Emergency Services & Healthcare Tips for

Israel

Critical Emergency Numbers

Save These NOW!

PRIMARY EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

ï           **Ambulance (Magen David Adom): **101

ï           **Police: **100

ï           **Fire Department: **102

ï           **Crisis Hotline (ERAN): **1201

SECONDARY IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

ï           **Home Front Command: **104 (security emergencies, missiles)

ï           Electric Company Emergency: 103

ï           **Poison Control: **1-800-222-222

ï           **Women's Hotline (Domestic Violence): **1-800-220-000

ï           **Sexual Assault Crisis Center: **1202

ï           **Suicide Prevention (SAHAR): **1201

MEDICAL URGENT (NON-EMERGENCY):

ï           **Terem (Urgent Care): **1-599-520-520

ï           Maccabi Urgent Care: *3555

ï           Clalit Urgent Care: *2700

Program all emergency numbers into your phone right now!

Understanding Israeli Emergency Services

Magen David Adom (MDA) - אדום דוד מגן

**What Is It: **Israel's national ambulance service (like Red Cross but with Star of David)

Coverage:

ï           Entire country

ï           Response time: 6-12 minutes urban, longer rural

ï           Trained EMTs and paramedics

ï           Advanced life support ambulances

When to Call 101:

ï           Chest pain or heart attack symptoms

ï           Severe bleeding

ï           Difficulty breathing

ï           Loss of consciousness

ï           Severe injuries

ï           Stroke symptoms

ï           Severe allergic reactions

ï           Childbirth emergencies

ï           Poisoning

ï           Any life-threatening situation

What Happens:

1.        Call 101
2.        Stay on line, answer questions
3.        Give exact location (Hebrew address if possible)
4.        Dispatcher sends nearest ambulance
5.        EMTs arrive, assess, treat, transport if needed

Cost:

ï           Emergency call-out: Free

ï           Transport to hospital: ₪300-500 (varies)

ï           Covered by health insurance (usually)

ï           Pay later, not at scene

Language:

ï           Main dispatchers speak Hebrew

ï           English available (say "English")

ï           Have address written in Hebrew ready

Hospital Emergency Rooms (מיון - Miun)

How Israeli ERs Work

**Triage System (מיון חדר): **Israeli ERs use color-coded urgency:

 **Red (אדום): **Immediate life-threatening

ï           Heart attack, stroke, severe trauma

ï           Seen immediately

ï           No wait

 **Orange (כתום): **Urgent but stable

ï           Severe pain, broken bones, bleeding

ï           Wait: 15-60 minutes

ï           Priority over lower tiers

 **Yellow (צהוב): **Semi-urgent

ï           Moderate injuries, infections

ï           Wait: 1-3 hours

ï           Most common category

 **Green (ירוק): **Non-urgent

ï           Minor injuries, colds, mild pain

ï           Wait: 2-6 hours

ï           Consider urgent care instead

 **White (לבן): **Administrative

ï           Medical certificates, minor issues

ï           Longest wait

ï           Shouldn't really be in ER

**Important: **Triage nurse decides urgency, not you. Waiting is normal.

Major Hospital Emergency Rooms

Tel Aviv Area:

ï           **Ichilov (Tel Aviv Sourasky) **- Weizmann St. 6

ï           **Sheba Medical Center **- Tel HaShomer, Ramat Gan

ï           **Assuta **- HaBarzel St. 20 (private, expensive)

Jerusalem:

ï           **Hadassah Ein Kerem **- Kiryat Hadassah

ï           **Hadassah Mt. Scopus **- Mt. Scopus

ï           **Shaare Zedek **- Shmuel Bait St. 12

Haifa:

ï           **Rambam **- HaAliya HaShniya St. 8

ï           **Carmel Medical Center **- Michal St. 7

Be'er Sheva:

ï           **Soroka Medical Center **- Rager Blvd.

