Israel’s healthcare system stands as a remarkable testament to the nation’s dedication to providing high-quality healthcare and ensuring the well-being of its residents. The country has gained global recognition for its top-tier hospitals and medical professionals, solidifying its status as a world leader in medical excellence. With cutting-edge facilities, advanced technology, and a commitment to medical innovation, these institutions deliver exceptional care and specialized treatments. But before you experience one of the world’s premier medical systems, we’ll lay out everything you need to know about the country’s socialized healthcare system and how it has become a source of pride for Israel.
The Healthcare System in Israel
- A Quick Overview of Israel’s Public Healthcare System
- Healthcare Providers
- Hospitals
- Israel National Insurance Institute (NII)
- Homebound Care - Long-Term Care
- Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Finding Your Israeli Dentist
- Assistance to the Handicapped
- Mental Health
- Alternative Medicine
- The ADI Card
- Healthcare - Rights and Benefits
- Useful Links about Healhcare
A Quick Overview of Israel’s Public Healthcare System
Israel’s socialized healthcare system provides mandatory national health insurance for all Israeli residents. Israeli law guarantees healthcare for individuals of all age groups, from birth to elderly years. Israel’s national investment in health insurance is extremely high compared to other Western countries. Here, the health tax is collected from everyone, and in return, public health services are provided at a nominal price, subsidized by the state.
Healthcare Basket
Israel’s national healthcare budget covers insured members with a large variety of medical treatments and services based on the Healthcare Basket (Sal Briut) as defined by law. Every year, a dedicated health committee assesses the inclusion and removal of specific medications in the basket and the evolving health needs of the population in Israel. The services covered by the Healthcare Basket include:
- Clinic visits
- Medication
- Specialist consultations
- Hospitalization
- Laboratory tests
- Pregnancy care
- Rehabilitation
- Emergency services
It should be noted that Israel’s healthcare basket is subject to annual change.
Health Ministry
The Health Ministry (Misrad Habriut) in Israel is responsible for overseeing all matters related to medical care.
In Israel, individuals have the freedom to choose their preferred doctors and specialists within the network of their selected healthcare organization. This creates a diverse range of options to cater to each person’s unique healthcare needs. It’s important to note that fundamental services are provided uniformly to everyone and the differences between the health providers are minimal. Each healthcare provider manages its own network of medical proffesionals and public medical facilities, with some overlap. In terms of benefits, it is suggested to seek advice from each branch of the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) as they may provide varying levels of care and customer service. This system ensures that individuals have the flexibility to receive care from healthcare professionals they prefer.
Healthcare Providers
Healthcare Providers
Every citizen and resident living in Israel has the right to become a member of one of the country’s 4 official non-profit healthcare providers (Kupot Cholim):
The above healthcare providers are legally required to offer membership to every Israeli resident, and they cannot deny it under any circumstances. Citizens may choose the provider they believe best suits their health needs. Regardless of the health organization they select from the 4 available, Israelis have the right to choose their preferred doctors and specialists who are part of the network. Each provider runs their own medical facilities offering various healthcare options for its members.
Comparing Rates
Your payment depends on many factors, including age, health, and pre-existing medical conditions. However, the rates for membership to a public healthcare entity are more or less the same.
All residents are required to pay health insurance (mas briut) fees based on their income unless they qualify for an exemption. It’s important to note that not paying or falling behind on these payments does not impact the rights of the insured individuals, nor does it relieve the health insurance fund from providing the healthcare services outlined in the healthcare basket. Please note that health insurance fees are separate from national insurance fees. To calculate your health insurance fees (including national insurance fees), please use the simulator provided on the website of the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi).
Supplementary Insurance
The 4 healthcare providers offer insured members various types of supplementary insurance, each with its own set of benefits and services. These plans have predefined conditions and involve additional fees for those who choose to register for them. They cover a range of medical services on top of what is included in their basic health plan.
