners whose HIV status is unknown
Sharing needles, syringes or other injection equipment
Wanting to conceive with a partner who has HIV

You do not have to fit a category to ask about PrEP. You can bring it up with any clinician and ask whether it makes sense for you. A clinician can talk through your situation. This guide cannot do that for you.

Minnesota context

A Minnesota Department of Health report, as covered by KTTC in September 2025, counted 311 newly diagnosed HIV infections in Minnesota in 2024. That was a 4% decrease from 2023. That is a state count from a news report citing the department. We did not find a Minneapolis-only figure on a page we could open.

Teens and minors

Minn. Stat. 144.343, as published by the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, lets any minor consent to health services to determine the presence of, or to treat, venereal disease. It states that the consent of no other person is required, and it sets no minimum age. The statute does not name PrEP. Whether a clinic can prescribe PrEP to a minor under that provision is something to ask the clinic directly. Call before you go and ask what its policy is.

Pregnancy and PrEP

People who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or chestfeeding can talk with a clinician about PrEP. The CDC guidance includes information on PrEP in these situations. Tell the clinician about your plans so the choice can be made together.

Types of PrEP: daily, on-demand and injectable

PrEP comes in more than one form. The right one depends on your health, your preferences and what a clinician finds at your visit.

Daily oral PrEP

This is a pill taken by mouth every day. It is the most established form. The CDC clinical guidance recommends it for adults and adolescents who qualify, and it is what most clinics offer first. Taking it every day keeps the level of medicine in your body steady, which supports protection.

On-demand PrEP (2-1-1)

On-demand dosing, often called 2-1-1, is a different way of timing oral PrEP around sex. It is not the same as daily use. It has been studied in a specific group. The research behind it was done mainly in men who have sex with men. The CDC describes the evidence for that group only and does not describe it as an option for other populations.

If you are curious about 2-1-1, do not start it on your own. Ask a clinician whether it fits your situation. Do not use it if you are not in the group the research covered. Getting the timing wrong can reduce protection.

Injectable PrEP

Injectable PrEP is given by a clinician at a clinic. The injection replaces the daily pill, so there is nothing to remember at home between visits. The CDC has updated its guidance to include injectable PrEP for adults who qualify. The FDA has approved more than one injectable option. Some people prefer an injection because they find daily pills hard to keep up with.

A clinician sets the schedule for injections, and it matters. Missing appointments can leave gaps in protection. Ask whether a clinic offers injectable PrEP, because not every clinic does. The Minneapolis clinic pages we reviewed list PrEP, but do not say which forms are offered. Ask when you call.

How to choose

Here are questions to bring to a clinician:

Which forms of PrEP do you offer here?
Which fit my health history and my kidney and bone health?
How often will I need visits and labs with each option?
What does each option cost with my insurance, or without it?
What happens if I want to stop or switch?

How to get PrEP in Minneapolis

PrEP requires a prescription. There are a few ways to start, and you can use whichever feels easiest.

Option 1: A sexual health clinic

Two Minneapolis clinics list PrEP among their services.

Hennepin County Public Health Clinic / Red Door Clinic

Address: 525 Portland Avenue South, 4th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55415 (Health Services Building)
Phone: 612-543-5555 for appointments and results
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: reddoorclinic.org

The Red Door site lists PrEP and Doxy PEP among its services, along with STI and HIV testing and treatment. The Red Door page says walk-ins are first come, first served. Hennepin County's own page names appointments as its stated method and recommends calling early for a same-day appointment. Call first to confirm what works on the day you want to go. The county page does not mention PrEP, so confirm PrEP availability when you call.

Thrive Clinic (The Aliveness Project)

Address: 3808 Nicollet Ave, Lower Level, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Phone: (612) 369-7494
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Website: aliveness.org/sti-testing-treatment

The Aliveness Project page lists a rapid HIV test, testing and treatment for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea, and PrEP. It also lists hepatitis C testing for new PrEP patients. The page does not say whether walk-ins are accepted. It says to call or email to access services. The CDC GetTested listing for the organization shows a different phone number, (612) 822-7946, and says an appointment is not required. Because the two sources differ, call to check before you go.

Option 2: Your own clinician

Many primary care clinicians, community health centers and other providers can prescribe PrEP. If you already have a regular clinician, you can ask them. Other Minneapolis clinics offer HIV and STI testing, including NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, Hennepin Healthcare Whittier Clinic, Planned Parenthood North Central States and the Community-University Health Care Center. The listings we reviewed do not mention PrEP at those sites. Ask each one whether it prescribes PrEP or can refer you to a clinic that does.

Option 3: Ask for a referral

If a clinician you trust does not prescribe PrEP, you can ask for a referral. You can also call the Minneapolis Health Department through its health department page. We did not find a dedicated sexual health page or hotline number there, so ask what is available.

Home testing programs

TakeMeHome is a national free HIV and STI home testing program, and availability depends on your ZIP code. Its FAQ does not mention Minnesota, so we cannot confirm it serves Minneapolis. Home testing is not PrEP. You still need a clinician to prescribe PrEP.

What happens at the visit and the lab tests

A first PrEP visit is a health visit. The clinician wants to confirm PrEP is a good fit and safe for you. Here is what the CDC clinical guidance says is typically part of starting PrEP.

