Studying in a foreign country is fun, but it has its demands that cannot be overlooked. One of the most important? Ensuring that you are well insured as a health insurance. When you are planning to study in Israel, you will soon realize that there is no choice about having health insurance, it is something compulsory. At universities, you are supposed to have it either in advance or on arrival. It is also important to your visa requirements.
This blog will take you through the most documented insurance companies available to the international students in Israel, what to seek in a policy and how to evade the biggest pitfalls.
What You Should Know First
As soon as you start the comparison of policies, there are a few basic facts that every international student in Israel must be aware of.
Insurance is mandatory. It is not possible to enroll in the majority of universities or complete your visa application without demonstrating coverage (BIU International School, n.d.-a; Hebrew University of Jerusalem, n.d.).
Universities tend to prescribe particular providers. Numerous ones will refer you to the four health funds of Israel, which are Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, and Leumit, or companies that collaborate with them.
Coverage varies widely. There are plans that are only valid in Israel. There are also others such as short trips abroad travel cover. Pre-existing conditions are usually not covered and there would be waiting period on some treatments.
Check the fine print. Always confirm:
- Is the policy included in the duration of your study program?
- Do you have English-speaking doctors in your locality?
- Is it going to be upfront and then reimbursement, or direct billing?
- Does your university accommodate the policy of registration and visa?
- Such considerations might be simple, but these are among the greatest oversights by new students.
Top Recommended Insurance Providers for International Students in Israel
Here are the main options that universities and student offices frequently recommend. They are not the only plans out there, but they are among the most established and trustworthy.
1. Harel Yedidim (via Harel Insurance & Finance Ltd.)
Harel Yedidim is one of the most common names you’ll hear as a student in Israel. They specialize in insurance for visitors and international students.
- Plans: The “UMS” plan covers students for up to one year, while the “Prestige” plan is designed for long-term stays (BIU International School, n.d.-b).
- Network: Strong ties with Clalit clinics mean wide access to healthcare facilities.
- Support: English-language services are standard, which is critical if you’re not fluent in Hebrew.
- Cost example: One program listed a rate of about 4,970 NIS for a full academic year (Reichman University, 2025).
Why it’s good: Many universities approve it, and the company has a proven track record.
What to check: Coverage of pre-existing conditions. The UMS plan, for example, often excludes them.
2. PassportCard
PassportCard is another student-friendly option that uses the Clalit network.
- Features: The company offers an app-based system that reduces paperwork. You can pay for medical services with a prepaid card linked to your insurance instead of paying out of pocket and waiting for reimbursement.
- Support: 24/7 English-speaking doctors available by phone or app (PassportCard, n.d.).
Why it’s good: Its tech-driven approach makes it easier to manage healthcare. Students who don’t speak Hebrew benefit from English-first customer service.
What to check: Whether your plan covers travel outside Israel, and whether out-of-network costs are reimbursed.
3. Egert & Cohen Insurance – Student Health Packages
Egert & Cohen is not an insurance company but a broker. They design packages for students, often branded as “Tour & Care.” These are built using policies from Harel, Clalit, or Maccabi (Egert & Cohen Insurance, n.d.-a).
Why it’s good: A broker can simplify choices by explaining differences between insurers and helping you pick one. They’re useful if you want hands-on English-speaking guidance.
What to check: Always ask which insurer is actually underwriting the policy. Also confirm renewal conditions and exclusions.
4. Menora Mivtachim (via Leumit)
Some universities recommend Menora Mivtachim, offered through the Leumit health network.
- Pricing example: Approximately $3.50 per day in one program (Tel Aviv University, n.d.-a).
- Coverage: Typically includes doctor visits, hospitalization, and specialists.
Why it’s good: It provides a local option with ties to a major health fund.
What to check: Daily vs. annual costs. If you’re staying longer than a semester, annual plans may be cheaper.
5. HMO-Linked Plans: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, Leumit
Finally, you have the option of going straight to the source. Some universities allow students to purchase insurance directly through one of Israel’s four health funds (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, n.d.).
Why it’s good: These funds are deeply integrated into Israel’s healthcare system, giving you broad access to clinics and hospitals.
What to check: Not all HMOs offer plans to non-residents. Confirm eligibility and any waiting periods before committing.
How to Evaluate and Choose the Right Plan
Finding the right policy is less about the cheapest price and more about fit. Below are the key areas to evaluate.
1. Coverage Period
Does the plan cover your full stay? If your course runs two years, but your policy only covers 12 months, you’ll need to renew—and costs may change.
2. Access to English-Speaking Care
Israel has excellent healthcare, but not every clinic offers service in English. Confirm the network includes English-speaking doctors near your campus.
