Complete Guide to Private Healthcare in

Israel

Understanding Israel's Dual Healthcare System

Public vs. Private: The Basics

Public System (Through Health Funds):

ï           Universal coverage (mandatory)

ï           Comprehensive basic basket

ï           Affordable with subsidies

ï           High medical quality

ï           Long wait times (specialists, surgery)

ï           Limited choice of doctors

ï           Crowded clinics

ï           Shorter appointment times

ï           Public wards only (without supplementary)

Private System:

ï           Immediate appointments

ï           Choice of doctor/hospital

ï           Personal attention

ï           Longer appointments

ï           Private rooms

ï           Latest treatments

ï           Expensive (₪500-3,000+ per visit)

ï           Not covered by basic insurance

ï           Can add up quickly

ï           Two-tier system concerns

**The Reality: **Most Israelis use a combination - public for routine care, private for specific needs.

When Private Healthcare Makes Sense

Situations Where Private is Worth It

1.  Time-Sensitive Conditions

ï           Public specialist: Wait 4-12 weeks

ï           Private specialist: Appointment within days

ï           Worth paying for: Suspected serious conditions, worsening symptoms, peace of mind

2.  Surgery with Long Public Wait

ï           Orthopedic surgery: 6-18 month wait public

ï           Private: Schedule within weeks

ï           If pain/mobility severely affected: Consider private

3.  Second Opinions

ï           Diagnosis unclear

ï           Major surgery recommended

ï           Want confirmation

ï           Private: Quick access to top specialists

4.  Choice of Surgeon

ï           Public: Assigned surgeon

ï           Private: Choose renowned specialist

ï           Matters for: Complex surgeries, high-risk procedures

5.  Fertility Treatments

ï           Public system excellent but...

ï           Long waits between cycles

ï           Private: More personalized, faster

ï           Can make emotional process easier

6.  Mental Health

ï           Public: Limited sessions, long waits

ï           Private: Weekly therapy, choice of therapist

ï           Essential for ongoing mental health needs

7.  Dental Care

ï           Adult dental NOT in public basket

ï           Must use private (or pay separately)

ï           No choice here!

8.  Better Hospital Experience

ï           Public: Shared rooms, noise, limited visiting

ï           Private: Private room, quiet, comfort

ï           Worth it for: Surgery recovery, childbirth

9.  Chronic Condition Management

ï           Relationship with one doctor important

ï           Private: Consistency, time, attention

ï           Public: Different doctors, rushed

10.  Expat/Business Professional

ï           Company insurance covers private

ï           Used to private system

ï           Language barriers in public system

Private Hospitals in Israel

Major Private Hospital Networks

Assuta Medical Centers (אסותא) Locations:

ï           Tel Aviv (flagship - HaBarzel St.)

ï           Ashdod

ï           Ramat HaHayal (Tel Aviv)

ï           Rishon LeZion

ï           Haifa

ï           Petah Tikva

ï           Jerusalem

Specialties:

ï           Surgery (orthopedic, cardiac, cancer)

ï           Women's health (fertility, obstetrics)

ï           Diagnostics (advanced imaging)

ï           Day surgeries

ï           Oncology

Why Choose Assuta:

ï           Most prestigious private hospital

ï           World-class facilities

ï           Top surgeons

ï           Minimal wait times

ï           Hotel-like amenities

ï           English-speaking staff

Costs:

ï           Specialist consultation: ₪800-1,200

ï           Surgery: ₪20,000-100,000+

ï           MRI/CT: ₪1,500-3,000

ï           Day surgery: ₪15,000-40,000

Insurance:

ï           Accepts most supplementary insurance

ï           International insurance welcome

ï           Many corporate plans cover

ï           Can submit for partial reimbursement

Website: www.assuta.co.il Phone: *7020

Herzliya Medical Center (סנטר מדיקל הרצליה) Location:

ï           Herzliya (north of Tel Aviv)

ï           Resort-like setting on Mediterranean

Specialties:

ï           Medical tourism hub

ï           Oncology

ï           Cardiology

ï           Orthopedics

ï           Cosmetic surgery

ï           IVF

Why Choose HMC:

ï           Medical tourism-friendly

ï           English-speaking throughout

ï           Concierge services

ï           Beautiful facilities

ï           International patient department

ï           Beach access for recovery

Costs:

