How does Israel's universal healthcare system work?
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.
What does the basic health basket cover?
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 more than half of the Israeli population (about 52%). 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 do you choose a kupat cholim?
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 do you enroll in a kupat cholim?
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 up to twice in any 12-month period, with the change taking effect on one of six fixed dates a year (1 January, 1 March, 1 May, 1 July, 1 September, or 1 November). New olim can also change their initial choice within 14 days of their Aliyah date.
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.
Every Israeli resident enrolls in one of four kupot cholim: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, or Leumit. All four must provide the same legally mandated basic basket (sal briut), so they compete on supplemental plans, clinic networks, waiting times, and English support. You cannot be turned down for a pre-existing condition. Clalit is the largest (more than half of Israelis, about 52%) with the broadest nationwide coverage; Maccabi is the most popular choice among English-speaking olim for its English support and app; Meuhedet is often the best value; Leumit is smallest and most niche. Enroll free with your Teudat Oleh and Teudat Zehut, and you can later switch funds up to twice in a 12-month period on one of six fixed dates a year.
Maccabi is 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. Clalit comes next for English support. That said, the right fund depends on where you live and which fund has the closest clinic and shortest waiting times in your city, so it is worth asking other olim in your area what they use.
No. You have the right to join any of the four funds regardless of pre-existing conditions, and no fund can turn you down. Universal enrollment is guaranteed by law, you pay a mandatory health tax, and you receive full coverage from day one with no employer required.
By law, all four funds must provide the same basic basket of services (sal briut). That basket includes GP and specialist visits, hospitalization and surgery, emergency care, medications on the national formulary list, preventive care, vaccinations, maternity services, and mental health treatment. Where the funds differ is in their supplemental plans, clinic networks, waiting times, English-language services, and geographic coverage.
Supplemental plans cost roughly 30 to 80 NIS per person per month. Across a family, the annual cost difference between funds can reach 500 to 2,000 NIS per year, so it pays to compare each fund's supplemental plan before you enroll rather than after.
Visit any branch of your chosen fund with your Teudat Oleh and Teudat Zehut. Enrollment is free and immediate, and some funds also let you enroll online. Enrolling in a fund is one of your first tasks as a new oleh because coverage begins immediately.
Yes. Once enrolled, you can switch funds up to twice in any 12-month period. Switches take effect on one of six fixed dates a year (1 January, 1 March, 1 May, 1 July, 1 September, or 1 November), without losing coverage continuity. New olim can also change their initial choice within 14 days of their Aliyah date. Because you are not locked in permanently, an imperfect first choice is not a costly mistake, though it is still worth comparing before you enroll.
Clalit covers more than half of the population (about 52%) and operates the most clinics and hospitals nationwide, so if you live outside a major city or want maximum geographic reach it is often the best choice. Meuhedet and Leumit have fewer clinics, so check coverage in your specific city or town before choosing one of them. The Bituach Leumi website lets you compare coverage by area.