**Nearest hospital to you: **Google "קרוב חולים בית" (beit cholim karov)

What to Bring to ER

Essential:

ï           Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID)

ï           Health fund member card

ï           List of medications

ï           Allergy information

ï           Phone charger

ï           Water bottle

ï           Snack (may wait hours)

ï           Book/entertainment

ï           Sweater (hospitals cold)

For Child:

ï           Plus: Favorite toy/comfort item

ï           Snacks they'll actually eat

ï           IPad/tablet with games

ï           Extra patience

ER Process Step-by-Step

1. Arrival (קבלה - Kabala)

ï           Enter ER entrance

ï           Reception desk first

ï           Show ID and health card

ï           Brief explanation of problem

2.  Triage (מיון - Triaj)

ï           Nurse assesses urgency

ï           Vital signs taken

ï           Assigned color category

ï           Given waiting area

3.  Registration

ï           Full registration at desk

ï           Verify insurance

ï           Sign forms

ï           Pay ER co-pay: ₪164 (waived if admitted)

4.  Waiting

ï           Sit in designated area

ï           Monitor screen for your name

ï           Can take HOURS for non-urgent

ï           Check-in periodically if very long

5.  Doctor Examination

ï           Called to treatment room

ï           Doctor examines

ï           Orders tests if needed

ï           Treatment begins

6.  Tests/Procedures

ï           Blood work, X-rays, CT, etc.

ï           May involve more waiting

ï           Results sent to doctor

7.  Treatment/Disposition

ï           Treatment given

ï           Options: Discharge, admit, transfer, surgery

ï           Prescriptions provided

ï           Discharge instructions

8.  Exit

ï           Get all paperwork

ï           Prescriptions to pharmacy

ï           Follow-up appointment if needed

ï           Leave

**Total Time: **3-8 hours typical for non-urgent

ER Survival Tips

1.  Be Patient

ï           Israeli ERs are busy

ï           Triage means urgent goes first

ï           Your "emergency" may not be medical emergency

ï           Bring patience and snacks

2. Advocate for Yourself

ï           If condition worsens, tell staff immediately

ï           Don't suffer in silence

ï           Speak up about pain

ï           Israeli system rewards assertiveness

3.  Language Barriers

ï           Say "עברית מדבר לא אני" (Ani lo medaber ivrit - I don't speak Hebrew)

ï           Request English-speaking doctor

ï           Use Google Translate

ï           Bring Hebrew-speaking friend if possible

ï           Many doctors speak English

4.  Bring Support

ï           Don't go alone if possible

ï           Advocate helps navigate

ï           Moral support important

ï           Can explain to family

5.  Stay Hydrated/Fed

ï           Long waits common

ï           Bring water and snacks

ï           Vending machines available (usually)

ï           Hospital food not great

6.  Document Everything

ï           Get copies of all tests

ï           Keep discharge papers

ï           Note doctor's instructions

ï           Save for follow-up

Urgent Care Centers (טרם - Terem)

When to Use Urgent Care Instead of ER

Perfect For:

ï           Minor injuries (sprains, minor cuts)

ï           Mild infections (UTI, ear infection)

ï           Flu symptoms

ï           Mild allergic reactions

ï           Stitches for small wounds

ï           X-rays for minor injuries

ï           After-hours medical needs

ï           Travel medicine, vaccines

Don't Use For:

ï           Chest pain

ï           Severe injuries

ï           Loss of consciousness

ï           Stroke symptoms

ï           Severe bleeding

ï           Life-threatening situations

Go to ER instead! Terem Centers What Is Terem:

ï           Chain of urgent care clinics

ï           Open evenings/weekends

ï           Alternative to ER for minor issues

ï           Much faster than ER

**Locations: **Major cities and towns throughout Israel

ï           Tel Aviv: Multiple locations

ï           Jerusalem: Multiple locations

ï           Find nearest: www.terem.com or call 1-599-520-520

Hours:

ï           Typically: 18:00-midnight weekdays

ï           Weekends: Extended hours

ï           Some 24/7 locations

ï           Check specific location

Cost:

ï           ₪150-300 per visit

ï           Accepted by most health funds

ï           Submit for reimbursement

ï           Some funds have agreements (cheaper)

