Unveiling Israel’s Revolutionary Healthcare System: What You Need to Know!

Israel is renowned for its robust healthcare system, which provides a high level of medical services to all citizens from the moment they arrive in the country. In this article, we will delve into the key features of Israel’s healthcare system, including the basic government coverage and the additional medical plan coverage offered by the major medical aids. We will also explore the role of private insurance in supplementing the government system. Let’s explore the various facets of healthcare in Israel.

Basic Government Coverage: Upon arrival in Israel, all citizens are entitled to comprehensive medical care, regardless of their employment or retirement status. The National Institute of Insurance, known as “Bituach Leumi,” is responsible for directly covering the cost of basic medical aid insurance. This government body allows individuals to choose their preferred medical aid provider and ensures that monthly dues are transferred accordingly. For employed individuals, the insurance amount is deducted from their salary slip. Additionally, Bituach Leumi is responsible for providing work-related disability pensions and retirement pensions to eligible individuals.

Major Medical Aids: Israel boasts four major medical aids that offer the same basic medical services: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, and Leumit. Each medical aid has an English website with valuable information regarding the services they provide. These medical aids play a crucial role in delivering affordable medical services to the population. Recent surveys indicate that approximately 75% of Israelis express satisfaction with the standard level of basic services offered by the medical aids. It is noteworthy that around 75% of the population carries some form of additional private insurance, either through the medical aids or private insurance companies.

Evolution of Healthcare: Before 1995, Clalit Medical Aid was the only provider that had to accept all applicants, while others could selectively admit members based on their medical history. However, the National Health Insurance law enacted in 1995 transformed the system by allowing citizens to choose their medical aid provider, ensuring equal access to a uniform level of services. Since then, the government budget has been distributed among the medical aids based on the number of members. Clalit received the largest share of the budget, leading to improved services for its members, while other medical aids had to adjust their offerings to comply with the new law.

Additional Medical Plan Coverage: In addition to the basic services, the medical aids differentiate themselves by offering additional medical services known as “Sherutei Shaban.” These services vary among the medical aids and include private consultations with specialists and surgeons, coverage for diagnostic tests, and additional tests during pregnancy. The medical aid websites provide detailed information about the different services available.

The Role of Private Insurance: Private insurance companies in Israel play a crucial role in supplementing the government healthcare system. They offer a wide range of insurance products that address the gaps or limitations in government coverage. Individuals can customize their coverage based on their specific needs. Private insurance options include coverage for operations and alternative surgeries, medications not covered by the government, transplants, ambulatory care, alternative treatments, online consultations, and long-term nursing care.

The Importance of Medication Coverage: One of the significant aspects of private insurance is the coverage for medications not included in the government’s basket of drugs. The government periodically reviews and updates the list of covered drugs, which might limit access to certain medications for specific illnesses. Private insurance fills this gap, allowing individuals to access essential medications that might be beneficial for their conditions. This coverage is only available through private insurance companies.

Israel’s healthcare system is characterized by comprehensive coverage, ensuring that all citizens have access to medical services from the day they arrive in the country. The major medical aids offer basic services, while private insurance companies provide additional coverage to meet specific needs. It is essential for

*Remember, you are not alone.  There are resources and support available to help you. Please reach out for help.

We are here to help and advise you.  Contact me Jay Hait, Family Lawyer at 0733743094 or jay.hait@orcheidin.co.il 

Find out more on my

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JayHaitAdv   

and on my website: https://jayhaitlaw.com/