Israel’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world. With universal coverage, advanced medical technology, and a highly educated workforce, it provides quality care to citizens and residents alike. For new immigrants (Olim), understanding how the system works—from registering with a Kupat Cholim (health fund) to accessing specialist care—is a critical part of successfully integrating into Israeli life.
This guide offers a detailed breakdown of the healthcare system in Israel, including how to register, what’s covered, private vs. public healthcare options, navigating bureaucracy, and how Easy Aliyah can support you every step of the way.
1. The Structure of Israeli Healthcare
Israel’s national health system is based on the National Health Insurance Law of 1995, which guarantees every resident access to a standardized basket of medical services, regardless of income, age, or employment status.
Core Elements:
- Universal Coverage: All Israeli residents must be registered with one of four state-regulated health funds.
- Kupot Cholim: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, and Leumit are the four major health funds, each offering the same basic services and optional supplementary coverage.
- Funding: The system is financed through progressive health insurance taxes, deducted from salaries via Bituach Leumi (National Insurance).
- Regulation: The Ministry of Health regulates service standards and pricing.
2. Health Funds (Kupot Cholim): A Closer Look
Each health fund acts like an HMO, managing clinics, hospitals, specialists, and pharmacies. They all provide the same “basic basket” of services, but differ in customer service, supplementary insurance plans, and networks.
Clalit
- The largest and oldest Kupah, covering over 50% of Israelis.
- Extensive network of hospitals and clinics.
- Strong presence in peripheral and rural areas.
Maccabi
- Popular in urban centers and among English-speaking Olim.
- Known for shorter waiting times and efficient digital services.
- Offers Maccabi Zahav and Maccabi Sheli supplementary insurance plans.
Meuhedet
- Mid-size fund popular among young families.
- Offers quick access to appointments and responsive service.
Leumit
- The smallest fund but known for personalized attention.
- Offers strong English-language support in some areas.
Choosing a Kupah is possible during Aliyah registration or by visiting a Misrad Haklita office later. Switching is allowed once a year via the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) website.
3. What’s Covered in the National Health Basket?
The health basket (sal briut) includes services that are universally covered by law:
Included:
- Family medicine and general practitioners
- Specialist visits (e.g., dermatology, cardiology)
- Hospitalization
- Emergency care
- Maternity care, childbirth, and neonatal services
- Lab tests and imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, etc.)
- Prescription drugs (partial copay)
- Mental health services
- Rehabilitative care
- Vaccinations
- Pediatric care
The basket is reviewed and updated annually by the Ministry of Health to include new treatments, medications, and technologies.
4. Supplementary and Private Health Insurance
While the public system is strong, many Israelis opt for supplementary (Shaban) or private health insurance to expand coverage.
Supplementary (Shaban) Plans:
Each Kupah offers tiered plans for:
- Quicker access to specialists and surgeries
- Partial refunds for private treatments
- Dental care (usually not in the basic basket)
- Travel insurance
- Extended mental health therapy sessions
Example: Maccabi offers Zahav and Sheli plans, while Clalit has Mushlam Silver and Gold.
Private Insurance:
Major companies like Harel, Migdal, and Ayalon offer private insurance plans for:
- Full private hospital coverage
- International care (for expats and travelers)
- Elective surgeries abroad
- Private room upgrades
This is especially useful for individuals seeking VIP services, non-covered medications, or full autonomy in choosing providers.
5. How to Register for Healthcare as a New Oleh
If you’re making Aliyah, you’re entitled to free healthcare coverage for the first 6 to 12 months, depending on your status and whether you’re working.
Step-by-Step:
- Visit Misrad Haklita upon arrival and receive your Teudat Oleh.
- Select your preferred Kupat Cholim on the spot or register later.
- Receive a voucher (Ishur Zaka’ut) confirming free coverage.
- Go to the nearest Kupat Cholim clinic or website with your passport or Teudat Zehut to complete registration.
- Obtain your health card (Kartis Mivtach) and sign up for supplementary plans if desired.
Important: Olim who delay registration past their initial 90-day window may lose the free coverage entitlement.