Process:

1.        Walk in (no appointment needed)

2.        Register at desk
3.        Pay (keep receipt)
4.        Wait (usually 30-90 minutes)
5.        See doctor
6.        Get treatment/prescription
7.        Submit to health fund for reimbursement

Advantages:

ï           Much faster than ER

ï           More personal attention

ï           English-speaking staff common

ï           Clean, modern facilities

ï           X-ray and basic tests on-site

Common Medical Emergencies & Responses

Heart Attack (לב התקף - Hatkaf Lev)

Symptoms:

ï           Chest pain/pressure

ï           Pain in arm, jaw, neck, back

ï           Shortness of breath

ï           Nausea, sweating

ï           Dizziness

Action:

1.        Call 101 immediately
2.        Sit down, rest
3.        Chew aspirin (if available, not allergic)
4.        Loosen tight clothing
5.        Stay calm
6.        Don't drive yourself!

**Don't Delay: **Every minute matters

Stroke (מוחי שבץ - Shevetz Mochi)

Symptoms (FAST Test):

ï           Face: Drooping on one side

ï           Arms: Weakness, can't raise both

ï           Speech: Slurred or confused

ï           Time: Call 101 immediately!

Action:

1.        Call 101 NOW
2.        Note time symptoms started (crucial!)
3.        Don't give food/water
4.        Keep person comfortable
5.        Monitor breathing

**Time Window: **Treatment most effective within 3-4 hours

Severe Allergic Reaction (אנפילקסיס)

Symptoms:

ï           Difficulty breathing

ï           Swelling of face/throat

ï           Hives, itching

ï           Rapid heartbeat

ï           Dizziness, confusion

Action:

1.        Call 101
2.        Use EpiPen if available (inject thigh)
3.        Lie person flat (if breathing)
4.        Recovery position if vomiting
5.        Monitor breathing

**EpiPen in Hebrew: **אפיפן (EpiPen) **Available: **Pharmacies with prescription

Choking (חנק - Chanek)

If Person Can't Breathe:

1.              Call 101
2.              Heimlich maneuver:

◦                    Stand behind person

◦                    Fist below ribcage

◦                    Other hand over fist

◦                    Quick upward thrusts

◦                    Repeat until object dislodges

For Infant:

ï           Face down on forearm

ï           5 back blows between shoulder blades

ï           Flip over

ï           5 chest compressions

ï           Repeat

**Learn CPR: **MDA offers courses

Burns (כוויות - Kviyot)

Minor Burns:

ï           Cool water 10-20 minutes

ï           Cover with sterile gauze

ï           Pain reliever if needed

ï           Visit doctor if doesn't improve

Severe Burns:

ï           Call 101 if:

◦           Large area affected

◦           Face, hands, feet, genitals

◦           Third-degree (white/charred)

◦           Chemical or electrical burn

ï           Don't apply ice

ï           Don't break blisters

ï           Cover loosely with clean cloth

ï           Get to ER

Seizures (אפילפסיה התקף - Hatkaf Epilepsia)

During Seizure:

1.        Time it (call 101 if over 5 minutes)
2.        Clear area of dangerous objects
3.        Cushion head
4.        Turn on side (recovery position)
5.        Don't restrain person
6.        Don't put anything in mouth

After Seizure:

ï           Stay with person

ï           Comfort and reassure

ï           Let them rest

ï           Confusion normal

Call 101 If:

ï           First-time seizure

ï           Lasts over 5 minutes

ï           Multiple seizures

ï           Injury during seizure

ï           Difficulty breathing after

Heat Stroke (חום מכת - Makat Chom)

Common in Israeli Summer! Symptoms:

ï           Very high temperature (40°C+)

ï           Hot, dry skin (no sweating)

ï           Confusion, dizziness

ï           Rapid pulse

ï           Headache, nausea

Action:

1.        Call 101 if severe
2.        Move to shade/AC
3.        Remove excess clothing
4.        Cool with water, ice packs
5.        Give water if conscious

6.        Monitor until help arrives

Prevention:

ï           Drink water constantly

ï           Stay in AC during extreme heat

ï           Avoid midday sun (12-16:00)

ï           Wear hat, light clothing

ï           Never leave kids/pets in car!