ï           Similar to Assuta

ï           Packages for international patients

ï           All-inclusive options available

Medical Tourism:

ï           Coordinates flights, accommodation

ï           Translation services

ï           Cultural liaison

ï           Family support

Website: www.hmcisrael.com **Phone: **09-959-0500

**Shamir Medical Center - Assaf Harofeh Type: **Public hospital with private wing

**Location: **Tzrifin (central Israel)

Model:

ï           Public hospital infrastructure

ï           Private services available

ï           Hybrid option

Advantages:

ï           More affordable than pure private

ï           Access to public hospital resources

ï           Emergency backup

ï           Insurance more likely to cover

Private Maternity Hospitals/Wings

Advantages of Private Birth:

ï           Private room (₪2,000-5,000 total)

ï           Choose obstetrician

ï           Longer stay if desired

ï           Partner can stay overnight

ï           Better food

ï           Quiet environment

Options:

Assuta Ramat HaHayal (Tel Aviv):

ï           Boutique maternity ward

ï           All private rooms

ï           Luxury amenities

ï           Cost: ₪15,000-25,000 total

Private Wings in Public Hospitals:

ï           Hadassah, Sheba, others

ï           Less expensive than Assuta

ï           Still good care

ï           Cost: ₪8,000-15,000

Worth It?

ï           Depends on budget and priorities

ï           Many satisfied with public + supplementary insurance

ï           Private = significant upgrade in comfort

Private Clinics & Medical Centers

Multi-Specialty Private Clinics These offer everything under one roof: Top Clinics:

1.  Ichilov Private Medical Center

ï           Located at Ichilov Hospital (Tel Aviv)

ï           Access to top doctors

ï           Convenient location

ï           All specialties

ï           Cost: ₪600-1,000 per specialist visit

2.  Sheba Private Medical Center

ï           At Sheba Hospital (Tel HaShomer)

ï           Largest hospital in Israel

ï           Research-oriented

ï           Latest treatments

ï           International patient services

3.  Maccabi Sheli Private

ï           Maccabi health fund's private arm

ï           Discount for Maccabi members

ï           Convenient if already member

ï           Good value for private

4.  Clalit Mushlam Private

ï           Clalit's private services

ï           Network benefit for members

ï           More affordable private option

Private Diagnostic Centers For Imaging, Tests, Screenings: Advantages:

ï           No wait for appointments

ï           Latest equipment

ï           Quick results (24-48 hours)

ï           Comfortable environment

ï           Detailed reports

Major Providers:

Hadassah Medical Organization:

ï           Advanced imaging

ï           PET-CT, MRI, CT

ï           Genetic testing

ï           Executive health checks

ï           Locations: Jerusalem, elsewhere

Assuta Imaging Centers:

ï           Throughout Israel

ï           State-of-art equipment

ï           Fast turnaround

ï           English-language reports

Check-Up (אפ-ק'צ):

ï           Executive health screenings

ï           Full-body assessment

ï           Preventive focus

ï           Half-day comprehensive exam

ï           Cost: ₪3,000-8,000

Worth Private Imaging?

ï           If public wait is long (weeks)

ï           Peace of mind for worrying symptoms

ï           Annual executive health check

ï           Time-sensitive diagnosis

Private Doctors & Specialists

Finding Private Doctors

Search Resources:

Online Directories:

ï           www.doctors.co.il

ï           www.medical.co.il

ï           www.doctorsisrael.com

ï           Google Maps reviews

Criteria to Consider:

ï           Specialization

ï           Experience (years, procedures performed)

ï           Hospital affiliation

ï           Languages spoken

ï           Reviews/recommendations

ï           Location

ï           Availability

ï           Cost

Questions to Ask:

ï           Where do you practice surgery? (if surgeon)

ï           What's your experience with [condition]?

ï           How many procedures have you done?

ï           What are typical outcomes?

ï           What does consultation include?

ï           Can results be shared with health fund doctor?

