15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Israel

"Israel has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens and foreign residents. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is of high quality. It is available to all citizens and permanent residents, regardless of their income level. Foreign residents are also eligible for public healthcare services, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Israel can use the public healthcare system by registering with the Ministry of Health and obtaining a health insurance card. This card allows them to access the same services as Israeli citizens, including primary care, specialist care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs," remarked one expat in Israel.

"The system is difficult to manage if something is wrong. Wait times for appointments are ridiculous. I'm a citizen, so it's not expat care, it's the Israeli socialized medicine," wrote one expat.

"Israel has a well-developed healthcare system that provides high-quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Israel also has a strong emphasis on preventive care, with a focus on early detection and treatment of diseases. Additionally, the country has a well-developed system of medical research and development, which has led to the development of innovative treatments and technologies," commented one expat who moved to Israel.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Israel can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Most Israelis are required to purchase health insurance through one of four health funds, which are regulated by the government. These health funds offer a range of plans with varying levels of coverage and cost. Generally, the more comprehensive the plan, the more expensive it is. Additionally, many Israelis opt to purchase supplemental health insurance to cover services not included in the basic plans. This can also add to the overall cost of healthcare," said one expat living in Israel.

"In Israel, emergency services are highly developed and reliable. The country has a well-trained and well-equipped ambulance service, as well as a network of hospitals and medical centers. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the national emergency number, 101, or the local emergency number, 100. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency, and will dispatch an ambulance to your location," said an expat in Israel.

"Tel Aviv is widely regarded as having the best selection of medical specialists in Israel, with a wide range of specialists available in the city's many hospitals and clinics. Jerusalem is also home to a large number of medical specialists, with many of the city's hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of services. Haifa is another city with a good selection of medical specialists, with a number of hospitals and clinics offering a variety of services. Other cities in Israel with a good selection of medical specialists include Beersheba, Ashdod, and Eilat," mentioned one expat in Israel.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Israel. Most medications that are available in other countries are also available in Israel, although some may have different brand names. Pharmacies in Israel are required to carry a wide range of medications, and many of them are available without a prescription. In addition, many medications are subsidized by the government, making them more affordable for those who need them," said an expat in Israel.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Israel are of a high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Israel is home to some of the world's leading medical research centers and hospitals, and its doctors are highly trained and experienced. The country also has a strong emphasis on preventive care, with a focus on early detection and treatment of diseases. In addition, Israel has a comprehensive network of public and private health insurance plans, making it easier for citizens to access quality medical care," remarked one expat living in Israel.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Israel, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Israel is comprehensive and provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and long-term care. The quality of care is generally high, and the cost of care is relatively low compared to other countries. Additionally, the government subsidizes healthcare costs for those who cannot afford them," wrote an expat living in Israel.

"We were superstars on that. Best vaccine program in the world (Israel, this is). I was done in Jan 2021," wrote an expat living in Tel Aviv.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Israel. The country has implemented a range of measures to protect the health of its citizens, including the introduction of a national contact tracing system, the widespread use of face masks, and the closure of schools and other public spaces. The healthcare system has also been stretched to its limits, with hospitals and clinics facing a surge in demand for services. Despite this, the healthcare system has been able to cope with the increased demand, and the government has provided additional funding to ensure that the system is able to meet the needs of the population," said an expat in Israel.