Healthcare

Healthcare in Israel

Israel's healthcare system is among the world's best, providing universal coverage through a national health insurance framework.

How the System Works

Every Israeli resident must register with one of four non-profit health funds (Kupot Cholim):

All four must provide the same basic health basket (Sal HaBriut) as mandated by law. You can switch between funds once per year at six designated dates.

What's Covered (Basic Basket)

• Primary care physician visits
• Specialist referrals
• Hospitalization
• Prescription medications (with co-pay ~₪6-30)
• Mental health services (co-pay ~₪10/session)
• Preventive care and vaccinations
• Maternity and prenatal care
• Emergency services

Costs

National Health Insurance Tax (Bituach Leumi): Automatically deducted from salary alongside social security. Rates are approximately 3.1% on income up to ₪6,331/month and 5% above that threshold.

Supplemental Insurance: About 40% of Israelis carry additional private insurance for faster specialist access, choice of surgeon, and private hospital rooms. Plans cost ₪250-400/month.

Typical Co-Pays:

• GP visit: ₪0-25
• Specialist: ₪25-50
• Prescribed medications: ₪6-30
• ER visit: ₪400 (refunded if admitted)
• Therapy session: ~₪10

For New Immigrants (Olim)

• Covered from day of registration with a health fund
• Up to 1 year of free basic health insurance if not working
• Can register at Ben Gurion Airport upon arrival, online, or at a post office
• Choose your Kupat Cholim carefully - each has different clinic locations and specialist availability

For Non-Immigrant Expats

• Foreign workers with B/1 visas: employer must provide health insurance
• Some Kupot Cholim offer non-resident programs (e.g., Maccabi Wellcome: $115-450/month depending on age)
• Private international health insurance recommended for those not covered by national system

Key Strengths

• Very short wait times for primary care (same-day/next-day common)
• World-leading medical research and innovation
• High doctor-to-patient ratio
• Telemedicine widely available
• Mental health fully integrated into the health system