Healthcare System in Israel: everything you need to know

How does the Israeli healthcare system work?

Israel has a universal health care system that provides coverage to its citizens and permanent residents. There are four free health plans from which residents can choose: Clalit, Leumit, Maccabi and Meuhedet. These offer a mandatory, government-mandated basket of benefits that includes primary care, hospital services, specialty care, maternity and mental health care as well as prescription drugs among other services.

The system is financed through income taxes on citizens and a special health tax. It excludes certain groups, such as employed foreigners who must be insured by their employers. Army soldiers receive coverage directly from the institution. Migrants, tourists and temporary residents must hire their own medical insurance; they do not have access to the local public system.

There are also private health insurances which can be hired through the same four entities that offer public health, or with an independent entity. Many people choose them because they offer benefits that are excluded from public plans, such as alternative medicines and dental care for adults. Private hospitals tend to offer higher quality care, as well as reduced waiting times.

How does the health care system work for foreigners in Israel?

Foreigners coming to Israel for work must receive private health insurance from their employer. Expats coming to live in Israel permanently will have access to the public system free of charge.

However, visiting foreigners, including temporary residents and tourists, must purchase their own health insurance. In order to have access to health services in case you need them, it is important to have travel insurance if you are visiting Israel.

At InternationalHealth.com you will find the best travel insurance with coverage in Israel so that you can travel with appropriate coverage in case of any emergency. 

What do I do if I have an emergency in Israel?

Israel has a very efficient emergency service. If you require the attention of an ambulance, you should dial 101. For police, the number is 100 and for firefighters 102.

People who are registered to the public health system do not have to pay for ambulance service. Most of the care they receive at the clinic will also be free, depending on what their benefits basket includes.

However, foreigners must have health insurance coverage in the country, or they will be obliged to pay for the entire service provided. 

How do pharmacies operate in Israel?

Local pharmacies can sell medications with prescriptions written by Israeli doctors only. If you travel to Israel with a foreign prescription, you will not be able to purchase the medication.

You are allowed to enter the country with a maximum of a three-month supply of any medication. Therefore, if you are visiting for a couple of days or weeks, you will not have any problems with medication. If you are in doubt about the legality of your medication in Israel, check at the airport before you travel to avoid problems upon arrival.

You will have to pay a fee for most medications purchased at pharmacies. For members of the public health system, depending on the plan you obtain, some medications will be free of charge.

Please note that certain pharmacies are specific to one of the four health care providers. Therefore, if you are not affiliated with that health care provider, you will not be able to purchase your medications at that pharmacy. 

Entry Requirements

There are currently no restrictions to enter Israel due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is mandatory, however, to have health insurance when entering Israel.