Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Our Top Picks
Israeli expats are concentrated in the US, Germany, UK, and Canada. Your insurance needs depend on your destination and how you want to maintain your connection to Israeli healthcare. Here's what we recommend:
- Cigna Global: Best overall for Israeli expats. Strong US networks (important for the large community there), comprehensive global coverage, reliable service.
- Bupa Global: Premium option with excellent worldwide networks. Top-tier coverage and service.
- Harel Insurance: Major Israeli insurer with international products. Full Hebrew service, includes Israel coverage.
- Clal Insurance: Another strong Israeli option. Hebrew service, Israel coverage included, competitive pricing.
- Allianz Care: Good European coverage for Israeli expats in Germany and the UK.
Maintain Kupat Holim?
Israeli citizens can maintain their Kupat Holim membership while abroad. This protects your healthcare rights when you return and may provide limited coverage during visits. Consider this alongside international insurance.
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Leaving Israeli Healthcare
Israel has universal healthcare through the National Health Insurance Law. Every resident is a member of one of four Kupot Holim (health funds). Here's what happens when you leave:
Residence Status
Your healthcare rights are tied to Israeli residence. When you report your departure to Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute), your status changes. After a certain period abroad, you may be considered a "resident abroad" (toshav chutz).
Continuing Kupat Holim Membership
Israeli citizens can continue paying Kupat Holim premiums while abroad. This maintains your membership and healthcare rights for when you return. However, this does NOT provide international coverage—you still need separate insurance abroad.
Bituach Leumi
Bituach Leumi (National Insurance) affects more than healthcare—it includes pension, disability, and other benefits. Report your departure to understand how your status and obligations change.
Kupat Holim Abroad
Understanding your Kupat Holim options while abroad:
Maintaining Membership
You can maintain active Kupat Holim membership by continuing to pay premiums (either directly or through Bituach Leumi if applicable). Benefits include:
- Healthcare access during visits to Israel
- No waiting periods when you return permanently
- Continued access to supplementary insurance (Shaban) benefits
- Peace of mind about return rights
What Kupat Holim Doesn't Provide
Kupat Holim membership does NOT cover:
- Healthcare abroad (except very limited emergency assistance)
- International hospital bills
- Routine care outside Israel
- Evacuation or repatriation
Supplementary Insurance (Shaban)
Many Israelis have Shaban (supplementary insurance) through their Kupat Holim. This may include limited international coverage—typically 30-90 days of emergency treatment. Review your specific policy, but don't rely on Shaban for long-term international coverage.
Tax Implications
Israel has complex tax rules for citizens abroad. Maintaining certain ties (including ongoing Kupat Holim payments) may affect your tax residency status. Consult an Israeli tax advisor before leaving.
Quick Comparison
| Provider | Hebrew Support | US Network | Israel Coverage | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Limited | Strong | Add-on | $200/mo |
| Bupa Global | Limited | Excellent | Add-on | $220/mo |
| Harel Insurance | Full (Hebrew) | Good | Included | $180/mo |
| Clal Insurance | Full (Hebrew) | Good | Included | $175/mo |
| Allianz Care | Limited | Good | Add-on | $190/mo |
Detailed Reviews
Cigna Global
Cigna Global offers comprehensive international coverage ideal for Israeli expats, particularly those in the US where many Israelis relocate. Strong networks, three coverage tiers with limits up to unlimited, and efficient claims processing.
Hebrew support is limited, but English service is excellent 24/7. Most Israelis are comfortable with English. Israel coverage can be added for visits home.
Best for: Israeli expats who want reliable global coverage, especially in the US.
Bupa Global
Bupa Global offers premium international coverage with excellent networks worldwide. Service quality matches Israeli healthcare expectations. Comprehensive benefits including mental health and maternity.
Pricing is higher but reflects premium positioning. Good for professionals who can afford top-tier coverage.
Best for: Israeli expats who want the best coverage available.
Harel Insurance
Harel is one of Israel's largest insurance companies, offering international health products for Israelis abroad. Full Hebrew service, familiar processes, and Israel coverage included automatically.
International networks are adequate, strongest in Europe and North America. Good option for those preferring an Israeli provider.
Best for: Israeli expats who want Hebrew service and seamless Israel coverage.
Clal Insurance
Clal offers similar international coverage to Harel. Full Hebrew service, Israel coverage included, competitive pricing. Another strong Israeli option for expats who prefer dealing with a familiar company.
Best for: Israeli expats seeking good value from a familiar Israeli brand.
Compare Israeli and International Options
Israeli insurers offer Hebrew service and included Israel coverage. International insurers often have stronger global networks. Compare based on your needs.
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Returning to Israel
Returning to Israeli healthcare depends on how you've maintained your status:
If You Maintained Kupat Holim
Return is seamless. Your healthcare rights are intact, and you can immediately access Kupat Holim services. Update your address and health fund with your return.
If You Didn't Maintain Membership
You may face waiting periods before full healthcare access. The rules vary based on how long you were abroad and your circumstances. Contact Bituach Leumi before returning to understand your specific situation.
Re-registering
Report your return to Misrad HaPnim (Interior Ministry) and Bituach Leumi. Update your Kupat Holim registration with your Israeli address.
Transition Period
Keep your international insurance active until Israeli coverage is confirmed. If there are waiting periods, international insurance bridges the gap.
Common Questions
Does my Kupat Holim cover me abroad?
Very minimally. Basic Kupat Holim provides almost no international coverage. Shaban may provide limited emergency coverage, but you need proper international insurance.
Should I maintain Kupat Holim payments?
If you might return to Israel, maintaining membership protects your rights and avoids waiting periods. The cost is relatively low for peace of mind.
What about coverage during Israel visits?
If you've maintained Kupat Holim, you're covered during visits. Otherwise, your international insurance should include Israel as a coverage region.
Is Harel or Cigna better?
Harel offers Hebrew service and includes Israel. Cigna has stronger US networks. Choose based on your destination and language preference.
Are there Hebrew-speaking doctors abroad?
In cities with Israeli communities (New York, Los Angeles, Berlin), you can find Hebrew-speaking doctors. Your insurer can help locate providers.
What about Bituach Leumi pension?
Pension rights depend on your contributions and years in Israel. Contact Bituach Leumi to understand how time abroad affects your entitlements.
Final Verdict
Israeli expats need comprehensive international insurance—Kupat Holim doesn't provide meaningful coverage abroad. Cigna Global is our top recommendation for reliable coverage, especially for the US. Bupa Global offers premium coverage for those who want the best.
Harel and Clal are ideal for those wanting Hebrew service and included Israel coverage.
Consider maintaining Kupat Holim membership alongside international insurance—it protects your return rights and costs relatively little. And consult with Bituach Leumi and a tax advisor before leaving to understand all implications.
