One of the first things you need to sort out after Aliyah is your healthcare.
The good news: Israel's health system is among the best in the world, and you have full access to it from day one. Israel's law protects patients' rights and prioritizes their wellbeing througout the care continuum. Pepple enjoy access to a wide variety of medical services offered by health funds.
Here is everything you need to know to get started.
How It Works?
Every resident of Israel is required by law (the National Health Insurance Law of 1994) to be a member of one of four health funds, known in Hebrew as Kupot Holim.
The system is funded through progressive contributions collected automatically by the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi), with additional support from the state budget. You do not need to shop for a plan or negotiate a price.
Each health fund is required to provide its members with the same baseline package of medical services: the "Basket of Health Services" (Sal HaBriut). This covers a wide range of treatments, specialist referrals, lab work, medications, and more.
You Can Switch Health Funds Anytime:
Not happy with your current health fund? You can transfer to another one at any time. The process is free, simple, and quick. Just visit your nearest branch or call the health fund directly.
What Is SHABAN?
Beyond the standard basket, each health fund offers supplemental insurance programs known as SHABAN. These cover services that go beyond the state-mandated basket, including specialist access, dental care, and alternative medicine.
Leumit offers two tiers:
Leumit Kesef (Silver) covers a range of additional services for individuals and families.
Leumit Zahav (Gold) the leading supplemental insurance program. It provides expanded coverage and access to top-tier private medical services.
What Zahav includes:
- Alternative medicine: acupuncture, massage, shiatsu, and more
- A personal fitness trainer at home for 23 NIS per session
- Discounts on vaccines and medications, including over 600 drugs not covered by the state basket
- Specialist consultations across Israel
- Up to 60% savings on dental treatment
- An expanded maternity package for expectant mothers
Why Leumit?
Leumit serves over 720,000 members across 350 branches nationwide. With approximately 3,000 staff members, more than 2,000 specialists, a network of laboratories, and partnerships with every hospital in Israel, they have the scale to support you wherever you are in the country.
Their approach: every patient is treated like a member of the family.
At Leumit Health Services, exceptional personalized care is our top priority.
In our branches, we treat everyone as part of our family. We’re committed to giving every patient our undivided attention, assistance, and support - every step of the way.
They Speak Your Language
Leumit has a dedicated support structure for Russian-speaking Olim. Nearly every branch has Russian-speaking staff. Through the national call center at **\*507**, you can select your preferred language within seconds.
Medical translation services are also available when you visit a doctor. Ask any support representative for details.
Russian-speaking consultant: Ella Lisogorski
WhatsApp: +972-50-5336154
Leumit Online: Manage Everything from Your Phone
Through the Leumit app and website, you can:
- Book and cancel appointments
- View test results and diagnoses
- Message your doctor
- Get referrals and prescriptions
- Order medications with home delivery
- Submit reimbursement requests
Online Pediatrics with Tyto
Consult a pediatrician by phone or video using the Tyto device. It performs ear exams, listens to the lungs and heart, measures pulse and temperature, checks the throat and skin condition, and analyzes the data to help the doctor determine the right treatment plan, all without leaving home.
Your Family Doctor Online
Get consultations, referrals, and prescriptions directly from your family doctor through the Leumit app.
Contacts:
| National call center *507 |
| Russian-speaking consultant (WhatsApp) | +972-50-5336154 |
| Website | www.leumit.co.il |
Have questions about choosing a health fund or navigating the Israeli health system? Drop them in the comments. This community has people who have been through it and are happy to help.
