It is important for a child to be registered with Bituach Leumi so they can receive complete health insurance as well as benefits such as kitzvat yeladim and chisachon l’kol yeled.
Adding Israeli children to an existing plan
Israeli children are automatically registered with Bituach Leumi as soon as they have a mispar zehut (Israeli ID number) provided their parent(s) are properly registered with Bituach Leumi.
Note
When a child turns 18, they will no longer be included on their parents’ plan and must start paying separately for their coverage.
Adding a Non-Israeli Child to an Existing Plan
Once a non-Israeli child has a passport and visa, they can register with Bituach Leumi.
Note
A child of parents who are members of Bituach Leumi is not required to wait 183 days before applying.
Until the child has a passport and visa, Meuchedet and Maccabi may accept a newborn with no pre-existing condition on a tourist plan. In Meuchedet, the first 6 months are free; afterward, if the child still does not have Bituach Leumi, they may be able to extend the coverage for a fee.
See here for more information on kupat cholim.
Note
In certain circumstances, Chaim V’Chessed can facilitate Bituach Leumi registration for newborns even before they have obtained a passport and visa. Please email support@chaimvchessed.com for assistance.
Online Registration for Non-Israeli Children
Step 1: Obtain a Daf Knisot V’yetziot
A daf knisot v’yetziot is an official page of one’s entries and exits to the country.
When registering a child for Bituach Leumi, one will need a daf knisot v’yetziot for the child and one parent.
Note
This is required even for a child who was born in Israel and never left the country.
- Get this document from The Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) by presenting your passport.
- Adults must go in person; children under 18 do not need to be present.
- No appointment necessary.
- The document is printed free of charge.
- Central Jerusalem location: Shlomtzion Hamalka 1 (off Rechov Yaffo)
- Opening Hours: Sunday–Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00–12:00; Monday & Wednesday: 14:30–17:00
Tip
When applying for a child’s visa in person, it is recommended to request daf knisot v’yetziot for the child and parent that is present. The visa clerk may be able to issue the document.
Step 2: Prepare the following documents
- Daf knisot v’yetziyot (original page of entries and exits) for the child and one parent, preferably no more than 3-4 weeks old
- Passport of child
- Valid visa for child
- Very clear photo of child (head shot). This photo should resemble the current photo in the passport.
- For first child only: proof of a bank account in mother’s name (e.g. a voided check or ishur nihul cheshbon)
- The Bituach Leumi numbers of both parents are also required.
Tip
All documents must be extremely clear, including the headshots and copy of the passport. (Someone who has a filter that blocks out faces should upload their documents from another device.)
Step 3: Online Registration
Applications should be submitted using the online application here.
Tip
The form should be completed as quickly as possible. If the form is open for too long or saved and reopened, it will no longer work and the applicant will need to start again.
- Read the opening instructions then click on לשלב הבא to continue to the next page.
- In Step 2, choose the subject of the request “אני מגיש את הטופס עבור נושא”:
Select: “תלמיד ישיבה או בן משפחתו המבקשים לקבוע תושבות וחברות בקופת חולים” - Choose on whose behalf you are submitting the application: self, spouse, child, etc. Select: “child under 18”.
- Enter the child’s details and the details of the child’s parents. Note: If the child’s parents are existing members of Bituach Leumi, enter their 77 number as the ID number, and choose מספר מזהה זמני בביטוח לאומי.
- After completing each page, click on לשלב הבא to continue to the next step.
Based on your responses, a list of documents will appear for upload. Any additional documents should be added at the end under צירוף מסמכים.
Tip
The online form will request that one upload a daf knisot v’yetziot only for the child. Merge the child’s and parent’s dapei knisot v’yetziot into one file and upload together.
Under צירוף מסמכים one should also upload the completed forms to apply for kitzvat yeladim and, if applicable, for maanak laida (if one gave birth abroad or before becoming a Bituach Leumi member).
After uploading all of the required documentation, submit the request!
Note
There is a reference number in the top right corner of the application called סימוכין which can be used to receive technical support.
For technical assistance (with uploading documents etc.), call 1299.
After successfully submitting the form, one will receive an email confirmation with another reference number beginning with 83. Save this number so you can follow up on your application.
Within about a week, Bituach Leumi should send an email confirming the child’s acceptance and their new ID number, which will begin with 77.
If you have a serious medical emergency, reach out to Chaim V’Chessed for assistance.
Registering for Kupat Cholim through Bituach Leumi
If a child is already a member of kupat cholim, kupat cholim will be automatically updated. This may take a few days from the time one receives the confirmation email.
Contact kupat cholim to be sure they merge the old account with the new one. One should receive a new kupat cholim card bearing the child’s 77 number in the mail within a few weeks.
