It is crucial for anyone coming to Israel to have appropriate medical coverage for the duration of their stay.
Bituach Leumi – Israel’s National Insurance Institute – provides many social services, including health care. When one is a Bituach Leumi member, they automatically receive free basic Kupat Cholim coverage. A Kupat Cholim is an HMO that provides medical insurance and care. Israel has four Kupot Cholim: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, and Leumit.
People making Aliyah generally become eligible for Bituach Leumi upon arrival and can immediately join a Kupat Cholim (some bureaucratic technicalities may be required in order to activate one’s coverage). Their government-sponsored coverage is available regardless of pre-existing medical conditions.
Toshavim Chozrim – Israeli citizens who return to Israel – may face a waiting period before they again become eligible for medical services through their Kupat Cholim. Click here for more information about insurance for returning residents. Foreigners who are residents of Israel may be eligible for Bituach Leumi, depending on their visa status and the amount of time they have lived in Israel for. See here for information on foreigners joining Bituach Leumi.
Foreigners who are not covered through Bituach Leumi – including tourists, short-term residents, and some long-term residents – may be able to obtain coverage through a private-pay program. Maccabi and Meuhedet offer private-pay options (called Tourist Plans). It is important to note that these Tourist Plans provide somewhat limited coverage, and at times do not cover hospitalizations or various procedures.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
People without Bituach Leumi coverage who have pre-existing medical conditions are often declined by private-pay programs offered by Kupot Cholim or may be unable to obtain adequate coverage. This may include people with Crohn’s disease, diabetes, other chronic medical conditions, or mental health issues. Women in an advanced stage of pregnancy are also not accepted to these plans.
Those who may not qualify for a private-pay Kupat Cholim program should arrange private medical insurance before arriving in Israel. Planning ahead is essential to avoid gaps in care and unexpected medical expenses.
The following guide outlines the steps for obtaining suitable and effective medical insurance coverage in Israel.
Options for Medical Coverage
Since government-subsidized health insurance will not be available to you for up to six months, it is important to arrange appropriate medical coverage during this period.
1. Insurance from Your Country of Origin
If you have medical insurance in your country of origin, find out exactly what, if anything, it will cover while you are in Israel. Research this carefully – do not simply assume that you will be covered while abroad.
2. Traveler’s Insurance
If your insurance from your country of origin will not cover your medical needs while you are abroad, it is critical to obtain a traveler’s insurance policy.
Many travel insurance policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Be sure to read the policy carefully and ask the insurance company or broker any relevant questions before purchasing a policy. There are also travel insurance policies specifically designed for people with pre-existing conditions.
You can search for travel insurance policies at SquareMouth or contact a reliable insurance broker.
3. Meuhedet or Maccabi Plans with Exclusions
Although the health funds (kupot cholim) generally do not accept people with pre-existing conditions into their tourist plans, if the condition is relatively minor, there may be a possibility of being accepted with an exclusion for coverage of that specific condition.
This is handled on a case-by-case basis. The health fund will determine whether the applicant can be accepted and what exclusions, if any, will apply.
4. If No Insurance Is Available
If you are unable to obtain insurance coverage, it is important to plan ahead for your medical needs.
Many visitors arrange to bring their medications with them to Israel, or purchase them in Israel through a private pharmacy. To purchase medication in Israel, you will generally need a prescription from a local doctor.
It is recommended that you come prepared with a sufficient supply of your medications so that you do not run out while arranging a local prescription. At the same time, keep in mind that Israeli customs generally do not permit travelers to bring in more than a three-month supply of medication.
Always carry your prescriptions with you when transporting medications.
Specific questions require an in-depth phone discussion. Feel free to call the Chaim V’Chessed Medical Department during Israeli office hours.