Pharmacy System (מרקחת בית - Beit Markachat)

How Pharmacies Work

Types:

Health Fund Pharmacies:

ï           Cheapest for prescriptions

ï           Located at clinics

ï           Hours: Usually clinic hours

ï           Must be member

Private Pharmacies (Super-Pharm, New Pharm):

ï           Everywhere

ï           Open later/weekends

ï           More expensive

ï           Convenience

24-Hour Pharmacies:

ï           Emergency needs

ï           Rotating schedule

ï           Check: www.pharm.org.il

ï           Call *5400 for nearest

Prescriptions (מרשם - Mirsham)

Getting Medication:

1.        Doctor writes prescription (electronic or paper)
2.        Go to pharmacy
3.        Show health fund card
4.        Pay co-payment (₪0-80)
5.        Receive medication + instructions

**Co-Payments: **Tiered system:

ï           **Free: **Essential medications

ï           **₪10-20: **Common medications

ï           **₪40-60: **Brand name drugs

ï           **₪80+: **Expensive/new drugs

Generic Option:

ï           Ask pharmacist for generic

ï           Same drug, lower co-pay

ï           "גנרי יש?" (Yesh generi?) = Is there generic?

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Common OTC Medications:

**Note: **Many OTC in other countries require prescription in Israel (decongestants, some cold medicines)

**Asking for Help: **"נגד משהו..." (Mashehu neged...) = Something for...

ï           Headache: ראש כאב (Ke'ev rosh)

ï           Stomachache: בטן כאב (Ke'ev beten)

ï           Cough: שיעול (Shi'ul)

ï           Cold: הצטננות (Hitztanenut)

Preventive Healthcare Tips

Annual Check-Ups (שגרה בדיקות)

What You Should Do:

Ages 20-40:

ï           Annual physical exam

ï           Blood work every 2-3 years

ï           Blood pressure check

ï           Women: Annual gynecological exam

ï           Women: Pap smear every 3 years

ï           Dental: Every 6-12 months

Ages 40-50:

ï           Everything above plus:

ï           Blood work annually

ï           Cholesterol check

ï           Diabetes screening

ï           Women: Mammogram baseline (40+)

ï           Men: Prostate discussion (45+)

Ages 50+:

ï           Everything above plus:

ï           Mammogram every 1-2 years

ï           Colonoscopy (50+)

ï           Bone density (women)

ï           More frequent monitoring

How to Schedule:

ï           Call family doctor

ï           Use health fund app

ï           Many preventive services free

ï           Don't skip!

Vaccinations (חיסונים - Chisunim) Required/Recommended in Israel: Children:

ï           Standard childhood vaccines (free)

ï           Administered at Tipat Chalav

ï           School entry requirements

ï           Keep records updated

Adults:

ï           Flu shot (annual, free for 65+, high-risk)

ï           Tetanus booster (every 10 years)

ï           COVID-19 (recommended)

ï           Travel vaccines (if traveling)

Where:

ï           Tipat Chalav (children)

ï           Health fund clinic (adults)

ï           Some pharmacies

ï           Travel clinics

Common Health Issues in Israel

Sun Exposure:

ï           Israeli sun is intense!

ï           High UV year-round

ï           Sunscreen essential (SPF 30+)

ï           Hat and sunglasses

ï           Avoid 12-16:00

ï           Risk: Skin cancer

Dehydration:

ï           Hot, dry climate

ï           Easy to underestimate

ï           Drink 2-3 liters daily

ï           More in summer

ï           Always carry water

Air Quality:

ï           Desert dust (hamsin/sharav)

ï           Pollen allergies (spring)

ï           Pollution in cities

ï           Affects asthma, allergies

Food Safety:

ï           High standards generally

ï           Be careful: Street food in heat

ï           Wash produce thoroughly

ï           Refrigerate promptly

Stress:

