Bituach Leumi Reimbursement

A visa holder must reside in Israel for 183 days before becoming eligible to apply for Bituach Leumi. Once accepted, Bituach Leumi retroactively recognizes their membership from the time they received their student (or A1) visas – up to one year back. Members must pay dues for that period (see our guide on Paying Bituach Leumi) and they may be eligible for a refund on either kupat cholim or private insurance membership fees and certain medical expenses incurred during that time. 

Refund of Kupat Cholim and Private Insurance Premiums

Once accepted to Bituach Leumi, one must join a kupat cholim of their choice. The basic kupat cholim premiums will be paid by Bituach Leumi. (Supplementary coverage – such as Meuchedet Adif, Meuhedet C, Macabbi Zahav or Maccabi Sheli – must still be paid for privately.) 

Because Bituach Leumi membership is retroactive, Bituach Leumi will reimburse 120 NIS per month for premiums paid – either to a kupat cholim or to a private Israel-based insurance company – from the date one was retroactively recognized as a member. 

Refunds of kupat cholim/private insurance payments are processed by an office under the auspices of Bituach Leumi. 

Applications should be submitted online here.

 Upload the following documents: 

• Receipts of kupat cholim/private insurance payments. 

• Proof of a bank account in the applicant’s name (e.g., a void check, bank statement, or a letter from the bank titled ishur nihul cheshbon)

Refund of Select Medical Expenses

Bituach Leumi may also reimburse medical expenses that would typically be covered provided:

• The expenses were incurred during the retroactive period
• The individual was a member of kupat cholim or private Israel-based insurance at that time

These claims are reviewed by a joint committee of the Ministry of Health and Bituach Leumi.

Applications should be submitted online using the electronic tool on the gov.il website. 

Alternatively, one may print and fill out the form by hand, then submit it – along with accompanying documentation – by mail or by fax. However, it is strongly recommended to apply online. 

More than one expense may be included per application, but a separate form must be submitted for each family member.   

Required Documents:

1. All relevant supporting documents, including:
   • Hospital receipts
   • A detailed list of services provided
2. A copy of the applicant’s Bituach Leumi acceptance letter confirming they were recognized as a toshav Yisrael (resident) from a date before the date of the medical expense. Upload this on the final page of the form, where there is an option to add additional documentation.

Once submitted, the applicant will receive an email confirmation.

For follow-up inquiries regarding claims:
Phone: *5400 ext. 5 
Email: kvilot@moh.health.gov.il 
Fax: 02-5655981

For more information on the process, see here.