Israel’s health insurance system is widely recognized for its comprehensive universal coverage, grounded in the National Health Insurance (NHI) Law of 1995. Every legal resident is insured under the public system, primarily through one of four nonprofit health funds (Kupot Cholim): Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, and Leumit. Alongside this robust public model, a private health insurance sector supplements and enhances available healthcare, offering faster access and a broader scope of services.
Similarities
- Commitment to Health Access
Both public and private systems are committed to providing quality healthcare, albeit with different scopes and priorities. Public health funds ensure universal basic care, while private insurers aim to offer enhanced and individualized services. - Range of Medical Services
Public and private plans overlap in many services, such as hospitalization, specialist consultations, surgeries, and diagnostics. However, private insurers often cover additional or expedited services (e.g., elective surgeries abroad, advanced cancer treatments). - Patient-Centric Models
Both sectors are consumer-focused, with strong digital platforms for appointment booking, telemedicine, and claims management. Maccabi and Clalit, for example, are praised for their digital innovation, which private providers like Harel also emulate.
Differences
- Eligibility and Structure
- Public insurance is universal and mandatory for all residents. Membership is assigned or chosen through the four Kupot Cholim.
- Private insurance is voluntary and typically purchased for supplementary or complementary purposes.
- Public insurance is universal and mandatory for all residents. Membership is assigned or chosen through the four Kupot Cholim.
- Financing and Cost
- Public insurance is funded by income-based health taxes and government subsidies. Most essential services have low or no out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, with minimal co-pays.
- Private plans require monthly premiums, which vary based on age, health status, and coverage level. They may also have deductibles and co-insurance.
- Public insurance is funded by income-based health taxes and government subsidies. Most essential services have low or no out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, with minimal co-pays.
- Service Scope
- Public health funds must provide a standardized benefits basket, including hospitalization, maternity, mental health, and prescription drugs.
- Private insurance offers faster specialist access, second opinions, elective procedures, private hospital rooms, and treatment abroad, which are often not fully covered under the public system.
- Public health funds must provide a standardized benefits basket, including hospitalization, maternity, mental health, and prescription drugs.
- Waiting Times and Provider Choice
- Public system patients may face longer waiting times and limited choice of specialists.
- Private insurance allows shorter queues, greater freedom in selecting surgeons and hospitals, and more immediate care—a primary driver for its popularity among the middle and upper classes.
- Public system patients may face longer waiting times and limited choice of specialists.
- Target Demographics
- Public coverage applies to everyone equally, including low-income and vulnerable populations.
- Private health insurance is often marketed to those seeking premium care, expats, and wealthier Israelis.
- Public coverage applies to everyone equally, including low-income and vulnerable populations.
Top 5 Public Health Insurance Providers in Israel
Israel’s public health insurance system is uniquely structured around a universal and compulsory framework established by the National Health Insurance (NHI) Law of 1995. Coverage is provided through four nonprofit health funds (Kupot Cholim) that serve as both insurers and providers of care, ensuring nearly all residents have access to comprehensive medical services. Below is an overview of the top public health insurers in Israel, detailing costs, coverage, eligibility, financial features, and consumer satisfaction.
1. Clalit Health Services(Official website: https://www.clalit.co.il)
Cost:
Funded through national health taxes (about 3–5% of income) and government contributions, with no direct premiums for membership. Minimal co-payments apply for some specialist visits and elective procedures.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- The largest health fund, covering over 50% of Israel’s population.
- Provides comprehensive primary, specialist, hospital, maternity, mental health, and prescription drug coverage.
- Extensive network of hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and specialist providers nationwide.
Open for All or Limited:
Open to all residents; membership is voluntary but everyone must belong to one of the four funds.
Core Financial Features:
- Funded by a combination of income-based health tax and government subsidies.
- Operates with a large-scale, integrated healthcare delivery system, allowing cost efficiencies.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Generally rated around 4.0/5, praised for broad access but sometimes criticized for wait times.
2. Maccabi Healthcare Services(Official website: https://www.maccabi4u.co.il)
Cost:
Same funding model as Clalit, financed by national health tax contributions. Co-payments for certain services may apply.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Second-largest fund with a reputation for innovation and digital health solutions.
- Offers all essential services covered under NHI, plus advanced diagnostic tools and telemedicine.
- Known for user-friendly online platforms and customer service.
Open for All or Limited:
Open to all Israeli residents.
Core Financial Features:
- Financed through national taxes and government contributions.
- Strong emphasis on efficiency and technological innovation to manage costs.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
High ratings of 4.2/5, frequently recognized for customer engagement and innovation.
3. Meuhedet Health Fund(Official website: https://www.meuhedet.co.il)
Cost:
Covered by the same compulsory national health tax system, with nominal co-pays.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Third-largest fund, noted for personalized care and strong urban presence.
- Provides the full public health basket including hospital care, preventive services, and medications.
Open for All or Limited:
Available to all residents; can switch membership once a year.