ï           High-pressure society

ï           Security situation

ï           Fast pace

ï           Mental health important

Mental Health Resources

Crisis Support

ERAN (Emotional First Aid):

ï           Hotline: 1201

ï           Free, anonymous

ï           24/7, Hebrew, English, Russian, Arabic, Amharic

ï           Trained volunteers

ï           No judgment

SAHAR (Suicide Prevention):

ï           Hotline: 1201

ï           Immediate intervention

ï           Professional support

ï           Save lives

Sexual Assault Crisis Center:

ï           Hotline: 1202

ï           24/7 support

ï           Trained counselors

ï           Confidential

Domestic Violence:

ï           Women's Hotline: 1-800-220-000

ï           24/7

ï           Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, English

ï           Shelter referrals

Therapy & Counseling

Through Health Funds:

ï           Limited free sessions (varies by fund)

ï           Need referral from family doctor

ï           Long wait lists sometimes

ï           Basic coverage

Private Therapy:

ï           Many English-speaking therapists

ï           Cost: ₪250-500 per session

ï           Search: "English-speaking therapist Israel"

ï           Psychology Today Israel

ï           Ask immigrant communities for recommendations

Employee Assistance Programs:

ï           Many employers offer

ï           Free limited sessions

ï           Confidential

ï           Check with HR

Support Groups

Olim Support:

ï           Immigrant adjustment groups

ï           Through Nefesh B'Nefesh, AACI

ï           Facebook communities

ï           Share experiences

Specific Issues:

ï           PTSD (especially post-terror/war)

ï           Anxiety/Depression

ï           Addiction

ï           Grief and loss

Special Considerations

For Olim (New Immigrants)

First 6 Months:

ï           Register with health fund immediately

ï           Choose family doctor

ï           Get full check-up

ï           Transfer medical records

ï           Update prescriptions to Israeli

ï           Learn emergency numbers

ï           Find nearest hospital/urgent care

Language Barriers:

ï           Many doctors speak English

ï           Request English-speaking doctor

ï           Bring Hebrew-speaking friend for important appointments

ï           Google Translate is your friend

ï           Medical Hebrew phrases (see below)

ï           Don't let language stop you from seeking care!

Cultural Differences:

ï           Israeli doctors more direct

ï           Less "bedside manner" sometimes

ï           Appointments shorter

ï           More assertive approach needed

ï           Normal, not personal

For Tourists

Travel Insurance:

ï           Essential! Don't skip!

ï           Israeli healthcare expensive for tourists

ï           Emergency treatment provided regardless

ï           But you'll be billed

ï           Good insurance: $50-100 for short trip

Where to Go:

ï           Emergency: Call 101, go to ER

ï           Minor issue: Terem urgent care

ï           Prescription refill: Difficult without Israeli doctor

ï           Bring enough medication

Costs Without Insurance:

ï           ER visit: ₪2,000-5,000+

ï           Ambulance: ₪500+

ï           Hospital stay: ₪10,000+/day

ï           Surgery: ₪50,000+

Seriously, get travel insurance! For Pregnant Women Emergency Situations:

ï           Bleeding: ER immediately

ï           Severe pain: ER

ï           No fetal movement: ER

ï           Water broke: Call doctor or go to hospital

ï           Contractions: Time them, call when close

Hospital Choice:

ï           Choose delivery hospital in advance

ï           Tour beforehand

ï           Bring hospital bag ready (35+ weeks)

ï           Know route and parking

Postpartum Emergencies:

ï           Heavy bleeding: ER

ï           Severe pain: Call doctor

ï           Infection signs: Fever, foul odor

ï           Mental health crisis: ERAN 1201

For Parents with Children

Pediatric Emergencies:

ï           When in doubt, call doctor or go to ER

ï           Israeli ERs see many kids (normal)

ï           Pediatric ERs in major hospitals

ï           Tipat Chalav (well-baby clinic) for questions

Common Pediatric Issues:

