Health Insurance through Bituach Leumi
(National Health Insurance) for Returning Citizens

According to Section 58 of the National Health Insurance Law (which took effect March 1, 2003), anyone who has a Teudat Zehut number and returns to live permanently in Israel must wait a period of two months for every year of absence from Israel, in order to receive medical services through Bituach Leumi (National Health Insurance). The minimum waiting period is two months and the maximum is 18 months. A year of absence from Israel is deemed to be any year during which an Israeli stayed outside of Israel for at least 183 cumulative days. This rule applies in the following circumstances:

1. Israeli citizens who left Israel after March 1, 2001 for 2 years or more and did not pay health insurance payments through Bituach Leumi for 12 months or more, will not be entitled to medical services upon returning to live permanently in Israel, for the waiting period specified by law. This does not apply to Israeli citizens who left Israel for a period of up to 5 years, and continued to pay National Health Insurance payments.

2. Israeli citizens who left the country and who are not recognized anymore by the National Insurance Institute as Israeli residents will not be eligible for medical services upon returning to live permanently in Israel, for the waiting period specified by law. (This applies even if you paid the National Health Insurance payments!)

Who is NOT subject to Section 58?

1. Israeli Citizens Born Abroad ( Ezrachim Olim) who make Aliyah are eligible for National Health Insurance upon arrival, after presenting a Teudat Zakaut (Oleh Certificate) at the local branch of Bituach Leumi. Please note that Ezrachim Olim are required to pay for National Health Insurance from the date of Aliyah (unlike other Olim, who receive services for free for a limited period of time).
2. Returning Minors (Ktinim Chozrim) who make Aliyah are eligible for National Health Insurance upon arrival, after presenting a Teudat Zakaut (Oleh Certificate) at the local branch of Bituach Leumi. Please note that Ktinim Chozrim are requested to pay for National Health Insurance from the date of Aliyah (unlike other Olim, who receive services for free for a limited period of time).
3. Olim who are currently making Aliyah but in the past held Temporary Resident status (A-1) will be entitled to National Health Insurance and will not be subject to Section 58. A final decision regarding your eligibility will be made by Bituach Leumi. We recommend that you purchase private health insurance before your arrival and maintain this coverage until your eligibility is determined by Bituach Leumi.

In order to sign up for Kupat Cholim, bring the following documents to the “Machleket Gviya” (payment department) at the local branch of Bituach Leumi.

• Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card)
• Teudat Oleh, or a letter received from Misrad Haklita
• Transcript of entry and exit from Israel (this can be issued at Misrad Hapnim)

At Bituach Leumi, you are required to fill out 2 forms:

• שאלון לקביעת תושבות  - Declaration of Settlement in Israel
• קביעת תושבות ובקשה לרישום לקופ"ח - Request for "Kupat Cholim" Health Insurance Registration (form 666) -

As a returning resident, there are several options you can pursue in order to ensure full health coverage upon your return to Israel:

Special Payment to Bituach Leumi:

1. Kupat Cholim Clalit / Mashlim Chul – a special enrollment program that provides Toshavim Chozrim with health benefits during the mandatory waiting period. All those who are eligible and join the program are insured by Kupat Cholim Clalit and will be entitled to receive all of the basic health benefits afforded to Israeli citizens.

For specific cases, additional information, and terms of enrollment, please see the Mashlim web site at www.mashlim.com/nbn  or call 1-866-MASHLIM.

2. Shiloach Insurance for Tourists/Students - For terms and conditions, please contact:

Beit Harel, 3 Rechov Abba Hillel
POB 1951, Ramat Gan 52118
Tel: (03)754-7000 or (02) 640-4444

3. Darconaim: Maccabi Health Sick Fund for Returning Residents. For terms and conditions please contact the Maccabi sick fund at 1-700-50-53 or check the following web site: http://www.maccabi4u.co.il/darkonaim/Templates/homepage.asp?lng=EN

4.Atid Bari Insurance Agency, in conjunction with the renowned insurance provider “Ayalon,” offers a comprehensive healthcare package for tourists, Olim and foreign residents who do not yet have government sponsored health coverage. Medical care is provided by the government-sponsored Leumit Health Fund.  Coverage includes free prescription medicines, night calls from doctors, coverage for treatment at all hospitals in Israel, and a maternity plan with absolutely no waiting period! 

For more information or to download the forms online, please visit www.israelinsurance.net or call the toll-free number from Israel 1-800-606-464 to speak with an English speaking representative.  The call center is open 24 hours a day.  From outside of Israel, you can call for free by clicking the “Contact Us” tab on the website and following the instructions listed.

Please note: If you are a Katin Chozer or an Ezrach Oleh you will be able to enroll in the Kupat Cholim of your choice immediately after your Aliyah.