When you travel out of Israel, it is imperative that you be covered under a medical insurance plan. Standard kupat cholim coverage does not cover you out of Israel. If you are traveling to a country where you once held insurance, confirm before your trip whether the plan is still current. Standard plans often do not cover pregnancy-related issues, but there are traveler’s insurance plans available that do.
Note that traveler’s insurance must be purchased (a) before your trip and (b) in the country you start out from. For example, those who are traveling to Israel from the US should purchase a plan from a US provider.
If you are a resident of Israel, it is possible to purchase traveler’s insurance before your trip either through a private agent or through your kupat cholim.
Private Agencies
The insurance offered by private agencies is comparable to that offered by the kupot cholim, though every provider has somewhat different rates. One advantage of using a private agency is that the agency takes care of filing all claims for you. The agency will also deal with the insurance provider if there is a problem and see to it that you receive compensation. If you have difficulty speaking Hebrew, using an English-speaking agency can be especially helpful.
Private insurance agencies include, but are not limited to, the following:
| ASA Worldwide Insurance | 02-532-5110 | 718-874-2751 |
| Egert & Cohen Insurance | 02-623-2546 | 050-548-2192 |
| Epstein Insurance | 02-580-8214 | 718-874-8213 |
| Best Insurance | 02-651-9343 | 050-445-5770 |
Note that inclusion of an agent in this guide does not constitute a recommendation or an affiliation with Chaim V’Chessed.
Traveler’s Insurance via Kupot Cholim
Kupot cholim generally offer traveler’s insurance only to members of Bituach Leumi. If you have a supplemental insurance plan, a percentage of your traveler’s insurance price may be covered.
Meuhedet
Meuhedet offers traveler’s insurance through the Harel insurance company. You can sign up with this insurance online or by calling *3833.
Clalit
Clalit offers traveler’s insurance through the Clal insurance company. There is a 10‒25% discount for Clalit Mushlam members. There are many services available on the basic plan, and for additional fees there are more services and further coverage. You can sign up for Clal online or by calling *2700.
Leumit
Leumit offers traveler’s insurance through the company Clal. You can learn more and sign up online, or call *9094 or 03-942-0425.
Maccabi
Maccabi offers a traveler’s insurance called “Maccabi Medi-clal Olami” through the company Clal. You can learn more and sign up with this insurance online. You can only apply online if you have an automatic payment plan. You can also sign up by calling *2627.