ï           High fever (>39°C): Monitor, consult doctor

ï           Breathing difficulty: ER immediately

ï           Severe allergic reaction: Call 101

ï           Seizure: Call 101 if first time or prolonged

ï           Dehydration: Push fluids, see doctor if severe

Keeping Kids Calm:

ï           Explain what's happening (age-appropriate)

ï           Bring comfort item

ï           Stay calm yourself

ï           Reward/treat after

ï           Many Israeli kids speak some English

Medical Hebrew Quick Reference

Essential Phrases

At Reception:

ï           "רפואית לעזרה זקוק אני" (Ani tzarich ezra refuit) = I need medical help

ï           "עברית מדבר לא אני" (Ani lo medaber ivrit) = I don't speak Hebrew

ï           "אנגלית שמדבר מישהו לכם יש?" (Yesh lachem mishehu shemedaber anglit?) = Does someone speak English?

Describing Symptoms:

ï           "לי כואב..." (Ko'ev li...) = I have pain in...

◦           הראש (harosh) = head

◦           הבטן (habeten) = stomach

◦           החזה (hachazeh) = chest

◦           הגרון (hagaron) = throat

ï           "לי יש..." (Yesh li...) = I have...

◦           חום (chom) = fever

◦           שיעול (shi'ul) = cough

◦           בחילה (bechila) = nausea

◦           סחרחורת (sacharcoret) = dizziness

Questions:

ï           "לי קורה מה?" (Ma kore li?) = What's wrong with me?

ï           "רציני זה האם?" (Ha'im ze recini?) = Is it serious?

ï           "הביתה ללכת יכול אני מתי?" (Matai ani yachol lalechet habayta?) = When can I go home?

Allergies:

ï           "ל אלרגיה לי יש..." (Yesh li allergia le...) = I'm allergic to...

ï           "אפיפן צריך אני" (Ani tzarich epifen) = I need an EpiPen

Body Parts (גוף אברי)

Costs & Insurance Coverage

What Health Insurance Covers

Basic Basket (Included):

ï           Emergency room visits

ï           Ambulance transport

ï           Hospital admission (public ward)

ï           Emergency surgery

ï           Life-saving treatments

ï           Emergency prescriptions

What You Pay:

Emergency Room:

ï           Co-pay: ₪164

ï           Waived if admitted to hospital

ï           Pay at reception

Ambulance:

ï           Transport: ₪300-500

ï           Billed later

ï           Usually covered by health insurance

ï           Submit for reimbursement

Prescriptions:

ï           Standard co-pays apply (₪0-80)

ï           Even in emergency

ï           Some emergency drugs free

Supplementary Insurance for Emergencies

Bridging Insurance Helps With:

ï           Private room if hospitalized

ï           Choice of surgeon

ï           Second opinions

ï           Advanced procedures

ï           Shorter wait times

Worth It?

ï           Yes, especially for:

◦           Families with children

◦           Chronic conditions

◦           Older adults

◦           Anyone concerned about emergencies

Cost:

ï           ₪50-150/month

ï           Age-dependent

ï           Lock in young

Hospital Visits: What to Expect

Admission Process

If Admitted from ER:

1.        Decision made to admit
2.        Wait for bed availability (can take hours)
3.        Moved to ward
4.        Assigned bed
5.        Initial assessment by ward staff

Public Ward:

ï           2-6 patients per room

ï           Shared bathroom

ï           Basic amenities

ï           FREE with basic insurance

ï           Can be noisy

Private/Semi-Private:

ï           Requires supplementary insurance OR

ï           Pay out-of-pocket (₪500-1,500/night)

ï           More privacy

ï           Better sleep

ï           Own bathroom (private room)

Hospital Stay

What to Expect:

Food:

ï           Provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

ï           Not gourmet

ï           Special diets available (kosher, vegetarian, etc.)

