Complete Guide to Kupat Cholim (Israeli

Health Funds)

What is Kupat Cholim?

**Kupat Cholim (חולים קופת) **literally means "sick fund" - these are Israel's health maintenance organizations (HMOs).

Key Facts

 **Universal Healthcare: **Everyone in Israel must belong to a health fund **Mandatory by Law: **National Health Insurance Law (1995) **Four Options: **Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, Leumit **Basic Coverage Identical: **All provide same minimum basket of services **Funded by Taxes: **Through Bituach Leumi (National Insurance) **Cannot Be Denied: **Pre-existing conditions don't matter **Can Switch: **Once per year, no penalties

The Four Health Funds (Kupot Cholim)

1.  Clalit Health Services (כללית)

Largest health fund in Israel Stats:

ï           **Members: **~4.7 million (54% of population)

ï           **Founded: **1911 (oldest)

ï           **Clinics: **1,400+ nationwide

ï           **Hospitals: **Owns several hospitals

Strengths:

ï           Most comprehensive network

ï           Clinics everywhere, even small towns

ï           Owns major hospitals

ï           Best for families (pediatric services)

ï           Strong in periphery areas

ï           Affiliated with Clalit Mushlam (supplementary insurance)

Weaknesses:

ï           Can be bureaucratic (largest = slowest)

ï           Longer wait times in some clinics

ï           Less personal service

ï           Older facilities in some locations

Best For:

ï           Living outside major cities

ï           Large families

ï           Need extensive network

ï           Prefer integrated system (fund owns hospitals)

Contact:

ï           Phone: *2700

ï           Website: www.clalit.co.il/en

ï           App: MyClilit

2.  Maccabi Healthcare Services (מכבי)

Second largest, known for efficiency Stats:

ï           **Members: **~2.6 million (25% of population)

ï           **Founded: **1941

ï           **Clinics: **2,600+ locations

ï           **Focus: **Technology and innovation

Strengths:

ï           Modern, efficient service

ï           Excellent digital services and app

ï           Shorter wait times

ï           Good for young professionals

ï           Strong preventive care

ï           Private-sector feel

ï           Maccabi Sheli (supplementary) well-regarded

Weaknesses:

ï           Less presence in periphery

ï           Smaller network than Clalit

ï           Doesn't own hospitals

ï           Less comprehensive for chronic conditions

Best For:

ï           Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa residents

ï           Young adults and professionals

ï           Tech-savvy individuals

ï           Value efficiency over size

Contact:

ï           Phone: *3555

ï           Website: www.maccabi4u.co.il/en

ï           App: Maccabi (highly rated)

3.  Meuhedet (מאוחדת)

Mid-size, focuses on personal service Stats:

ï           **Members: **~1.3 million (14% of population)

ï           **Founded: **1974 (merger of smaller funds)

ï           **Clinics: **280+ locations

ï           **Hospitals: **Assuta partnership

Strengths:

ï           Personal, attentive service

ï           Good doctor-patient relationships

ï           Strong in maternity services

ï           Partnership with Assuta hospitals

ï           Shorter referral processes

ï           Meuhedet Adif (supplementary) competitive

Weaknesses:

ï           Smaller network (mainly urban)

ï           Limited rural presence

ï           Fewer specialists available

ï           Less known internationally

Best For:

ï           Value personal attention

ï           Living in cities (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem)

ï           Prefer smaller organization feel

ï           Need maternity services

Contact:

ï           Phone: *3833

ï           Website: www.meuhedet.co.il/english

ï           App: Meuhedet Online

4.  Leumit Health Fund (לאומית) Smallest, most personal service Stats:

ï           **Members: **~740,000 (7% of population)

ï           **Founded: **1933

ï           **Clinics: **75+ main centers

ï           **Size: **Boutique-style service

Strengths:

ï           Excellent customer service

ï           Personal attention

ï           Quick appointments

ï           Doctor continuity (see same doctor)

ï           Good for chronic conditions

ï           Less bureaucracy

ï           Leumit Platinum (supplementary) comprehensive

Weaknesses:

ï           Smallest network

ï           Primarily urban centers only

ï           Limited geographic coverage

ï           Fewer specialists

ï           May need to travel for care

Best For:

ï           Living in major cities

ï           Value personal relationships

ï           Chronic condition management

ï           Prefer boutique service

ï           Don't mind traveling for specialists

Contact:

ï           Phone: *507

ï           Website: www.leumit.co.il/heb/international

ï           App: Leumit

How to Choose Your Kupat Cholim

Decision Factors

1.  Location

ï           **City dweller: **All four work well

ï           **Suburbs: **Clalit or Maccabi

ï           **Rural/Periphery: **Clalit (only real option)

2.  Life Stage

ï           **Young, healthy: **Maccabi or Leumit

ï           **Families with children: **Clalit or Meuhedet

ï           **Elderly/Chronic conditions: **Leumit or Clalit

ï           **Pregnancy/Maternity: **Meuhedet or Clalit

3.  Priorities

ï           **Biggest network: **Clalit

ï           **Technology/efficiency: **Maccabi

ï           **Personal service: **Leumit

ï           **Balance: **Meuhedet

4.  Supplementary Insurance

ï           Check which supplementary plan you want

ï           Sometimes supplementary determines choice

ï           Compare coverage and costs

5.  Existing Relationships

ï           Have a doctor you love? Check which fund

ï           Friends' recommendations matter

ï           Ask locals in your area

Research Steps

**1. Ask Locals **"Which kupat cholim do you use and why?" Check neighborhood Facebook groups

2.  Visit Clinics

ï           Physical location to your home/work

ï           Facility condition

ï           Staff friendliness

ï           Appointment availability

3.  Check Online Reviews

ï           Google reviews for specific clinics

ï           Facebook groups: "Olim of [city]"

ï           Ask in immigrant forums

4.  Compare Apps

ï           Download all four apps

ï           Check user interface

ï           See digital services offered

5.  Supplementary Insurance

ï           Compare coverage

ï           Check costs

ï           What's excluded

ï           Waiting periods

Registration Process

For New Immigrants (Olim)

Step 1: Register with Bituach Leumi

ï           Must do within 3 months of arrival

ï           Brings: Teudat Oleh, passport, teudat zehut (ID)

ï           Location: Nearest Bituach Leumi office

ï           Appointment: www.btl.gov.il

Step 2: Choose Kupat Cholim

ï           Decision made at Bituach Leumi office OR

ï           Register directly with chosen health fund

ï           Effective immediately

Step 3: Receive Member Card

ï           Temporary card given immediately

ï           Permanent card arrives by mail

ï           Card has member number (keep it!)

Documents Needed:

ï           Teudat zehut (Israeli ID)

ï           Passport

ï           Proof of residence

ï           Immigration documents (if recent oleh)

For Israeli Residents Switching Funds

When You Can Switch:

ï           January 1 - January 31 each year

ï           Exception: Moving to area not covered by current fund

How to Switch:

1.        Contact new fund (online, phone, or in-person)
2.        Fill out transfer form
3.        Bring: Teudat zehut, current member card
4.        Transfer effective immediately
5.        Old fund notified automatically

Important:

ï           No penalties for switching

ï           No waiting period for basic coverage

ï           Supplementary insurance may have waiting periods

ï           Can't be refused due to health conditions

What's Covered (Basic Basket)

Included in Basic Coverage

 Primary Care

ï           Family doctor visits (unlimited)

ï           Nurse visits

ï           Basic lab tests

ï           Basic imaging (X-ray, ultrasound)

ï           Preventive care

 Specialist Care

ï           Referrals to specialists

ï           Follow-up visits

ï           Basic procedures

 Hospitalization

ï           Emergency room

ï           Hospital admission

ï           Surgery

ï           Recovery

ï           Note: Public wards, not private rooms

 Maternity Care

ï           Pregnancy monitoring

ï           Birth (hospital)

ï           Postpartum care

ï           Well-baby visits

 Medications

ï           Prescription drugs in "basket"

ï           Subsidized pricing

ï           Some medications free

 Mental Health

ï           Psychological services (limited sessions)

ï           Psychiatric care

ï           Crisis intervention

 Chronic Disease Management

ï           Diabetes care

ï           Heart disease

ï           Asthma

ï           Cancer treatments (in basket)

 Children's Services

ï           Well-baby clinics (Tipat Chalav)

ï           Immunizations (free)

ï           Developmental monitoring

ï           Pediatric care

 Preventive Care

ï           Mammograms

ï           Colonoscopy (over 50)

ï           Blood pressure checks

ï           Cholesterol screening

 Emergency Services

ï           Ambulance (Magen David Adom)

ï           Emergency room treatment

ï           Trauma care

 Dental (Limited)

ï           Children up to age 18

ï           Emergency adult dental

ï           Regular adult dental NOT covered

What's NOT Covered (Need Supplementary)