Typical Private Specialist Costs

Payment:

ï           Usually upfront

ï           Cash, credit card, check

ï           Get detailed receipt

ï           Submit to insurance for reimbursement (if applicable)

The "Protektzia" Factor

Reality in Israel:

ï           Knowing someone helps

ï           Referrals matter

ï           "Friend of a friend" gets better access

ï           Not corruption - social capital

How to Use It:

ï           Ask Israeli friends for recommendations

ï           Mention referral when booking

ï           Network in your field

ï           Build relationships over time

Without Connections:

ï           Still get quality care

ï           May pay more

ï           Might wait longer

ï           Online reviews helpful

Private Insurance Options

Beyond Supplementary Insurance

**Reminder: **Everyone must have basic health insurance through kupat cholim + optional supplementary. Private insurance is ADDITIONAL.

Types of Private Health Insurance

1.  International Health Insurance For Whom:

ï           Expats working in Israel

ï           Business professionals

ï           People planning to travel/relocate

ï           Want worldwide coverage

Providers:

ï           Cigna Global

ï           Bupa Global

ï           Allianz Care

ï           AXA Global Healthcare

ï           GeoBlue (for Americans)

Coverage:

ï           Worldwide (including Israel)

ï           Private hospitals

ï           Evacuation

ï           Choice of providers

ï           Higher limits

Costs:

ï           $200-1,000+/month

ï           Depends on: Age, coverage, deductible

ï           Family plans available

Pros:

ï           Comprehensive coverage

ï           International portability

ï           English-speaking

ï           Familiar system for expats

Cons:

ï           Very expensive

ï           May not cover pre-existing

ï           Duplicate of Israeli coverage

ï           Complex coordination

Worth It?

ï           If employer pays: Yes

ï           If traveling frequently: Consider

ï           If permanent in Israel: Usually not necessary

ï           If Israeli system sufficient: Skip

2.  Critical Illness Insurance What It Covers:

ï           Cancer

ï           Heart disease

ï           Stroke

ï           Major diseases

ï           Lump sum payment upon diagnosis

Purpose:

ï           Financial cushion

ï           Cover lost income

ï           Private treatment options

ï           Family support

Costs:

ï           ₪50-200/month

ï           Age and health dependent

Worth It?

ï           Depends on risk tolerance

ï           Family financial situation

ï           Existing savings

ï           Peace of mind value

3.  Dental Insurance

**Reminder: **Adult dental NOT in basic basket!

Options:

Through Health Funds:

ï           Supplementary dental (₪40-80/month)

ï           Covers: Cleanings, fillings, some crowns

ï           Limitations and co-pays apply

ï           Usually worth it

Private Dental Insurance:

ï           More comprehensive

ï           Higher coverage limits

ï           More providers

ï           Cost: ₪80-150/month

Self-Pay:

ï           No insurance

ï           Pay each visit

ï           Negotiate prices

ï           Shop around

Typical Dental Costs (Private):

ï           Cleaning: ₪200-400

ï           Filling: ₪300-600

ï           Root canal: ₪1,500-3,000

ï           Crown: ₪2,000-4,000

ï           Implant: ₪6,000-12,000

ï           Orthodontics: ₪12,000-25,000

4.  Long-Term Care Insurance What It Covers:

ï           Home care

ï           Nursing homes

ï           Assisted living

ï           Chronic care needs

For Whom:

ï           Planning for old age

ï           No family support

ï           Want independence

Costs:

ï           ₪100-300/month

ï           Lock in when young

ï           Cheaper earlier

Private Surgery Costs

What to Expect to Pay

Common Surgeries (Private):

What's Included:

ï           Surgeon's fee

ï           Anesthesiologist

ï           Operating room

ï           Hospital stay (1-3 days usually)

ï           Follow-up visits (limited)

Not Included:

ï           Pre-op tests

ï           Medications

ï           Physical therapy after

ï           Complications (additional costs)

Payment:

ï           Often 50% deposit before

ï           Balance before discharge

ï           Payment plans sometimes available

ï           Credit card common

Insurance Coverage:

ï           Supplementary insurance: May cover partially

ï           Bridging insurance: Better coverage

ï           International insurance: Check policy

ï           Submit claim with all receipts

Private Emergency Services

When You Can Choose Private

Emergency Room:

ï           Public ER: Free (₪164 co-pay)

ï           Private ER (Assuta): ₪2,000-5,000

ï           When worth it: Avoid long waits, better comfort, minor emergencies

Ambulance:

ï           Public (MDA): ₪300-500, professional, fast

ï           Private: ₪1,000+, rare to use

ï           Usually not worth premium

Urgent Care:

ï           Terem: ₪150-300, excellent service

ï           Private clinics: ₪300-600

ï           Minimal difference

Home Doctor Visits:

ï           Some private services offer

ï           Cost: ₪500-1,000

ï           Convenient for minor issues

ï           Not for emergencies!