A conversation

The clinician will ask about your sexual health, any other medicines you take and your health history. You can ask any question. Clinicians who provide PrEP talk about sex and drug use every day, and the conversation is not about judgment.

An HIV test

An HIV test is done before PrEP starts and again at follow-up visits. PrEP is for people who do not have HIV. If a test finds HIV, a clinician explains the next steps. HIV is treatable, and people with HIV who get treatment can live long and healthy lives.

Other lab work

The CDC guidance also describes these checks:

A kidney function test, because some PrEP medicines are processed by the kidneys
Hepatitis B testing, and hepatitis C testing for some people
STI testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, based on the sites of sexual contact
A pregnancy test when relevant

Prescription and follow-up

If you and the clinician decide PrEP is right, they prescribe it. A clinician decides the follow-up schedule. The CDC says follow-up visits include repeat HIV testing and checking how you are doing on the medicine. Keep these appointments. They are part of how PrEP stays safe and effective.

Reporting and privacy

Under Minn. R. 4605.7040, as published by the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV infection are reportable within one working day. Reporting applies to diagnoses. Being on PrEP is not a diagnosis. If you have questions about how your information is handled, ask the clinic.

Minn. Stat. 609.2241 makes it a crime to knowingly transfer a communicable disease through sexual penetration without first informing the other person. The text does not name HIV. If you have questions about how that law applies to you, a legal aid organization or attorney can help.

HIV PrEP cost and coverage

HIV PrEP cost depends on your insurance, the form of PrEP and which clinic you use. The part people worry about most is the price. There are several ways to lower it.

Coverage under the Affordable Care Act

The USPSTF gives PrEP an A recommendation for people at increased risk of HIV. Under the Affordable Care Act, most private health plans must cover USPSTF A and B recommended services without cost sharing. That means no copay or deductible for the covered preventive service itself. The coverage can include related lab tests and visits. Federal guidance has said plans should cover the lab and visit services that go with PrEP.

Details vary by plan. Some plans are grandfathered, and rules differ for some employer plans and short-term plans. Call the number on your insurance card and ask what is covered for PrEP, injectable PrEP and the related lab work. Medicaid and Medicare coverage rules differ, so ask the clinic or your plan.

What the Minneapolis clinics say about cost

Red Door / Hennepin County Public Health Clinic: The county page says the clinic accepts most insurance and self-pay, and states that "No one will be turned away due to inability to pay." Lab work is billed separately by Hennepin Healthcare, and co-pays may apply. We did not confirm a sliding fee scale. Ask the clinic about its fees and insurance options.
Thrive Clinic (The Aliveness Project): The page says that no client is turned away due to an inability to pay. Payment details are on a separate page we could not confirm, so ask the clinic.

Neither page lists a price for PrEP. Ask for a cost estimate before your visit.

State and drug assistance programs

We did not find a Minnesota state PrEP assistance program on a page we could confirm. The Minnesota Department of Health website may have current information, but its pages were not available to us when we researched this guide. Ask a clinic or the Minneapolis Health Department about help with costs. A PrEP navigator or clinic staff member can often tell you what is available and help with the paperwork.

Tips to keep costs down

Ask the clinic for a cost estimate for the visit, the labs and the prescription.
Ask whether the clinic has staff who help with insurance or assistance forms.
Check whether your plan covers the lab work at the clinic you choose.
Tell the clinic if you do not have insurance. Both Minneapolis clinics above state they do not turn people away over ability to pay.
Ask whether a lower-cost community health center offers PrEP. NorthPoint, CUHCC and Planned Parenthood list sliding-scale fees for testing, so ask them about PrEP too.

Staying on PrEP and protecting your overall health

Side effects

Some people have mild side effects, such as stomach upset or headache, when they begin oral PrEP. The CDC says these usually pass within a few weeks. Tell the clinician about anything that worries you. Do not stop on your own without talking to them first.

Taking it consistently

PrEP works best when it is used as prescribed. If you have trouble with daily pills, tell your clinician. That is common, and there are options, including other forms of PrEP.

Regular STI testing

PrEP does not prevent other STIs, so regular testing is a routine part of care. Bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are curable with treatment from a clinician. Herpes and HPV are not curable but are manageable. The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines describe testing based on your age, body parts and sexual contact. A clinician can set a testing plan that fits you.

Stopping PrEP

You can stop PrEP when your situation changes. Talk to your clinician about how to stop safely, including any final HIV test. You can start again later if you need to.

Support

PrEP care is not only medicine. Many people find it helpful to talk with a clinician or counselor about sex, relationships, mental health or substance use. Clinic staff can point you to services, so ask.

Next steps and local testing

You do not have to figure everything out before making the first call. A simple plan can help:

Choose a clinic. Red Door and the Thrive Clinic both list PrEP.
Call and ask about walk-in or appointment options, the forms of PrEP offered and the cost.
Check your insurance coverage if you have it.
Go to the visit for an HIV test and the other labs.
Keep follow-up appointments and repeat testing.

If you are not sure about your HIV or STI status, testing is a good first step. A test can tell you what is happening now, and a clinician can explain the results. See our list of free and low-cost STD and HIV testing options in Minneapolis. You can also find more places through the CDC's GetTested directory.

Clinic hours, services and prices can change. Check with the clinic or the Minneapolis Health Department before you go.

PrEP in Minneapolis: How to Get It, What It Costs and Who It Is For