Healthcare in Israel

Healthcare is universal and compulsory, extending to every legal resident in Israel, regardless of one’s financial status or any pre-existing medical conditions.

As a national socialised system, healthcare insurance is publicly financed through income and general revenue, as well as through public and private contributions. An expat employee will have 5% of their monthly paycheque deducted by the Bituach Leumi (National Health Institute). 
 

Legislation 

The Ministry of Health in Israel is responsible for the supervising, licensing and overall planning of health services in Israel. Two laws were passed that currently define the health care system.

Israel’s National Health Insurance Law (1995)

• Authorization of universal and comprehensive health care: 100% of Israelis are offered full-cover health care
• Every resident of Israel must join one of Israel’s four health care organisations: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet and Leumit (members have the right to change organisations)
• Health funds cannot discriminate against age, income, or state of health
• Residents will be provided with a broad array of services

Israel’s Patient's Rights Law (1996)

• Establishes the rights of every patient that is receiving medical care or who requests medical care, to have their dignity and privacy protected

Israel’s government regulates competition among the four health plans and pays for unaffiliated health care funds and medical research. Each health plan is required to provide benefit packages, that include physician services, hospitalisation, outpatient treatment, communicable diseases, mother and child care, psychiatric services and long-term hospitalisation. Dental health is not included. For additional coverage, residents have the right to purchase benefits from outside of their health plan (additional services or private plans), at a nominal cost.

Expat healthcare

An expat employee working in Israel with residency rights is entitled to receive the national healthcare benefits. Some employers provide additional private plans on a group basis, but it is not very common. Private health insurance is quite expensive, covering consultations, hospitalisations, check-ups and surgery.

There is also an option for operations insurance, providing coverage for specific surgeries. This plan allows the insured party to decide on the place and time of the operation, as well as the doctor. This plan is sold on a five-year term, with guaranteed renewability. Premiums are very affordable.

There are several options for those wishing to purchase individual plans from private insurance companies. It is recommended that you first speak to several different health insurance agencies in order to find the best option. There are varying plans for individuals, families, and groups.

Healthcare Facilities in Israel

• 46 hospitals and medical centers
• 2,000+ community-oriented primary care clinics throughout the country
• Three rehabilitation hospitals: two in Tel Aviv, and one in Jerusalem
• Four medical schools, two schools of dentistry, two pharmacology schools and 20 nursing schools

It is common to have to wait days or weeks for availability for tests and surgeries. In these cases, while many people simply wait for the next available appointment, others seek private healthcare, and pay for an earlier test or a more convenient location. Those that wait are generally satisfied with the care they receive.