- Clalit offers ‘Platinum Insurance’
- Maccabi offers ‘Silver Shield Insurance’, ‘Maccabi Gold’, and ‘Maccabi Sheli’
- Meuhedet offers ‘Meuhedet Adif’ and ‘Meuhedet C’
- Leumit offers ‘Leumit Gold/Silver’
These supplementary insurances cover services such as transplants, alternative medical treatment, private surgery, and more in Israel’s leading hospitals.
Switching to a New Provider
The freedom of choice when it comes to healthcare doesn’t end once you choose a healthcare provider. The Health Ministry (Misrad Habriut) allows you to switch to a different provider at any time, ensuring a dynamic list of options for your health needs.
Hospitals
Israel National Insurance Institute (NII)
The National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) is responsible for the social security of Israeli residents and plays a crucial role in Israel’s healthcare system. It gathers funds from all of the nation’s residents, taking into account their income and insurance status. These funds are subsequently redistributed to provide healthcare to those who require it.
Under the National Health Insurance Law, Bituach Leumi allocates the tax to the various Kupot Cholim, Israel’s HMOs. The chosen HMO is obligated to provide insured individuals with a standardized Healthcare Basket that meets the requirements set by law. Visit this website for more detailed information regarding National Insurance.
Calculating Fees for Healthcare
The calculation of payments to Bituach Leumi for healthcare in Israel depends on various factors, primarily the individual’s income from employment or other sources, which may include foreign-based income. Additionally, the person’s employment status is taken into consideration.
This includes:
- Salaried employees
- The self-employed
- The unemployed
The specific guidelines for determining the tax are based on these factors. It is important to be aware of your employment status and income level as they play a significant role in determining the appropriate national healthcare insurance fees you are required to pay.
Learn more about the various rates and amounts of insurance payments here.
Find out if you qualify for an exemption from paying national insurance here.
Homebound Care - Long-Term Care
The Israeli Health Ministry recognizes that individuals who are homebound due to health issues often require more care than the average person. As a result, those who have reached retirement age and continue to live in their own homes may qualify for long-term care benefits if they need assistance from another person to perform basic daily tasks. This benefit is also available to those who require home supervision for their personal safety and the safety of those around them.
The primary objective of this benefit is to support the elderly population and their family members in providing necessary care (Siude) and assistance. The service is offered both publicly and privately.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Mazal Tov, you’re expecting a baby!
This means that you or your spouse may be interested in Lamaze classes, ultrasounds, and down the road, a visit to the delivery room.
It’s worth noting that Israel, being such a young country, also encourages childbirth to sustain and increase its population, offering subsidies for IVF fertilization treatments as part of its health services.
Once you have confirmed your pregnancy, it is advisable to schedule your first appointment with a gynecologist (OBGYN).
To learn more about pregnancy and childbirth in Israel, visit the Health Ministry’s website here.
After you have given birth, your next step is to go to your nearest Family Health Center Tipat Halav. Tipat Halav represents a network of clinics dedicated to delivering essential public health services within the community, with a primary focus on providing comprehensive care to infants and toddlers through well-baby clinics. These Tipot Halav clinics are overseen by district health offices (Lishkat Briut Ezorit) and are primarily staffed by public health nurses. Also, these clinics have a team of specialists, including doctors, dietitians, health advisors, and social workers, who work together to deliver high-quality care to the community.
Finding Your Israeli Dentist
Here’s a reason to smile: Your dental care is also subsidized by Israel’s healthcare system. You can find a dentist in Israel through various means. The Ministry of Health offers a list of dental professionals and their areas of expertise. Asking for recommendations from friends, fellow expatriates, and colleagues can also be useful. Additionally, a quick online search can lead you to local dental professionals in your area.
Israel’s 4 HMOs each have their own dental plan:
It’s important to note that the 4 HMOs in Israel also operate for-profit dentistry practices. These practices offer discounted services to members who have supplementary insurance with the respective HMO. If you choose to visit one of these practices, the Kupah will assign you a dentist. It’s worth mentioning that during each visit, you may be assigned to a different dentist.