3. Pre-Existing Conditions
Many student policies exclude pre-existing conditions. For example, Harel Yedidim’s UMS plan often does not cover them at renewal (BIU International School, n.d.-b). If you need ongoing care, clarify this before you buy.
4. What’s Included
A strong policy should include:
- Doctor visits and specialists
- Diagnostics like blood tests and x-rays
- Hospitalization and emergency care
- Prescriptions
- Some mental health coverage
- Physiotherapy
As an example, Ben-Gurion University’s Harel plan includes up to 12 physiotherapy sessions per year and psychological support capped at 300 NIS per session (Ben-Gurion University, n.d.).
5. Exclusions and Limits
Common exclusions include pregnancy, maternity care, extreme sports injuries, and care outside Israel. Egert & Cohen’s plans specifically highlight these (Egert & Cohen Insurance, n.d.-b).
6. Cost vs. Value
Some providers charge a daily rate, while others set a fixed yearly fee. If you’re staying for a short exchange, a daily plan might work. For a full degree, annual policies are usually cheaper.
7. University and Visa Acceptance
Your insurance must be recognized by your university and meet visa requirements. Always double-check with your admissions office before purchase.
8. Claims Process and Service
Look for insurers with multilingual support and clear, straightforward claims procedures. PassportCard, for instance, minimizes paperwork with its prepaid card system.
9. Cancellation and Extensions
If you leave early, can you get a refund? If you extend your studies, can you easily renew? Policies differ widely, and not asking now can cause stress later.
10. Coverage Beyond Israel
Do you plan to travel during semester breaks? If so, find out whether your policy includes worldwide coverage or only Israel.
11. Waiting Periods
Some treatments, like maternity coverage, come with waiting periods—sometimes three months or more (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, n.d.). If timing matters, plan ahead.
Why There Aren’t Ten Distinct Student Plans
You can find that this list ends with five major options. This is not because Israel does not have insurers. The reason is that few companies are offering student specific policies.
A lot of insurers target expats or tourists, but not students.
In other universities, special institutional agreements are negotiated but they are not publicly declared.
Policies vary whether you have been placed on semester exchange, full degree or research program.
Therefore, although there is a plethora of choices that have been advertised online, not many are properly documented and highly recommended to students.
Pro Tips:
It is not just the box to be ticked when selecting health insurance as an international student in Israel. It’s a real safeguard. Sickness or accident in a foreign country can easily wipe off your wealth, as well as put your schooling on hold. And, when you have the right plan, you have peace of mind and smooth access to care.
Here’s a practical approach:
- Begin with the suggestions of your university. They are aware of what functions with their students.
- Shop in a minimum of two insurers on cost, exclusions, and coverage.
- Apply direct questions on the conditions that already exist, waiting times, and cancellation policies.
- In case you require additional assistance, you can resort to a broker such as Egert and Cohen.
Health insurance is not the most exciting thing you do during your study-abroad experience, but it is among the most significant. Choose wisely and you will regret not having done so.
References:
- Bar-Ilan University International School. (n.d.-a). Health insurance – Introduction. BIU International. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://biuinternational.com/students/health-insurance-introduction/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Bar-Ilan University International School. (n.d.-b). Health insurance – Harel Yedidim. BIU International. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://biuinternational.com/students/health-insurance-harel-yedidim/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. (n.d.). Health insurance procedures for BGU international students & researchers. BGU. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/study/content-pages/health-insurance/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Egert & Cohen Insurance. (n.d.-a). Student health insurance. Egert & Cohen. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://egertcohen.co.il/student-health-insurance/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Egert & Cohen Insurance. (n.d.-b). Student health insurance – HUC. Egert & Cohen. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://egertcohen.co.il/student-health-insurance-huc/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem – International Office. (n.d.). Health insurance. HUJI International. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://international.huji.ac.il/health-insurance?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- PassportCard. (n.d.). Israel plan. PassportCard Relocation. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.passportcard.co.il/en/health-insurance/our-plans/insurance-israel/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Reichman University. (2025). Health insurance – Graduate students (2025–26 updated prices) [PDF]. RUNI. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://www.runi.ac.il/media/yb5fm0ii/health-insurance-ma-2025-26-updated-prices-1.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Tel Aviv University International. (n.d.-a). Purchasing health insurance for students in Israel. TAU International. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://international.tau.ac.il/independent-health-insurance?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Tel Aviv University International. (n.d.-b). Health insurance coverage information. TAU International. Retrieved October 19, 2025, from https://international.tau.ac.il/health-insurance-coverage-information?utm_source=chatgpt.com