Core Financial Features:
- Funded via government-mandated health taxes.
- Operates a network of clinics and agreements with hospitals.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Rated approximately 4.0/5, with positive feedback on personalized care but some variation regionally.
4. Leumit Health Fund(Official website: https://www.leumit.co.il)
Cost:
Funded through the same NHI tax system; co-payments are minimal and regulated.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- The fourth-largest fund, smaller in scale but comprehensive in coverage.
- Known for attentive customer service and preventive health programs.
Open for All or Limited:
Open to all residents under the universal coverage mandate.
Core Financial Features:
- Operates with funding from the national health tax and government support.
- Focuses on community health and cost control.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Satisfaction around 3.9/5, with loyal membership but limited geographic reach compared to larger funds.
5. Ministry of Health (Special Populations Coverage)(Official website: https://www.health.gov.il)
Cost:
Funded directly by the government; no premiums charged.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Covers specific groups not immediately enrolled in the Kupot Cholim system, such as new immigrants and some special-needs populations.
- Provides emergency care and interim coverage until formal fund enrollment.
Open for All or Limited:
Limited to special populations.
Core Financial Features:
- Fully government-funded.
- Acts as a safety net in the health insurance framework.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Not widely rated due to limited scope, but considered essential for vulnerable groups.
Top 5 Private Health Insurance Providers in Israel
Israel’s private health insurance sector serves as an important supplement to the universal public system, offering faster access, broader provider choice, and coverage for services not fully included in the public “health basket.” Private health insurance plans are popular among individuals seeking enhanced medical care, expats, and employers providing group coverage for staff. Here’s a detailed look at the top five private health insurance providers in Israel, focusing on cost, coverage, eligibility, financial features, and consumer satisfaction.
1. Harel Insurance(Official website: https://www.harel-group.co.il)
Cost:
Premiums vary widely depending on age, coverage level, and health status, typically ranging from NIS 1,200 to 6,000 annually (~$350–$1,700 USD).
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Comprehensive health plans covering surgery, advanced medications, elective procedures, diagnostic tests, and treatments abroad.
- Offers hospital room upgrades, private specialists, dental and vision add-ons, and chronic disease management.
Open for All or Limited:
Available to individuals, families, and corporate clients.
Core Financial Features:
- Israel’s largest private health insurer with strong financial stability and extensive market reach.
- Backed by diversified investments and solid capital reserves.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Rated around 4.2/5, praised for flexible plans and claim responsiveness.
2. Clal Insurance(Official website: https://www.clalbit.co.il)
Cost:
Annual premiums typically range between NIS 1,000 and 5,500 (~$300–$1,600 USD), depending on coverage.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Provides a wide array of individual and group health insurance products, including supplementary care and coverage for treatments abroad.
- Covers specialist visits, hospital upgrades, advanced diagnostics, and rehabilitation services.
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals and corporate clients.
Core Financial Features:
- One of Israel’s oldest and most reputable insurers, with robust financial ratings.
- Emphasizes customer service and innovative insurance solutions.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Scores around 4.0/5, with positive reviews for plan variety and customer support.
3. Migdal Insurance(Official website: https://www.migdal.co.il)
Cost:
Premiums range from NIS 1,200 to 7,000 annually (~$350–$2,000 USD) depending on plan scope and insured’s risk profile.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Offers both supplemental and full private health insurance plans.
- Covers elective surgeries, private hospital rooms, overseas treatment, and comprehensive outpatient care.
Open for All or Limited:
Available for individuals, families, and businesses.
Core Financial Features:
- A leading player with strong capital reserves and a wide national presence.
- Known for extensive corporate group insurance contracts.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Rated about 4.1/5, valued for tailored group plans and comprehensive coverage.
4. Menora Mivtachim(Official website: https://www.menoramivt.co.il)
Cost:
Premiums generally range from NIS 900 to 5,500 (~$270–$1,600 USD) annually.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Focuses on flexible supplemental health plans that cover advanced diagnostics, private specialists, elective surgeries, and therapies abroad.
- Offers dental and vision coverage as add-ons.
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals and corporate clients.
Core Financial Features:
- Strong insurer with diversified insurance products and prudent financial management.
- Emphasizes personalized customer service.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Scores near 4.0/5, with particular praise for plan flexibility.
5. International Insurers (e.g., AXA, Bupa, Allianz, Cigna, DavidShield)
Cost:
Premiums vary widely based on global coverage, age, and plan details, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000+ annually for expats.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Specialize in global health insurance for expats and foreign workers in Israel.
- Cover medical evacuation, treatment abroad, maternity care, mental health, and chronic conditions.
- Provide access to an extensive international provider network.
Open for All or Limited:
Primarily targeted at expats, diplomats, and international business travelers.
Core Financial Features:
- Multinational financial backing with high credit ratings.
- Offer global claims handling and 24/7 assistance.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Generally rated 4.3/5 for global support and comprehensive international coverage.
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