**Important: **Life-threatening emergencies → Always call 101 and go to nearest ER (public). Quality is excellent, time matters most.

Dental Care (Primarily Private)

The Israeli Dental System

Public Coverage:

ï           Children under 18: FREE

ï           Adults: Emergencies only

ï           No routine adult dental in basic basket

**Result: **Adult dental is private market

Options for Adult Dental Care

1.  Health Fund Supplementary Dental

ï           Cost: ₪40-80/month

ï           Coverage: Cleanings, fillings, crowns (partial)

ï           Limits: Annual caps (₪2,000-5,000)

ï           Waiting period: 6-12 months

ï           Worth it: Usually yes

2.  Private Dental Insurance

ï           Cost: ₪80-150/month

ï           Coverage: More comprehensive

ï           Limits: Higher caps

ï           More provider choice

3.  Self-Pay

ï           No insurance

ï           Pay per visit

ï           Can negotiate

ï           Shop around for prices

Finding a Dentist

Search:

ï           www.dental.co.il

ï           Health fund network (if have supplementary)

ï           Google Maps reviews

ï           Ask friends

Questions:

ï           Do you accept [my insurance]?

ï           What's the cost with/without insurance?

ï           What's your experience with [procedure]?

ï           Can I see treatment plan and costs upfront?

ï           Payment plan available?

Red Flags:

ï           Pushing unnecessary treatments

ï           Won't provide written estimate

ï           No credentials displayed

ï           Too good to be true prices

Dental Tourism

Israel as Destination:

ï           High-quality dentists

ï           Reasonable prices (vs. US/UK)

ï           English-speaking common

ï           Modern techniques

Common Treatments for Tourists:

ï           Implants

ï           Crowns

ï           Cosmetic dentistry

ï           Full mouth rehabilitation

Costs vs. US:

ï           Israel: 40-60% cheaper

ï           Quality: Equivalent or better

ï           Combine with vacation

Alternative & Complementary Medicine

Status in Israel

Not Covered by Basic Basket:

ï           Acupuncture

ï           Chiropractic

ï           Homeopathy

ï           Naturopathy

ï           Chinese medicine

ï           Osteopathy

ï           Reflexology

Private Payment Required Finding Practitioners Regulation:

ï           Some professions regulated (chiropractors)

ï           Others less formal

ï           Check credentials

ï           Ask for recommendations

Costs:

ï           Acupuncture: ₪200-400/session

ï           Chiropractic: ₪200-400/session

ï           Naturopath: ₪250-500/session

ï           Massage therapy: ₪200-400/hour

Some Health Funds:

ï           Offer discounts through supplementary

ï           Partial reimbursement

ï           Check your plan

Popular Treatments

Most Sought:

ï           Acupuncture (pain, fertility, stress)

ï           Chiropractic (back pain, posture)

ï           Naturopathy (holistic health)

ï           Massage (stress, pain)

Integration:

ï           Some hospitals offer complementary care

ï           Growing acceptance

ï           Evidence-based medicine still primary

Mental Health Private Options

Why Go Private for Therapy

Public System Limitations:

ï           Limited sessions (6-20 typically)

ï           Long wait lists

ï           Can't choose therapist

ï           Less continuity

Private Advantages:

ï           Weekly ongoing therapy

ï           Choose therapist (compatibility important!)

ï           Flexible scheduling

ï           Specific modalities (CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic)

ï           English-speaking options

Finding a Therapist

Directories:

ï           www.psychology.org.il

ï           www.psychologists-israel.com

ï           Psychology Today Israel

ï           Immigrant community recommendations

Types:

ï           **Psychologist (פסיכולוג): **PhD/MA, therapy

ï           **Psychiatrist (פסיכיאטר): **MD, can prescribe

ï           **Social Worker (סוציאלי עובד): **MSW, therapy

ï           **Counselor (יועץ): **Various backgrounds

Questions to Ask:

ï           Approach/modality?

ï           Experience with [your issues]?

ï           Session length?

ï           Frequency recommended?

ï           Cost and payment?

ï           Can provide receipts for insurance?

