Israel's Universal Healthcare System
Every Israeli resident is entitled to healthcare through one of four health maintenance organizations called קופת חולים (Kupat Cholim) (literally "sick fund"). As a new oleh, one of your first tasks is to enroll. You have the right to join any of the four funds regardless of pre-existing conditions — no insurance company can turn you down.
The Basic Basket: Same for All Four
By law, all four funds must provide the same basic basket of services (sal briut). This includes:
- GP and specialist visits
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Emergency care
- Medications on the national formulary list
- Preventive care, vaccinations, and maternity services
- Mental health treatment (expanded in recent years)
Where the funds differ is in their supplemental plans, clinic networks, waiting times, English-language services, and geographic coverage.
The Four Funds at a Glance
Clalit (כללית) — The Largest
Clalit covers roughly 55% of the Israeli population. It owns and operates the most clinics and hospitals nationwide, including major medical centers like Hadassah and Ichilov. If you live outside a major city or want maximum geographic reach, Clalit is often the best choice. Its supplemental plan (Clalit Mushlam or Clalit Platinum) is comprehensive but can be pricier than competitors.
Maccabi (מכבי) — Popular with Olim
Maccabi is the second-largest fund and particularly popular among English-speaking olim. It has strong English-language support, an excellent app and online portal, and a reputation for faster specialist appointments. Maccabi's supplemental plans (Maccabi Zahav — Gold) are well regarded, and the fund has partnerships with many private specialists for reduced out-of-pocket costs.
Meuhedet (מאוחדת) — Often the Best Value
Meuhedet is smaller but frequently wins satisfaction surveys for friendliness and wait times. Its supplemental plan is often the most affordable of the four while still offering solid coverage. Meuhedet has fewer clinics than Clalit or Maccabi, so check coverage in your specific city or town before choosing.
Leumit (לאומית) — Smallest, Most Niche
Leumit is the smallest of the four funds with a more limited clinic network. It tends to perform well in specific cities and regions. Unless you have a specific reason to choose Leumit (such as a recommended specialist), most olim choose one of the other three.
How to Choose
Consider these factors when deciding:
- Where you live: Check which fund has the closest clinic and shortest waiting times in your city. The Bituach Leumi website lets you compare coverage by area.
- English support: Maccabi leads here, followed by Clalit. Ask other olim in your city what they use.
- Specialist access: If you have ongoing conditions or regularly see specialists, compare how each fund handles referrals and waiting lists.
- Supplemental plan cost: Compare the annual cost of each fund's supplemental plan — the difference can be 500-2,000 NIS per year.
- Family size: If you have children, compare pediatric services and dental coverage for kids.
How to Enroll
Visit any branch of your chosen fund with your Teudat Oleh and Teudat Zehut. Enrollment is free and immediate. You can also enroll online on some funds' websites. Once enrolled, you can switch funds once per year (during a defined switching window, usually in the fall).
Next Steps
After joining a fund, read the next article carefully: you have a critical 90-day window to add supplemental insurance without waiting periods. Missing it could mean years of exclusions for pre-existing conditions.