1. Why Health Insurance Matters in Israel

• Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, ensuring access to medical services through one of Israel's four public health funds, called Kupot Cholim. These health funds include Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, and Leumit.

2. Choosing a Health Fund (Kupat Cholim)

• Each health fund offers a basic package of services required by law, which includes primary care, hospitalization, specialist care, and emergency treatments.

• Supplementary Services: All Kupot Cholim offer supplementary insurance (Bituach Mashlim), which expands coverage beyond the basic benefits. Supplementary plans can cover advanced dental care, private specialist consultations, and certain surgeries.

• Researching Health Fund Options: When selecting a Kupat Cholim, consider your specific healthcare needs, preferred clinics, local availability, and the types of supplementary services offered.

3. Where and How to Register

• In-Person Registration: You can register at any branch of the chosen health fund or a nearby post office.

• Online Registration: Some health funds allow new immigrants to register online, offering an easy and quick way to complete the process without visiting a branch in person.

• Required Documents: You’ll need your Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card), Aliyah documentation, and proof of residence (such as a rental agreement).

• Registration Fees: New olim generally receive a subsidized rate or fee waiver for the first year’s basic coverage, though supplementary insurance typically incurs additional costs.

4. Understanding Health Fund Coverage

• Basic Coverage: Includes essential healthcare services mandated by Israeli law, such as visits to general practitioners, specialist appointments, hospitalizations, emergency treatments, maternity care, and mental health services.

• Supplementary Plans: Offer enhanced benefits beyond the mandatory package, including private care, quicker access to specialists, advanced treatments, and some non-emergency surgeries. These supplementary plans can be tailored to different needs, often with tiered options based on monthly premiums.

5. Receiving Your Health Fund Card

• Once registered, you’ll receive a health fund card in the mail, which allows you to access services at clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals affiliated with your chosen health fund.

• Your health fund card is crucial for managing healthcare appointments, prescriptions, and medical consultations.

6. Accessing Health Services

• Primary Care Physicians: Choose a primary care physician (GP) within your health fund network who will coordinate most of your medical care and referrals to specialists.

• Specialist Consultations: Referrals to specialists may require approval or a co-pay, depending on your health fund plan.

• Pharmacy Services: Health fund pharmacies offer medications at subsidized rates, with discounts varying depending on your supplementary insurance level.

7. Emergency and Hospital Services

• In emergencies, health funds cover hospital care and emergency services, including ambulance transportation. If immediate care is needed, you can visit any hospital, though notifying your health fund is advised.

• Emergency Room Visits: These are generally covered, though non-emergency cases might incur fees if they weren’t referred by a physician.

8. Additional Services for New Olim

• New immigrants often have access to dedicated services within their health fund, such as assistance with language barriers, priority appointments, and guidance on navigating the Israeli healthcare system. Be sure to inquire with your health fund about available support services for new olim.

9. Switching Health Funds

• If you’re unsatisfied with your health fund, you can switch to a different Kupat Cholim every six months. Requests can be submitted online through the Ministry of Health’s portal.

Useful Links and Contact Information

1. Clalit Health Services

   • Website: clalit.co.il

   • Customer Service: 2700

2. Maccabi Health Services

   • Website: maccabi4u.co.il

   • Customer Service: 1700-50-53-53

3. Meuhedet Health Services

   • Website: meuhedet.co.il

   • Customer Service: 3833

4. Leumit Health Services

   • Website: leumit.co.il

   • Customer Service: 507

Summary

Securing health insurance as soon as you arrive in Israel provides essential medical coverage and access to Israel’s healthcare network. Carefully comparing health fund options and supplementary plans will ensure you get the coverage that best suits your needs as a new immigrant. By completing this step early, you’ll ensure a smooth transition into Israel’s healthcare system, providing peace of mind as you settle into your new life.

Here are useful links to help with registering for health insurance in Israel as a new immigrant:

1. Ministry of Health – General healthcare information and regulations for residents:

   • gov.il/health

2. Clalit Health Services – Israel’s largest healthcare provider:

   • clalit.co.il

3. Maccabi Health Services – Offers extensive services and supplementary plans:

   • maccabi4u.co.il

4. Meuhedet Health Services – Known for community-focused healthcare:

   • meuhedet.co.il

5. Leumit Health Services – Additional supplementary options:

   • leumit.co.il

These resources provide details on coverage, supplementary plans, and registration for new immigrants.

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