6. Health Services for Tourists, Students, and A1 Visa Holders
If you’re not yet a permanent resident or don’t have a Teudat Zehut:
- Tourists must purchase private health insurance (not covered by the national system).
- A1 visa holders (Aliyah-eligible but not residents) can join a Kupah via Misrad Haklita and pay monthly fees.
- Students should ensure their yeshiva or university includes health insurance, often via Meuhedet or Harel.
7. Hospitals and Emergency Care
Public Hospitals:
Israel’s major public hospitals include:
- Hadassah (Jerusalem)
- Sheba (Tel Hashomer) – repeatedly ranked among top global hospitals
- Ichilov (Tel Aviv)
- Rambam (Haifa)
They offer full emergency services, surgeries, maternity wards, ICUs, and specialist care.
Emergency Services:
- Dial 101 for an ambulance (Magen David Adom).
- Emergency rooms accept patients with or without referrals, though copays apply unless you’re admitted.
Urgent Care Clinics:
Kupot Cholim operate “Moked Laila” (night clinics) and walk-in centers for after-hours care. These are ideal for non-life-threatening situations such as infections, burns, or injuries.
8. Pediatric and Maternity Care
Israel ranks high globally in maternal and child health.
- Prenatal care is offered via family doctors, gynecologists, and Tipat Halav (maternity clinics).
- Child development clinics (Merkazim LeHitpatchut HaYeled) assess speech, motor skills, and development.
- Vaccines follow a national schedule and are free.
Each Kupah assigns a pediatrician, and English-speaking ones can be requested in areas with large Anglo populations.
9. Mental Health Services
Israel has significantly improved access to mental health in recent years.
Covered Services:
- Psychiatrist visits
- Medication
- Short-term therapy
- In-patient psychiatric care
Supplementary plans offer longer therapy sessions and access to private psychologists. NGOs like ERAN and NATAL also offer free emotional support.
10. Dental and Vision Care
Dental care is mostly private, though children up to age 18 now receive subsidized services through the Kupot.
Options:
- Preventative cleanings and exams
- Fillings and extractions
- Orthodontics (partial subsidy for children)
Vision tests and basic prescription glasses are partially covered under supplementary plans. Eye exams can be done through Kupah clinics or private optometrists.
11. Pharmacies and Prescription Drugs
Every Kupat Cholim operates in-network pharmacies. Israel uses a generic-first model and prices are regulated.
Copayments vary by:
- Medication type (basic vs. advanced)
- Health fund membership
- Supplemental insurance tier
For chronic conditions, medications are often heavily subsidized or free.
12. Common Bureaucratic Challenges
New Olim often struggle with:
- Navigating Hebrew-only websites
- Understanding what’s included in their plan
- Booking appointments through the app or call center
- Getting referrals (hafnaya) for specialist visits
- Finding English-speaking doctors
Easy Aliyah helps clients register with the right Kupah, book initial appointments, and choose English-speaking clinics. We cut through the red tape so you can focus on your health—not the bureaucracy.
13. Health Insurance for Employers, Freelancers, and Yeshiva Students
- Salaried employees: Your employer handles Bituach Leumi payments automatically.
- Freelancers (Atzma’im): Must register with Bituach Leumi and pay independently.
- Yeshiva students: May be covered under a yeshiva group plan or must purchase private insurance.
14. Accessibility and Equality
Despite its strengths, Israel’s system has growing pains:
- Long wait times for elective procedures
- Urban-rural access disparities
- Unequal resources between Kupot
However, the system is constantly evolving, with government plans to invest more in peripheral areas and technology integration.
15. Technology and Telemedicine
Israel is a leader in digital healthcare. Most Kupot offer:
- App-based appointment booking
- Online prescriptions
- Medical chatbots
- Virtual consultations
- Access to your medical records
These innovations make care more accessible, particularly for tech-savvy Olim.
16. Conclusion: A World-Class System With Strong Foundations
Israel’s healthcare system is a success story—universal, efficient, and responsive to innovation. While bureaucracy and language can be barriers, most Olim are amazed by the quality of care they receive.
Whether you’re dealing with routine care, chronic illness, or emergency services, knowing how to navigate the system gives you power and peace of mind.
