For a long time, accessing PrEP in Alberta meant navigating a healthcare system that wasn't always designed with LGBTQ+ people in mind. It meant waiting for a family doctor referral, sitting in a general clinic waiting room, and sometimes fielding questions that felt more judgmental than clinical.
That's changing. Virtual PrEP care — delivered by clinicians who specialize in sexual health and LGBTQ+-affirming practice — is giving more Albertans access to the protection they deserve, on their own terms. Here's why more and more people are making the switch.
For many LGBTQ+ Albertans, the biggest barrier to accessing PrEP isn't the medication itself — it's the fear of being judged. Whether it's a family doctor who isn't familiar with PrEP, a walk-in clinic that asks unnecessary questions, or simply not having a regular healthcare provider at all, the in-person healthcare experience can feel like an obstacle rather than a service.
At Spectrum by Equalis Health, every consultation happens online with a licensed Nurse Practitioner who has specific experience in sexual health and LGBTQ+-affirming care. Our clinicians understand the realities of your life. They won't ask you to justify your choices or make you feel like accessing PrEP is something that needs explaining. It's care — and it's yours.
Not everyone is out. Not everyone lives alone. And not everyone wants a prescription bottle sitting on a pharmacy shelf to be picked up in front of neighbours, coworkers, or family members.
With virtual PrEP care through Spectrum, you have the option to have your medication delivered directly to your home in discreet, unmarked packaging. There's no waiting at a counter, no awkward exchanges, and no one needs to know what's in the box. If you prefer pharmacy pickup, that's available too — the choice is always yours.
Cost is one of the most commonly cited reasons people delay starting PrEP. The good news is that in Alberta, most patients pay nothing for PrEP medication.
Coverage is available through Alberta Health Services provincial programs, private insurance plans, and manufacturer patient assistance programs for those without coverage. Our clinicians are familiar with all available pathways and will confirm your coverage during your consultation — so there are no surprises when your prescription is filled.
The consultation itself is also covered for most patients through Alberta Health Care Insurance. Virtual care is insured the same as in-person care.
Access to sexual health care is not equal across Alberta. In Calgary and Edmonton, there are established sexual health clinics and informed family physicians. But in smaller cities, rural communities, or even parts of the larger urban centres, finding a provider who is knowledgeable about PrEP, LGBTQ+-affirming, and available in a reasonable timeframe can be extremely difficult.
Virtual care eliminates geography as a barrier. Whether you're in Lethbridge, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, or a small town with no sexual health clinic nearby, you can access the same quality care as anyone else in the province. All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer and a private space for your appointment.
PrEP isn't a one-time prescription. It requires follow-up every three months — bloodwork, STI screening, and a brief clinical check-in. For people with busy schedules, demanding jobs, young families, or simply a preference for privacy, scheduling and attending repeated in-person appointments is a real barrier to staying consistent with care.
Virtual follow-ups take 15 minutes or less. You book online, connect with your clinician from wherever you are, and receive any necessary lab requisitions digitally. Results come back to your clinician, who reviews them and follows up with you directly. The entire cycle of ongoing PrEP care happens without you ever needing to step into a waiting room.
Staying protected is only effective if you can sustain it. Virtual care is built for real life.
Spectrum by Equalis Health is a virtual, NP-led sexual health clinic serving LGBTQ+ Albertans and anyone who deserves better access to HIV prevention and sexual health care. No referrals. No judgment. No unnecessary barriers.
Teagan L, Calgary Downtown Resident
PRIVACY POLICYSpectrum by Equalis Health | Last Updated: May 2026.
1. Introduction:
Spectrum by Equalis Health ("Spectrum," "we," "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal and health information collected from patients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy governs how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information in compliance with Alberta's Health Information Act (HIA), the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information:Full name, date of birth, and contact information (address, phone, email)Alberta Health Care Number (AHCN)Health history, current medications, and clinical information relevant to PrEP and sexual health careAppointment and consultation recordsPrescription and lab requisition informationPayment information (where applicable)Website usage data (cookies, IP address, browser type)
3. How We Use Your Information
Your information is used to:Provide clinical assessments, prescriptions, and ongoing careCoordinate laboratory testing and pharmacy servicesSend appointment reminders and follow-up communicationsProcess payments where applicableComply with legal and regulatory obligationsImprove clinic services and patient experience
4. Legal Basis and Consent
Collection and use of health information is conducted with your express consent obtained at intake, or as otherwise permitted under the HIA for treatment purposes. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal and regulatory record-keeping requirements.
5. Disclosure of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal or health information. Information may be disclosed to:Dispensing pharmacies involved in fulfilling your prescriptionLaboratory services coordinating required testingRegulatory bodies as required by law (e.g., CRNA, ACP, AHS)Technology platforms used in care delivery (JaneApp, electronic health records), which are bound by confidentiality obligationsWe do not disclose health information to third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.
6. SMS and Phone Communications
When you provide your phone number to Spectrum by Equalis Health, it is used solely for healthcare-related communications, appointment reminders, follow-ups, and service-related messages.We do not sell, rent, share, or disclose phone numbers or other personal information to third parties or affiliates for marketing or lead generation purposes.Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP.
7. Data Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Clinical data is stored and transmitted using encrypted, HIPAA/PIPEDA-aligned platforms. Access to patient records is restricted to authorized clinical and administrative personnel only.
8. Retention
Health records are retained in accordance with Alberta HIA requirements — a minimum of 10 years from the date of last service, or until a minor patient reaches age 23, whichever is later.
9. Your Rights
You have the right to:Request access to your personal health informationRequest correction of inaccurate informationWithdraw consent for non-essential usesFile a complaint regarding our privacy practicesTo exercise any of these rights, contact our Privacy Officer at: Spectrum@EqualisHealth.ca or 403-800-5400.
10. Privacy Officer
All privacy inquiries, access requests, and complaints are directed to:
Privacy Officer, Spectrum by Equalis Health
Calgary, Alberta
| Spectrum@EqualisHealth.ca | 403-800-5400
11. Breach Notification
In the event of a privacy breach involving your health information, Spectrum will notify affected individuals and relevant regulatory authorities as required under the HIA and PIPEDA within applicable timeframes.
12. Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated periodically. The date of the most recent revision appears at the top of this page. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Governing Law
This policy is governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta and the applicable federal laws of Canada, including the HIA and PIPEDA.
Calgary, AB
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All rights reserved.
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