Costs

Therapy:

ï           Psychologist: ₪250-500/session

ï           Psychiatrist: ₪400-700/session

ï           Social worker: ₪200-400/session

ï           Session length: 45-50 minutes typically

Psychiatrist Medication Management:

ï           Initial: ₪500-800

ï           Follow-up: ₪300-500

ï           Monthly typically

Insurance:

ï           Some supplementary covers partially

ï           International insurance may cover

ï           Get receipt, submit claim

ï           Check benefits before committing

Sliding Scale:

ï           Some therapists offer

ï           Based on income

ï           Ask if cost is barrier

ï           Training clinics cheaper (students supervised)

Fertility Treatments Private

Public vs. Private IVF

Public System:

ï           Excellent quality

ï           Mostly free (up to 2 live births)

ï           Top specialists

ï           Wait between cycles (3-6 months)

ï           Less personalized

ï           Limited availability

ï           Clinic overload

Private IVF:

ï           Immediate start

ï           Very personalized

ï           Flexible scheduling

ï           More emotional support

ï           Very expensive (₪18,000-30,000/cycle)

ï           Usually not covered by insurance

When Private Makes Sense:

ï           Time-sensitive (age factor)

ï           Failed multiple public cycles

ï           Emotional toll of waits

ï           Want specific doctor

ï           Can afford

Major Private Clinics:

ï           Assuta fertility centers

ï           IVF centers at private hospitals

ï           Standalone fertility clinics

Total Cost (Private):

ï           Initial consult: ₪800-1,200

ï           IVF cycle: ₪18,000-30,000

ï           Medications: ₪5,000-10,000

ï           Multiple cycles often needed

ï           Can exceed ₪100,000 total

Consider:

ï           Egg freezing: ₪15,000-25,000

ï           Donor eggs: ₪30,000-50,000

ï           Surrogacy: ₪250,000-400,000 (partially subsidized)

Medical Tourism TO Israel

Israel as Medical Tourism Destination

Strengths:

ï           World-class hospitals

ï           Advanced technology

ï           Experienced doctors

ï           Competitive pricing

ï           English-speaking staff

ï           Safe country

Popular Treatments:

ï           Cardiac surgery

ï           Orthopedics

ï           Oncology

ï           IVF

ï           Stem cell treatments

ï           Cosmetic surgery

ï           Dental implants

Main Hospitals for Medical Tourists:

ï           Herzliya Medical Center

ï           Assuta

ï           Sheba

ï           Hadassah

ï           Rambam

Services Offered:

ï           Coordination from abroad

ï           Airport pickup

ï           Translation

ï           Accommodation arrangements

ï           Recovery facilities

ï           Tourism packages for family

Costs vs. US:

ï           30-60% cheaper than US

ï           Similar or better quality

ï           Combine with Holy Land visit

How to Navigate Both Systems

Smart Strategy: Use Both

Use Public For:

ï           Routine care

ï           Chronic condition management

ï           Prescriptions (cheaper)

ï           Hospitalization (if have supplementary)

ï           Preventive care (free)

ï           Serious emergencies

Use Private For:

ï           Urgent specialist needs

ï           Second opinions

ï           Elective surgery (avoid wait)

ï           Mental health therapy

ï           Dental care

ï           Choice of surgeon

ï           Better hospital experience

Coordinating Care

Communication:

ï           Tell public doctor about private care

ï           Share test results both ways

ï           Update medication lists

ï           Avoid duplicate testing

Records:

ï           Keep copies of everything

ï           Medical file belongs to you

ï           Request records from private

ï           Add to public file

Prescriptions:

ï           Private doctor can write

ï           Fill at health fund pharmacy (cheaper)

ï           Or private pharmacy (convenient)

Payment & Reimbursement

Paying for Private Care

Payment Methods:

ï           Credit card (most common)

ï           Cash

ï           Check

ï           Bank transfer

ï           Payment plans (sometimes)

Get Receipts:

ï           Detailed receipt with:

◦           Doctor name and license number

◦           Date of service

◦           Diagnosis codes

◦           Treatment codes

◦           Itemized costs

ï           Keep for:

◦           Insurance claims

◦           Tax deductions

◦           Personal records

Submitting Insurance Claims

If You Have Supplementary:

1.        Get proper receipt from private provider
2.        Submit to health fund
3.        Online or by mail
4.        Include: Receipt, referral (if needed), claim form
5.        Wait 2-4 weeks
6.        Receive partial reimbursement

