By Shmuel Weinstein and Devorah Weisberg

For those living in Israel and seeking top-quality medical care, it is usually unnecessary to travel abroad, as Israel offers advanced medical treatment domestically. In fact, Israel attracts many wealthy foreigners who come specifically for high-quality care.

This, however, is not the case for organ transplants. Very few such procedures are performed in Israel due to the shortage of donors. The government’s budget for sending patients abroad is insufficient, and tragically, many people in Israel die each year while waiting for approval to travel overseas for a transplant.

This is one example of one of the downsides of socialized medicine – needs beyond the available budget, which then requires politicians to decide how to allocate limited resources.

Another frequent area of public debate is the funding of medications. Only those approved are subsidized by the government, and for specific conditions only (even though they may be beneficial for other conditions too). Many medications, including those that save lives, remain unapproved, as their cost/benefit ratio is considered too high to justify public funding.

Public vs. Private Coverage

Israel’s public healthcare system is based on the National Health Law, which legislates a set “basket” of medical services to all residents that is administered by the various health funds (Kupot Cholim). Each health fund also offers supplemental coverage (Shaban) for an additional fee.

While Shaban plans do extend benefits, they do not cover lifesaving or life-extending medications and cannot match the comprehensive protection of a full private health insurance plan, which:

• Covers transplants abroad, surgeries abroad, and medications not funded by the public system.
• Offers the insured fast access to advanced medical care in Israel and abroad.
• Gives the insured the freedom to seek treatment abroad with minimal bureaucracy, quickly, and with some of the best doctors.

Benefits of a Private/Supplemental Health Insurance plan

(Not all benefits are required to be purchased. Coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles apply. Check with your agent before purchasing.)

1. Private Surgery abroad and treatments that replace surgeries abroad – Choice of surgeon and hospital for medically necessary operations and treatments that replace operations, covering hospitalization, surgery, and other expenses.
2. Transplants & Special Treatments Abroad – Coverage for a wide list of transplants and non-surgical treatments, especially where success rates are higher abroad or local wait times pose serious health risks.
3. Medications Not in the Health Basket – Including:
o Approved drugs that specifically exclude coverage for the insured’s condition.
o Drugs that are approved for other conditions (but not those of the insured).
o Off-label medications proven effective for the insured’s illness.
o Orphan drugs for rare diseases
o Medication designed according to the DNA of the insured, as well as genomic testing for cancer.
4. Private Surgery and treatment that replaces surgeries in Israel – Freedom to choose your surgeon in case of a medically needed procedure (some companies only – others allow you to choose from a list).
Includes coverage for consultations regarding the surgery as well as treatment that replaces surgeries with the same goal of surgery and implants during surgery.
5. Access to Israel’s top-quality medical care – Reimbursement for specialist visits, diagnostic testing including MRIs and CTs, and other medical services with shorter waiting times, coverage for pregnancy and childbirth-related tests, IVF, and more. (Note: This particular coverage can be purchased as a stand-alone policy if, due to age or pre-existing medical conditions, one is ineligible to purchase a private health insurance plan.)
6. Advanced technologies and medical accessories – participation in the financing of the following medical technologies:
• Technologies for the treatment of oncology diseases
• Pressure cell treatments
• Technologies for treating pain
• Medical accessories that cost over 500 NIS
• Medical injections, including injections of regenerative substances into joints
7. Quick diagnosis- ability to go to a private diagnostic center without long waiting periods and without the need for Kupat Cholim approval.
8. Reimbursements for many alternative medicine treatments.
9. Child development related coverages.
10. Online medical consultations.
11. Doctor visits at your home.
12. Medical Management for Major Events – Guidance and coordination for complex medical situations.
13. Serious illness insurance – provides a one-time payment in the event that the insured is diagnosed with a major illness that is listed as covered.
14. Cancer insurance – provides a one-time payment in the event that the insured is diagnosed with any of the cancers listed as covered. Dental care.
15. Dental care.

Additional Considerations

• Pre-existing medical conditions are excluded unless the insurance company specifically agrees to cover them.
• All coverages have a waiting/trial period
• Some treatments must be pre-approved by the insurer.
• If you already have Shaban supplemental coverage through the Kupat Cholim, ask your agent about possible premium discounts.
• When purchasing a private health insurance plan, consider not only today’s costs but also the future premiums as you age.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. The only binding terms are those in your insurance policy.

Shmuel Weinstein
General Manager, Best Insurance Agency (2013) Ltd.
Licensed Insurance Agent in Israel since 1988
Devorah Weisberg
Licensed insurance, pension, and finance agent
They can be reached at 02-6519343 or through their website: israelinsuranceagent.com

* Last updated on March 1, 2026 *