Nefesh BNefesh

Every resident of Israel is insured for healthcare under the National Health Insurance Law through payment of monthly premiums to the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi). New immigrants are entitled to up to one year of free health insurance for the basic level of coverage, if they are not working.

Note: Ktinim Chozrim (returning minors), Ezrachim Olim (Oleh citizens) and Toshavim Chozrim (returning residents) do not receive free health coverage and are required to pay during the first year, even if they are not working. Please see Benefits for Katin Chozer and Ezrach Oleh and Healthcare for Returning Residents.

Every resident can choose one of the four health plans (Clalit, Leumit, Maccabi and Meuhedet) regardless of age or health state. The plans provide an identical basic basket of services, as required by law, but availability of services may differ by location. These include doctor visits, diagnostic and laboratory services, hospitalization including births and discounts on prescription medications. Note that not every type of service, treatment or prescription is available in the basket. It is possible to purchase supplementary insurance (Bituach Mashlim) from your health plan in order to receive wider coverage. Differences between the plans may exist in these supplementary insurances. See Kupot Cholim (Health Plans).

Currently, it is possible to register for health coverage at the airport. Please research which healthcare provider offers the best services in your new Israeli community, so that you will be prepared to register with a healthcare provider upon your arrival at Ben Gurion airport.

After your first 12 months as a new Oleh, your free health coverage comes to an end:

• If you are already employed, Bituach Leumi will be automatically deducted from your salary on a monthly basis. Included in the Bituach Leumi (National Insurance) payment is the cost of Bituach Briut, basic medical coverage. The payment deducted by Bituach Leumi ranges depending on your salary, and it is generally in the range of 3%- 5%.
• If you are not working, you will need to start paying Bituach Leumi directly in order to continue to be covered for Bituach Briut (health insurance). The cost of Bituach Briut is about 150 NIS, per adult (over the age of 17), per month. For retirees, the cost is approximately 160 NIS per person, per month. You will need to go into the Bituach Leumi office in order to sign up for this continued basic coverage.

Basic medications are covered in the basket of health services but the health department may have different specifications for these medications. If you take medications, it is critical to check the availability of your medications for your specific condition including dosage prior to your arrival in Israel. We recommend bringing a three-month supply of your medication.

Medical services are provided either in a clinic setting where family doctors and other specialists and services may be available, or in a independent office. This is dependent on your health plan and your location.

We recommend getting more information on the health plans in the community you plan to live in by contacting friends or family who live there and by emailing the listserv in that area. You can also call the plans directly and ask to speak with an English-speaking representative or physician.

Some of the things to think about when choosing a health plan are:

1. What types of physicians will you need on a regular basis? What hours are the clinics open and are they conveniently located? What is their reputation? Do they speak English? (Note: most specialists in Israel have a high level of English.)
2. Where are the pharmacies located? Is there an option to use private pharmacies?
3. What is the availability of laboratory (blood tests, etc) and diagnostic services (x-ray, ultrasound, etc.)? What are their working hours?
4. Do you have a chronic illness or other special needs? If so, we recommend getting information on treatment and medications well before making aliya to insure continuity of your care.
5. What do the supplementary insurances of each health plan offer?

For more information about navigating the healthcare system in Israel, you may visit The Shira Pransky Project. The Shira Pransky Project was established to assist English-speaking medical patients in Israel by facilitating the accessibility of rights, benefits and support through education and advocacy.