Typical Reimbursement:

ï           50-80% of costs

ï           Up to annual limits

ï           Varies by plan and service

If You Have International Insurance:

1.        Pay upfront
2.        Get English-language receipt
3.        Submit claim to insurance
4.        Provide: Receipts, medical reports, diagnosis
5.        Reimbursement per policy

Tax Deductions

Medical expenses are tax-deductible! Requirements:

ï           Expenses exceed 2.5% of annual income

ï           Keep all receipts

ï           Include when filing taxes

ï           Can add up significantly

Deductible:

ï           Private doctor visits

ï           Procedures

ï           Medications (over co-pay)

ï           Dental

ï           Eyeglasses

ï           Medical equipment

ï           Travel to medical care (if far)

Keep Records:

ï           Organized by year

ï           Scan and backup

ï           Original receipts important

Pros & Cons Summary

Advantages of Private Healthcare

 Speed:

ï           Immediate appointments

ï           Short surgical waits

ï           No delays

 Choice:

ï           Select your doctor

ï           Choose hospital

ï           Second opinions easy

 Comfort:

ï           Private rooms

ï           Better amenities

ï           More attention

 Convenience:

ï           Flexible scheduling

ï           English-speaking

ï           Less bureaucracy

 Specialized Care:

ï           Access to renowned experts

ï           Latest treatments

ï           Research protocols

Disadvantages of Private Healthcare

 Cost:

ï           Very expensive

ï           Can be prohibitive

ï           Not sustainable long-term for most

 Two-Tier System:

ï           Equity concerns

ï           Not everyone can afford

ï           Social implications

 Fragmentation:

ï           Coordination challenges

ï           Duplicate testing

ï           Communication gaps

 Not Always Necessary:

ï           Public quality is excellent

ï           Sometimes paying for convenience, not better medicine

 Insurance Limitations:

ï           Not fully covered

ï           Reimbursement hassles

ï           Out-of-pocket significant

Making the Decision: Private vs. Public

Questions to Ask Yourself

1.  Is it medically urgent?

ï           If yes → Consider private for speed

ï           If no → Public usually fine

2.  Can I afford it?

ï           Realistic budget assessment

ï           Factor in follow-up costs

ï           Consider alternatives

3.  How long is the public wait?

ï           2 weeks? → Tolerable

ï           6 months? → Consider private

ï           Pain/function impact matters

4.  Is this a one-time need?

ï           One surgery → Private manageable

ï           Ongoing care → Public more sustainable

5.  Do I have insurance coverage?

ï           Supplementary covers? → Less out-of-pocket

ï           Employer plan? → Use it

ï           No coverage? → Expensive

6.  What's my priority?

ï           Speed → Private

ï           Cost → Public

ï           Comfort → Private

ï           Quality → Both excellent

7.  Language/cultural fit?

ï           Comfortable in Hebrew → Public fine

ï           Prefer English → Private easier

ï           Need hand-holding → Private better

Decision Framework

Go Private If:

ï           Time-sensitive condition

ï           Failed public system

ï           Long wait unacceptable

ï           Can afford

ï           Want specific doctor

ï           Insurance covers

ï           Quality of life impacted

Stay Public If:

ï           Routine care

ï           Can wait

ï           Budget-conscious

ï           Satisfied with quality

ï           Good relationship with public doctors

ï           No urgent need

Hybrid Approach:

ï           Public for routine

ï           Private for specific needs

ï           Best of both worlds

ï           Most cost-effective

Tips for Using Private Healthcare

Before the Visit

1.  Research

ï           Doctor credentials

ï           Read reviews

ï           Check hospital affiliations

ï           Ask for recommendations

2.  Verify Costs

ï           Call ahead for pricing

ï           Ask what's included

ï           Get written estimate

ï           Understand payment terms

3.  Check Insurance

ï           What's covered?

ï           Need pre-authorization?

ï           Reimbursement process?

ï           Annual limits?

4.  Prepare Questions

ï           Write them down

ï           Bring medical history

ï           List current medications

ï           Note symptoms

During the Visit

1.  Take Notes

ï           Doctor's recommendations

ï           Treatment plan

ï           Next steps

ï           Questions that arise

2.  Get Everything in Writing

ï           Diagnosis

ï           Treatment plan

ï           Prescriptions

ï           Follow-up schedule

3. Ask About Costs

ï           Additional tests needed?