 Requires Supplementary Insurance or Out-of-Pocket

Medical Services:

ï           Private hospital rooms

ï           Choice of surgeon

ï           Elective procedures not in basket

ï           Alternative medicine (acupuncture, chiropractic)

ï           Advanced imaging (private MRI, CT)

ï           Experimental treatments

ï           Fertility treatments (beyond basic)

ï           Cosmetic procedures

Dental:

ï           Regular adult dental care

ï           Cleanings

ï           Fillings

ï           Root canals

ï           Crowns

ï           Orthodontics

ï           Implants

Vision:

ï           Eye exams (basic covered once every few years)

ï           Glasses/Contact lenses

ï           Laser eye surgery

Medications:

ï           Drugs not in national basket

ï           Expensive/new medications

ï           Foreign prescriptions

International:

ï           Medical care abroad

ï           Medical evacuation

ï           Travel insurance

Mental Health:

ï           Extensive psychotherapy (beyond limited sessions)

ï           Private psychologists

ï           Alternative therapies

Other:

ï           Private ambulance

ï           Home care services

ï           Medical equipment purchase

ï           Second opinions from private doctors

Costs & Payment

What You Pay

Monthly Premium (ביטוח דמי)

ï           **Paid through: **Bituach Leumi (National Insurance)

ï           **Amount: **Based on income (progressive tax)

ï           **Range: **3.1% - 5% of salary

ï           **Collected: **Automatically from salary

ï           **Self-employed: **Pay quarterly to Bituach Leumi

)השתתפות עצמית( Co-Payments

Doctor Visits:

ï           Family doctor: ₪0-15

ï           Specialist: ₪25-37

ï           Emergency room: ₪164 (waived if admitted)

Medications:

ï           Tier system based on drug type

ï           Range: ₪0 - ₪80 per prescription

ï           Some drugs free

ï           Some heavily subsidized

Tests & Imaging:

ï           Blood tests: Usually included

ï           X-rays: ₪24-30

ï           Ultrasound: ₪28-35

ï           CT/MRI: ₪500+ (if not referred)

Hospital:

ï           Public ward: Free

ï           Private room: ₪500-1,500/night (needs supplementary)

Other:

ï           Medical equipment rental: Varies

ï           Home nursing: Not covered (unless supplementary)

Reductions & Exemptions

Who Pays Less:

Free/Reduced Co-Pays:

ï           Children under 18

ï           Olim chadashim (new immigrants): first year reduced

ï           Recipients of income support

ï           Holocaust survivors

ï           Disabled persons

ï           Elderly with low income

ï           Pregnancy-related visits

ï           Chronic disease management visits

How to Apply:

ï           Bring proof of status to clinic

ï           Update at Bituach Leumi if status changes

ï           Automatic for some categories

Supplementary Insurance (משלים ביטוח)

What Is It?

**Supplementary insurance **covers what basic basket doesn't. Optional but highly recommended.

The Four Main Plans

1.  Mushlam (משלים) - Complementary

ï           **What: **Extends basic basket

ï           Coverage:

◦           Reduced co-pays

◦           Additional medications

◦           More specialist visits

◦           Paramedical services

ï           **Cost: **₪30-50/month

ï           **Who needs: **Everyone should have minimum this

2.  Bridging (גישור ביטוח) - Hospitalization

ï           **What: **Private room, choice of surgeon

ï           Coverage:

◦           Private/semi-private room

◦           Choice of doctor

◦           Shorter wait times

◦           Better hospital accommodations

ï           **Cost: **₪50-150/month (age-dependent)

ï           **Who needs: **Families, anyone concerned about surgery

)ביטוח שיניים( Dental 3.

ï           **What: **Adult dental care

ï           Coverage:

◦           Cleanings

◦           Fillings

◦           Root canals

◦           Crowns

◦           Sometimes orthodontics

ï           **Cost: **₪40-80/month

ï           **Who needs: **Everyone (adult dental not in basic)

ï           **Note: **Usually has waiting period

4. Abroad (לארץ חוץ)

ï           **What: **Medical coverage traveling

ï           Coverage:

◦           Emergency medical abroad

◦           Medical evacuation

◦           Up to certain amounts (₪50K-100K+)

ï           **Cost: **₪20-40/month

ï           **Who needs: **Frequent travelers

ï           **Note: **Limited duration per trip

Combination Plans

Most funds offer package deals:

ï           Mushlam + Bridging + Dental: ₪150-250/month

ï           All-inclusive plans: ₪200-400/month

ï           Family packages available

Important Considerations

Waiting Periods:

ï           Dental: 6-12 months

ï           Hospitalization: 3-6 months

ï           Specific procedures: Varies

Age-Based Pricing:

ï           Gets more expensive with age

ï           Lock in young = cheaper forever

ï           Some funds don't raise rates after joining

Pre-Existing Conditions:

ï           Can't be denied

ï           May have longer waiting periods

ï           Some procedures excluded initially

When to Buy:

ï           **Best: **As soon as you join health fund

ï           **Good: **Within first 3 months (shorter waiting)

ï           **Okay: **Anytime (longer waiting)

How to Use the System

Getting Healthcare

Step 1: Register at Your Clinic (מרפאה)

ï           Find nearest clinic of your health fund

ï           Bring: Teudat zehut, member card

ï           Choose family doctor (משפחה רופא)

ï           Get patient file opened

Step 2: Make Appointments Three Ways:

**1.        Phone: **Call clinic directly

**2.        App: **Use health fund's app (easiest)

**3.        In-person: **Go to clinic reception

Appointment Times:

ï           Same day: Emergency slots available

ï           Regular: 1-7 days usually

ï           Specialist: 1-4 weeks (with referral)

ï           Surgeon: Can be months

Step 3: Visit Doctor What to Bring:

ï           Teudat zehut

ï           Member card

ï           Previous medical records (if new patient)

ï           List of medications

ï           Reason for visit written down (if Hebrew limited)

What Happens:

ï           Check-in at reception

ï           Pay co-pay (if applicable)

ï           Wait to be called

ï           Doctor visit (usually 10-15 minutes)

ï           Get prescriptions/referrals

Step 4: Follow-Up Prescriptions:

ï           Take to health fund pharmacy OR

ï           Any pharmacy (might cost more)

ï           Pick up medications

ï           Pay co-pay

Referrals:

ï           Needed for specialists

ï           Schedule through app/phone

ï           Bring referral to appointment

Tests:

ï           Blood tests: Usually at clinic

ï           Imaging: Referred to diagnostic center

ï           Results: Available in app within days

Navigating Common Situations

Scenario 1: You're Sick and Need a Doctor

Urgent (Same Day):

1.        Call clinic or use app
2.        Request **דחוף תור **(tor dachuf - urgent appointment)
3.        Go to clinic within hours
4.        Alternative: **טרם **(Terem - urgent care centers)

Regular Sick:

1.        Book appointment for next available
2.        Usually within 1-3 days
3.        Family doctor evaluates
4.        Get prescription/referral if needed

Emergency:

1.        Call **101 **(Magen David Adom)
2.        Go to **מיון **(miun - ER) directly
3.        Show member card at ER
4.        Pay co-pay (₪164, waived if admitted)

Scenario 2: You Need a Specialist

Process:

1.        Visit family doctor first (must have referral)
2.        Doctor writes referral (הפניה - hafnaya)
3.        Schedule with specialist (through app/phone)
4.        Attend appointment
5.        Specialist treats or refers further

Wait Times:

ï           Routine: 2-6 weeks

ï           Urgent: 1-2 weeks

ï           Can be expedited if urgent

Private Option:

ï           Pay out-of-pocket (₪400-800)

ï           See specialist within days

ï           No referral needed

ï           Get reimbursed partially if have supplementary

Scenario 3: You Need Surgery

Process:

1.        Specialist recommends surgery
2.        Placed on waiting list
3.        Public system: Can wait months
4.        Get call when slot available

To Speed Up:

Option 1: Private Insurance (Bridging)

ï           If you have supplementary bridging

ï           Private/semi-private hospital

ï           Choose surgeon

ï           Shorter wait (weeks, not months)

Option 2: Pay Private

ï           ₪15,000-50,000+ depending on procedure

ï           Immediate scheduling

ï           Choose surgeon and hospital

Option 3: Push in Public System

ï           Call regularly

ï           Emphasize urgency

ï           Have doctor note urgency

ï           Ask about cancellations

Scenario 4: Picking Up Medications

At Pharmacy:

1.        Present prescription

2.        Show member card
3.        Pharmacist retrieves medication
4.        Pay co-pay
5.        Get instructions

Tips:

ï           Health fund pharmacies usually cheapest

ï           Private pharmacies may have stock when fund doesn't

ï           Can request generic (cheaper)

ï           Ask about payment plans for expensive drugs

Chronic Medications:

ï           Can get 3-month supply

ï           Auto-refill options available

ï           Some delivered to home

Scenario 5: Hospitalization

Emergency:

1.        Arrive at ER
2.        Triage evaluation
3.        If admitted: Show member card
4.        Placed in public ward (free)
5.        Treatment provided

Scheduled Surgery:

1.        Pre-op appointments
2.        Arrive on surgery day
3.        Public ward (unless private insurance)
4.        Recovery
5.        Discharge with instructions

After Discharge:

ï           Follow-up with family doctor

ï           Continue medications

ï           Attend post-op appointments

Digital Services & Apps

Health Fund Apps - Essential Tools

Features (All Funds):

ï           Book appointments

ï           View test results

ï           Refill prescriptions

ï           Video consultations

ï           Health records access

ï           Payment of bills

ï           Family member management

Best Apps:

**1.        Maccabi: **Highest rated, most features

**2.        Clalit: **Comprehensive but slower

**3.        Meuhedet: **User-friendly

**4.        Leumit: **Good but smaller network

Tips:

ï           Download immediately after joining

ï           Enable notifications

ï           Link family members

ï           Use for routine appointments (faster)

ï           Check test results online

Telemedicine (מרחוק רפואה)

Video Consultations:

ï           Available through apps

ï           For non-emergency issues

ï           Prescriptions can be sent digitally

ï           Convenient for simple issues

When to Use:

ï           Minor illnesses

ï           Prescription refills

ï           Follow-up consultations

ï           Dermatology issues (with photos)

Limitations:

ï           Can't do physical exam

ï           No procedures

ï           May need in-person follow-up

Special Populations

Pregnant Women (הריון)

Coverage:

ï           All prenatal care covered

ï           Ultrasounds included

ï           Hospital birth (public ward free)

ï           Postpartum care

Process:

1.        Confirm pregnancy with family doctor
2.        Register with clinic's maternity clinic
3.        Regular appointments throughout pregnancy
4.        Tests and ultrasounds as scheduled
5.        Choose hospital for birth

6.        Postpartum home visits

Supplementary Recommended:

ï           Private room for birth

ï           Genetic testing (some not in basket)

ï           Additional ultrasounds

ï           Doula services

Children (ילדים)

Coverage:

ï           All childhood care free/minimal co-pay

ï           Immunizations free

ï           Tipat Chalav (well-baby clinic)

ï           Developmental monitoring

Tipat Chalav (חלב טיפת):

ï           Free clinic for babies/children

ï           Nurse-run

ï           Growth monitoring

ï           Vaccinations

ï           Parent support

ï           Located in every neighborhood

School Health:

ï           School nurse visits

ï           Sports medicine

ï           Attention/learning evaluations

Elderly (קשישים)

Benefits:

ï           Reduced co-pays

ï           More comprehensive coverage

ï           Home care options (with supplementary)

ï           Chronic disease management

Services:

ï           Geriatric specialists

ï           Home nursing (if eligible)

ï           Medical equipment loans

ï           Social services

Chronic Conditions (כרוניות מחלות)

Special Programs:

ï           Disease management programs

ï           Regular monitoring

ï           Reduced/free co-pays for condition

ï           Specialist access

ï           Education programs

Common Conditions:

ï           Diabetes

ï           Heart disease

ï           Asthma/COPD

ï           Cancer

ï           Autoimmune diseases

Register:

ï           Tell family doctor about condition

ï           Get registered in disease management

ï           Receive benefits automatically

Common Issues & Solutions

Problem: Long Wait for Specialist

Solutions:

ï           Ask family doctor to note urgency

ï           Call specialist office directly

ï           Check for cancellations regularly

ï           Consider paying private for first visit

ï           Try different specialist in network

Problem: Medication Not in Basket

Solutions:

ï           Ask doctor for alternative in basket

ï           Apply for exemption committee approval

ï           Check if supplementary covers it

ï           Look into patient assistance programs

ï           Compare private purchase cost

Problem: Denied Treatment

Solutions:

ï           Ask for written denial explanation

ï           Speak to clinic manager

ï           File complaint with health fund

ï           Contact Ministry of Health if needed

ï           Consider legal advice for serious cases

Problem: High Co-Pays Accumulating

Solutions:

ï           Check if eligible for reduced rates

ï           Buy supplementary to reduce co-pays

ï           Ask about payment plans

ï           Apply for financial assistance

ï           Keep receipts for tax deductions

Problem: Doctor Doesn't Speak English

Solutions:

ï           Request English-speaking doctor

ï           Bring translator/friend

ï           Use Google Translate

ï           Write symptoms in Hebrew beforehand

ï           Many doctors understand English even if don't speak fluently

Rights & Complaints

Your Rights

You Have Right To:

ï           Choose your health fund

ï           Switch funds annually

ï           See your medical records

ï           Get treatment in your language

ï           Refuse treatment

ï           Second opinions

ï           Privacy (medical information)

ï           Appeal denied treatments

Filing Complaints

Step 1: Clinic Level

ï           Speak to clinic manager

ï           Put complaint in writing

ï           Request meeting

Step 2: Health Fund Level

ï           Call patient rights hotline

ï           File formal complaint

ï           Request review

Step 3: Ministry of Health

ï           Contact: 1-800-500-400

ï           File complaint online: www.health.gov.il

ï           Ombudsman can intervene

Step 4: Legal Action

ï           Patient rights organizations

ï           Legal aid societies

ï           Consider lawyer for serious issues

Money-Saving Tips

Maximize Value

1.  Get Supplementary Early

ï           Lock in young person rates

ï           Avoid waiting periods

ï           Better coverage over time

2.  Use Generic Medications

ï           Ask pharmacist for generic

ï           Same drug, lower co-pay

ï           Not all drugs have generics

3.  Take Advantage of Preventive Care

ï           Free screenings

ï           Catch problems early

ï           Cheaper than treating advanced disease

4.  Use Your Health Fund's Facilities

ï           Health fund pharmacies cheaper

ï           Health fund specialists (no private pay)

ï           Health fund diagnostic centers

5.  Keep Receipts

ï           Tax deductible after certain amount

ï           Can claim back from supplementary

ï           Need for work reimbursement sometimes

6.  Family Plans

ï           Supplementary often cheaper for families

ï           Kids under 18 included in some plans

ï           Couple discounts available

7.  Digital Services

ï           Video consultations (no travel cost)

ï           Online prescription refills

ï           Avoid unnecessary in-person visits

Practical Tips from Olim

What I Wish I'd Known

"Join supplementary immediately"

ï           Don't wait until you need it

ï           Waiting periods can be 6-12 months

ï           Prices increase with age

"The app is everything"

ï           Learn to use it well

ï           Much faster than phone

ï           Results available immediately

"Be assertive"

ï           Doctor visits are short (10-15 min)

ï           Come prepared with written list

ï           Don't be shy to ask questions

ï           If not satisfied, ask for second opinion

"Build relationship with family doctor"

ï           Consistency helps

ï           They become your advocate

ï           Easier referrals over time

"Learn basic medical Hebrew"

ï           Speeds up appointments

ï           Shows effort

ï           Reduces miscommunication

"Emergency care is excellent"

ï           Don't hesitate to go to ER if needed

ï           Better safe than sorry

ï           System handles emergencies well

"Preventive care is underutilized"

ï           Free screenings available

ï           Take advantage

ï           Better than dealing with problems later

Essential Medical Hebrew

Key Terms

Quick Reference Guide

Emergency Numbers

ï           **Ambulance: **101

ï           **Emergency Room: **Go directly

ï           **Urgent Care (Terem): **Multiple locations

Health Fund Hotlines

ï           Clalit: *2700

ï           Maccabi: *3555

ï           Meuhedet: *3833

ï           Leumit: *507

Important Contacts

ï           **Bituach Leumi: **1-800-004-000

ï           **Ministry of Health: **1-800-500-400

ï           **Patient Rights: **Through your health fund

Key Documents to Keep

ï           Member card (always carry)

ï           Teudat zehut

ï           Supplementary insurance card

ï           Medication list

ï           Chronic condition documentation

ï           Emergency contact information

Final Thoughts

The Israeli healthcare system can seem complex at first, but it's actually quite comprehensive and accessible once you understand how to navigate it.

Key Takeaways:

 **Join immediately **- Within 3 months of arrival **Choose wisely **- Based on location and needs **Get supplementary **- Essential for full coverage **Learn the app **- Makes everything easier **Build relationships **- With your family doctor and clinic **Be assertive **- System rewards those who speak up **Use preventive care **- Free screenings save money/health

**Don't delay emergencies **- System handles them well

Despite occasional frustrations, Israel has universal healthcare that ensures everyone receives quality medical care. The system works - you just need to learn how to work with it.

**B'briut! **(To your health!)

Updated on: 02/02/2026