Assistance to the Handicapped
The National Insurance Institute provides various benefits to individuals with lower body impairments that affect their mobility. These benefits are designed to help them integrate into the community and promote an independent lifestyle. While some benefits are tailored to car owners, it’s important to note that certain benefits are also accessible to individuals who do not own a car.
Mental Health
Health isn’t only about physical well-being. Mental health ranges from common challenges like anxiety and depression to more complex conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Mental health is a crucial component of our overall well-being, and taking care of it is essential for leading a fulfilling and balanced life.
The Israeli Health Ministry recognizes the importance of mental health, and that’s why every Israeli citizen has the right to access psychiatric and psychological care.
Additional benefits may be available depending on factors such as mental health status and age. HMOs (Kupot Cholim) are tasked with providing these services to their members and municipalities are requested to provide this vital service for children in their cities. These services are also available through private providers.
Kupot Cholim throughout the country have mental health clinics offering comprehensive services related to mental well-being. Patients seeking initial treatment are advised to access services through these mental health clinics, which provide psychological, psychiatric, and social work care. Some of the clinics may offer occupational therapy. The cost of therapy at these clinics is subsidized with a quarterly co-payment.
Alternative Medicine
In Israel, various methods of alternative medicines are commonly practiced, encompassing a wide range of approaches. These include Homoeopathy, Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Reflexology, Reiki, Shiatsu, Chiropractic, Biofeedback, Ayurvedic Medicine, Naturopathy, various massage techniques, Bach Flower remedies, Feldenkrais, Anthroposophy, Twina, Osteopathy, Paula and others. While this selection provides a glimpse into the diverse landscape of alternative medicine in Israel, it is important to note that this list is not exhaustive. Many of these alternative medicine practices have found their place within the clinics of the public healthcare system in Israel, as well as numerous private clinics.
Each of the 4 public health providers in Israel, provides alternative medicine options. You can find more information on this matter on their respective websites.
The ADI Card
Organ donation holds significant importance in Judaism, reflecting the value of preserving and saving human life. According to Jewish beliefs, saving one life is akin to saving an entire world, underscoring the immense value and sanctity of each person’s life. This concept encourages the community to actively endorse and participate in organ donation, enabling others to pursue their life journeys. By embracing the altruistic act of organ donation, individuals can make a substantial and wide-reaching difference by saving lives and strengthening the bonds of our shared humanity.
If you would like to become an organ donor after you pass away, you can obtain an Adi card. This means that you can potentially improve or save the lives of patients in need of transplants.
Healthcare - Rights and Benefits
Applying for a Provider as a New Oleh
Upon your arrival in Israel, if your Oleh status has already been processed and approved, you are required to register for medical insurance at the nearest post office or on the National Insurance website .
If you wish to apply on the website, ensure that you complete the form following the provided instructions. This service is free of charge and it’s advisable to print the registration confirmation for your records.
If you choose to apply at one of the Israel Postal Company branches, visit any branch to complete the registration process. Bring your ID card for identification. Note that there is a financial cost associated with registration and the exact amount can be obtained at the post office. After completing the registration, you will receive a copy of the registration form. It is recommended to retain this copy for your records.
However, it’s important to note that Israeli citizens born abroad (Ezrachim Olim) and returning minors (Ktinim Chozrim) should complete their medical insurance registration process at their local branch of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration (Mirsad Ha’Aliyah VeHaklita).
Lastly, Olim who were previously temporary residents (A1 visa holders) and returning residents should visit their local branch of Bituach Leumi in order to register for medical insurance.
Exemptions from Health Insurance Premiums
New Olim who have either no income or earn less then 627 NIS monthly (as of February, 2024), qualify for an exemption from health insurance premiums for the first 6 months after receiving Olim status.
Olim who are unemployed and receive allowances (Dmey Kiyum) from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration may extend this exemption into the second half of their first year in Israel.
Switching Kupot
As an Oleh, you can change your initial HMO within 14 days of your Aliyah date at your local post office.
Once that period is up, you can switch your HMO of choice online through the Bituach Leumi website (note this service is currently available only in Hebrew).