ï           Follow-up visit costs?

ï           Total expected expense?

4.  Request Detailed Receipt

ï           For insurance

ï           For taxes

ï           For records

After the Visit

1.  Keep Records

ï           Receipts

ï           Medical reports

ï           Prescriptions

ï           Test results

2.  Submit Insurance Claims

ï           Promptly

ï           Complete documentation

ï           Follow up

3.  Share with Public Doctor

ï           Keep them informed

ï           Coordinate care

ï           Update records

4.  Follow Treatment Plan

ï           Take medications

ï           Attend follow-ups

ï           Contact if concerns

Special Considerations for Olim

Transitioning from Other Systems

From US:

ï           Used to private system

ï           Israeli private less expensive

ï           Public system unfamiliar but good

ï           Give public system a chance

ï           Use private selectively

From UK/Europe:

ï           Similar public systems

ï           Israeli public comparable

ï           Private more accessible than home

ï           Understand you have options

From Countries with Weaker Healthcare:

ï           Israeli public is excellent!

ï           Don't assume need private

ï           Public quality rivals private

ï           Private is luxury, not necessity

Cultural Adjustment

Israeli Healthcare Culture:

ï           More direct communication

ï           Less "customer service" orientation

ï           Shorter appointment times

ï           Need to be assertive

ï           Normal for the culture

Private vs. Public Culture:

ï           Private: More Western, service-oriented

ï           Public: More Israeli, direct

ï           Both provide good medicine

ï           Choose based on personality fit

Language Considerations

Public System:

ï           Primarily Hebrew

ï           Many doctors speak English

ï           Can request English-speaking

ï           Google Translate helpful

Private System:

ï           More English-friendly

ï           International patient services

ï           Easier for non-Hebrew speakers

ï           Worth paying if language critical

Future Trends

Evolving Private Market

Growth Areas:

ï           Telemedicine (expanding rapidly)

ï           Concierge medicine (annual fee model)

ï           Wellness and prevention

ï           Integrative medicine

ï           Medical tourism

Technology:

ï           Remote monitoring

ï           AI diagnostics

ï           Personalized medicine

ï           Home testing

Challenges:

ï           Equity concerns

ï           Brain drain from public to private

ï           Healthcare cost inflation

ï           Regulation debates

Resources & Contacts

Private Hospital Networks

Assuta:

ï           Phone: *7020

ï           Website: www.assuta.co.il

ï           English: Available

Herzliya Medical Center:

ï           Phone: 09-959-0500

ï           Website: www.hmcisrael.com

ï           International: 1-888-ISRAEL1 (US)

Finding Private Doctors

Directories:

ï           www.doctors.co.il

ï           www.medical.co.il

ï           www.doctorsisrael.com

For English-Speakers:

ï           Search: "English-speaking [specialist] Israel"

ï           Immigrant community groups

ï           Nefesh B'Nefesh recommendations

ï           AACI resources

Insurance Information

International Insurance:

ï           Cigna Global: www.cigna.com

ï           Bupa Global: www.bupa-global.com

ï           GeoBlue: www.geo-blue.com

For Questions:

ï           Insurance agent

ï           Company HR

ï           Health fund (supplementary questions)

Bottom Line

Israeli private healthcare is:

ï           High quality

ï           Accessible

ï           Reasonably priced (vs. US)

ï           English-friendly

ï           Convenient

But:

ï           Expensive (still)

ï           Not necessary for most routine care

ï           Creates two-tier system

Smart Approach:

**1.        Master the public system first **- It's excellent!

**2.        Get supplementary insurance **- Covers private partially

**3.        Use private selectively **- When it adds real value

**4.        Budget for it **- Factor into financial planning

**5.        Keep records **- For insurance and taxes

**6.        Don't assume private = better **- Public quality is world-class

The Israeli healthcare system (public) is one of the best in the world. Private healthcare is a luxury option for specific needs, not a necessity for good care.

Most Israelis successfully use primarily public healthcare. As an oleh, give the public system a fair chance - you might be pleasantly surprised!

Questions? Consult your health fund, ask other olim, or seek advice from immigrant organizations.

Wishing you health and informed healthcare decisions!

Updated on: 02/02/2026