Published January 13, 2025 12:59 PM IST
In a significant milestone for foreign residents navigating Israel’s complex healthcare system, Chaim V’Chessed announced that it successfully registered 601 newborns with Bituach Leumi in 2024. This critical service ensures that these infants gain immediate access to Israel’s universal healthcare system, sidestepping bureaucratic delays that often leave families in limbo.
For foreign residents, the process of enrolling a newborn in Bituach Leumi is notoriously challenging. Parents must first secure an Israeli birth certificate, followed by a foreign passport and visa for their child before health coverage can be initiated. This drawn-out procedure leaves many families, particularly those dealing with medical issues, vulnerable during the crucial early weeks of a child’s life.
Chaim V’Chessed originally established an innovative partnership with Bituach Leumi’s head offices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the program, the organization facilitates the registration of newborn foreigners shortly after birth. These babies immediately receive a 77 membership number, which grants them instant access to Israel’s healthcare system. Parents then have several months to complete the necessary documentation, such as acquiring a passport and visa for their child.
The program is especially crucial for families whose babies are born with medical issues. While newborn foreigners can theoretically be covered under a Kupat Cholim tourist plan, this option is often denied to babies with medical conditions, even minor ones like high bilirubin levels. Without Chaim V’Chessed’s intervention, these children would be left without any medical coverage during a critical time. Furthermore, if a child is registered with a Kupat Cholim tourist plan, services are often limited if the baby does not yet have Bituach Leumi membership.
Chaim V’Chessed offers this service for all newborns up to two months of age, provided the parents already hold Bituach Leumi membership themselves. “We are proud to provide this vital service to foreign residents in Israel,” said Mrs. Shani Wahrsager of the Chaim V’Chessed Medical Department. “Ensuring newborns have immediate access to healthcare is a critical part of our mission, and we are thrilled to have assisted over 600 families in the past year.”
By addressing a pressing need in the community, Chaim V’Chessed continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of families navigating the challenges of life in Israel. The organization expresses thanks to Bituach Leumi officials for their partnership on this important issue.
