Misrad Haklita - New Health Insurance Incentive for Returning Residents

In honor of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption (Misrad Haklita) has launched a campaign to encourage Israeli citizens residing abroad to return home.  As part of this endeavor, Misrad Haklita is offering reimbursement for the special payment made to the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) for the purposes of receiving health coverage under the State Health Insurance Law.

Reimbursement for payment of the special fee (which enables returning residents to cancel the waiting period mandated by Section 58 of the State Health Insurance Law) will be granted if the applicant meets both of the following conditions:

1. You will need to make the first of the six equal monthly payments during the period beginning November 1, 2007 and ending December 30, 2008.

2. The individual must return to Israel within the period beginning November 1, 2007 and ending August 31, 2009.

According to the terms and conditions outlined by Misrad Haklita, any Israeli citizen defined as a returning resident ("Toshav Chozer"), who pays Bituach Leumi the special payment for a period of six months (in six monthly installments) will receive a full refund of 8,870 NIS for an adult (amount correct as of November 1, 2007) at the end of the payment period.  This reimbursement is granted on the condition the individual has returned to Israel, and upon presentation of the receipt from Bituach Leumi.

Immediately following the completion of the six months and upon receipt of residency approval from Bituach Leumi, the individual will be entitled to the full range of health services granted under the State Health Insurance Law, and as such will be eligible to register with the Kupat Cholim (Health Fund) of their choice.

If you made Aliyah in the past and spent less than one year in Israel you will not be entitled for this special incentive. For more information Please check directly with Misrad Haklita.

Registration and Payment Process:

1. Any Israeli citizen may register on the Incentive Registration form on the Misrad Haklita website from November 1, 2007.  Those who are recognized as returning residents by Misrad Haklita and who have not spent more than 120 days per year in Israel in the two years prior to their return, will be eligible for the reimbursement.
2. The payment will be made directly to Bituach Leumi (in six monthly installments) via the payment page on the Bituach Leumi website, www.btl.gov.il.  The payment should be made by credit card, either from the individual's country of residence abroad or from Israel.
3. Receipt of a certificate of return to Israel (Teudat Toshav Chozer) from Misrad Haklita upon their return to Israel.
4. Opening an account at an Israeli bank for the purpose of a direct deposit transfer of funds for the reimbursement from Misrad Haklita.
5. Presenting a receipt of payment from Bituach Leumi at the individual's local branch of Misrad Haklita in order to have the funds directly transferred into their bank account.

Remarks:

• It is important to emphasize that the reimbursement for the special payment is not sufficient enough to determine one's eligibility for health coverage, as outlined in Section 58.  The candidate should contact Bituach Leumi directly following their return to Israel in order to re-establish their status as a resident of Israel.
• In order to prove residency the candidate must present Bituach Leumi with documentation that proves that the individual has returned permanently to Israel, for example documentation that the individual sent a lift to Israel, the rental contract for their home, employment contract, registration of children in the Israeli school system, etc.
• A returning resident who wants to ensure full health coverage for themselves and the members of their family must return to Israel no later than 18 months from the date of the first payment to Bituach Leumi.

For Additional Information:

• Special Misrad Haklita Hotline: 972-3-973-3333
• "HaBayit HaYisraeli" – the Israeli House at the Israeli Consulate: http://www.moia.gov.il/Moia_he/ReturningCitizens/IsraeliHouse.htm
• Legal version of the details of the campaign: http://www.moia.gov.il/Moia_he/ReturningCitizens/IsraeliHouse.htm