ï           Family can bring food

Visiting Hours:

ï           Varies by hospital/ward

ï           Usually: Afternoon and evening

ï           ICU: More restricted

ï           Check specific hospital rules

Communication:

ï           Doctors do rounds mornings

ï           Ask questions then

ï           Nurses available 24/7

ï           Request translator if needed

Discharge:

ï           Doctor decides when ready

ï           Discharge instructions (written)

ï           Prescriptions provided

ï           Follow-up appointments scheduled

ï           Don't leave without understanding care plan

Patients' Rights

You Have Right To:

ï           Dignified treatment

ï           Privacy and confidentiality

ï           Informed consent

ï           Refuse treatment

ï           See medical records

ï           Second opinion

ï           Complaint process

ï           Interpreter if needed

Israeli Law:

ï           Patient Rights Law (1996)

ï           Strong protections

ï           Can file complaints

ï           Patient ombudsman at each hospital

Tips for Specific Situations

Ambulance Ride

What Happens:

1.        Ambulance arrives
2.        EMTs assess condition
3.        Basic treatment on scene
4.        Decision: Transport or not
5.        If transport: Nearest appropriate hospital
6.        Treatment continues en route
7.        Direct to ER upon arrival

What to Know:

ï           You can't choose hospital (usually)

ï           Family can follow separately

ï           Bring phone, wallet, ID if possible

ï           EMTs speak some English usually

ï           Stay calm, cooperate

Cost:

ï           ₪300-500 for transport

ï           Billed later

ï           Not paid at scene

ï           Submit to health insurance

Waiting in ER

Entertainment:

ï           Fully charged phone essential

ï           Book or magazine

ï           Tablet with movies

ï           Headphones

ï           Snacks and water

Comfort:

ï           Pillow if long wait

ï           Blanket (hospitals cold)

ï           Change of clothes (if admitted)

ï           Toiletries (if admitted)

Updates:

ï           Check with nurses periodically (but not constantly!)

ï           Ask estimated wait time

ï           Inform if condition changes

ï           Stay in designated area

Language Assistance

Resources:

Google Translate:

ï           Download Hebrew offline

ï           Camera translation

ï           Voice translation

ï           Not perfect but helpful

Professional Interpreters:

ï           Hospitals have interpreter services

ï           Request at registration

ï           May take time to arrange

ï           Russian, Arabic, English common

Medical Translation Apps:

ï           Universal Doctor Speaker

ï           MediBabble

ï           Medical Spanish (works for Hebrew too)

Bring a Friend:

ï           Hebrew-speaking friend invaluable

ï           Helps advocate

ï           Translates

ï           Emotional support

Security-Related Medical Issues

Terror Attack Response

If You Witness:

1.        Get to safety first
2.        Once safe, call 101
3.        Provide location details
4.        Follow instructions from security forces
5.        Don't approach suspicious objects

If Injured:

ï           MDA responds en masse

ï           Triage on scene

ï           Multiple ambulances

ï           Victims to multiple hospitals

ï           Family: Call hospital hotlines

"Pikuach Nefesh" (נפש פיקוח):

ï           Saving life overrides everything

ï           Even Shabbat/holidays

ï           Everyone helps

ï           Israelis trained in first aid

Rocket/Missile Alerts

Red Alert Siren (אדום צבע):

1.        Seek shelter immediately
2.        If in building: Protected room or stairwell
3.        If outside: Lie flat, cover head
4.        Stay in shelter 10 minutes after impact

Medical Issues:

ï           Panic attacks common

ï           PTSD symptoms

ï           If injured: Call 101

ï           Mental health: ERAN 1201

**Home Front Command: **104

Preventive Health Calendar

January-March

ï           Flu season: Get vaccinated (Oct-Dec ideal)

ï           Winter illnesses common

ï           New Year check-up

April-June

ï           Allergy season (pollen)

ï           Spring cleaning health check

ï           Passover food safety

July-September

ï           Heat awareness

ï           Hydration focus

ï           Sun protection

ï           Before school check-ups

October-December

ï           Annual check-up

ï           Flu vaccine

ï           Winter preparation

ï           Year-end health review

Resources & Websites

Official

Ministry of Health:

ï           Website: www.health.gov.il

ï           Hotline: 1-800-500-400

ï           Corona hotline: *5400

ï           English section available

Bituach Leumi (National Insurance):

ï           Website: www.btl.gov.il

ï           Phone: *6050

ï           Medical benefits information

Israel Medical Association:

ï           Website: www.ima.org.il

ï           Find doctors

ï           Verify licenses

Health Funds

Clalit:

ï           Phone: *2700

ï           App: MyClilit

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

Maccabi:

ï           Phone: *3555

ï           App: Maccabi

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

Meuhedet:

ï           Phone: *3833

ï           App: Meuhedet Online

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

Leumit:

ï           Phone: *507

ï           App: Leumit

ï           Website: www.leumit.co.il

For Immigrants

Nefesh B'Nefesh:

ï           Website: www.nbn.org.il

ï           Medical aliyah assistance

ï           Healthcare navigation

AACI:

ï           Website: www.aaci.org.il

ï           Healthcare information

ï           English support

Finding Doctors

Search Engines:

ï           www.doctors.co.il

ï           www.medical.co.il

ï           Health fund websites

ï           Google Maps reviews

English-Speaking:

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

ï           Ask immigrant communities

ï           Health fund can help

Emergency Preparedness

Home Emergency Kit

Medical Supplies:

ï           First aid kit

ï           Prescription medications (1-week supply)

ï           Pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)

ï           Bandages, gauze

ï           Antiseptic

ï           Thermometer

ï           Cold packs

ï           Scissors, tweezers

ï           Medical tape

ï           Antibiotic ointment

Emergency Info:

ï           List of medications

ï           Allergies

ï           Medical conditions

ï           Blood type

ï           Doctor contact info

ï           Health fund card copies

ï           Copies of prescriptions

Store in:

ï           Accessible location

ï           Protected room if possible

ï           Clearly labeled

ï           Check expiration dates regularly

Medical Alert Bracelet

Consider If You Have:

ï           Severe allergies

ï           Diabetes

ï           Heart condition

ï           Epilepsy

ï           Taking blood thinners

ï           Any serious condition

Information:

ï           Medical condition

ï           Medications

ï           Allergies

ï           Emergency contact

ï           In Hebrew and English

Where to Buy:

ï           Pharmacies

ï           Online: Amazon Israel

ï           Medical supply stores

ï           Custom engraving available

Final Reminders

Do's

ï           Save emergency numbers in phone NOW

ï           Know your blood type

ï           Carry health fund card always

ï           Keep medications list updated

ï           Learn basic medical Hebrew

ï           Find nearest hospital/urgent care

ï           Get annual check-ups

ï           Don't ignore symptoms

ï           Stay hydrated (especially summer)

ï           Use sunscreen year-round

ï           Get travel insurance if tourist

ï           Advocate for yourself

ï           Ask questions until you understand

ï           Keep copies of medical records

ï           Register with health fund upon arrival

Don'ts

ï           Don't delay calling 101 in real emergency

ï           Don't go to ER for minor issues (use urgent care)

ï           Don't assume ER will be fast

ï           Don't leave hospital without understanding discharge plan

ï           Don't skip follow-up appointments

ï           Don't let language barrier stop you from seeking care

ï           Don't ignore heat/sun dangers

ï           Don't skip preventive care

ï           Don't self-diagnose serious symptoms

ï           Don't be passive - Israeli system rewards assertiveness

Bottom Line

Israeli emergency and healthcare services are: **High quality **- World-class hospitals and doctors **Accessible **- Universal coverage **Responsive **- Fast ambulance response **Comprehensive **- Cover most needs **Affordable **- Much cheaper than US

But: **Bureaucratic **- Patience required **Crowded **- Long ER waits common **Direct **- Less bedside manner **Language **- Hebrew primarily

Key to Success:

ï           Know when to use what service

ï           Don't delay emergencies

ï           Advocate for yourself

ï           Learn basic Hebrew

ï           Build relationship with family doctor

ï           Stay on top of preventive care

In a real emergency, Israeli medical system is excellent. Don't hesitate to use it! Save this guide. Share with family. Know these numbers. Stay healthy!

 Emergency: 101 Be safe, stay healthy!

Updated on: 02/02/2026