Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Israel
- Residents must join one of four Kupat Holim (HMOs): Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, or Leumit.
- National Health Insurance covers basics; most Israelis add Shaban (supplemental) insurance.
- Foreign workers need employer-provided insurance or private coverage—no Kupat Holim access until permanent residency.
- World-class medical technology—Israel is a medical tourism destination.
- Very high cost of living; Tel Aviv among world's most expensive cities.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Israel?
Israel requires health insurance for all visa holders. Work visa applicants (B/1) must have employer-provided coverage. The National Health Insurance Law (1995) mandates coverage for all residents—but expats on temporary visas aren't eligible for Kupat Holim until they receive permanent residency. Most tech companies provide comprehensive private insurance. Self-employed expats need international coverage.
Insurance is required for:
- All work visa holders—employer insurance or private coverage required
- Self-employed and freelancers—no Kupat Holim access, international insurance needed
- Tech workers wanting premium hospital access (Assuta, Herzliya Medical Center)
- Families—excellent pediatric care but private maternity preferred
- Those wanting English-speaking doctors and US-style medical experience
Public vs Private Healthcare in Israel
Public Healthcare
Kupat Holim (4 HMOs: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, Leumit)
- Access: Israeli citizens and permanent residents only
- Cost: ~5% of income via National Insurance tax (Bituach Leumi)
Choose your Kupat Holim—can switch once per year. Clalit is largest (own hospitals), Maccabi popular with English speakers. Excellent primary care, but specialist wait times 2-8 weeks. Most add Shaban (supplemental) for faster access and private hospitals.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: $150-300/month Shaban supplement, $300-600/month international
Private hospitals: Assuta (leading private chain), Herzliya Medical Center (luxury), Hadassah (semi-private, excellent). English widely spoken in medical settings. Many tech companies provide premium coverage including US/Europe treatment options. Medical tourism brings patients for fertility, cardiology, oncology.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Israel. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Israel
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Israel
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Israel
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Foreign workers cannot join Kupat Holim until permanent residency—rely on employer or private coverage.
- Tech industry standard is comprehensive private insurance—verify your offer includes this.
- Security situation affects some international insurers—verify Israel coverage isn't excluded.
- Tel Aviv extremely expensive—budget $3,000-5,000/month minimum for comfortable living.
- Shabbat affects healthcare access—non-emergency services limited Friday sunset to Saturday night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can expats join Kupat Holim?
Only permanent residents (olim/returning residents) can join Kupat Holim. Work visa holders (B/1, A/1) must rely on employer-provided insurance or private coverage. After making Aliyah (immigrating), you can join any Kupat Holim immediately. Some employers sponsor the Aliyah process for long-term employees.
What insurance do tech workers in Israel get?
Major tech companies (Google, Meta, Intel, startups) typically provide comprehensive private insurance including: private hospital access (Assuta), international coverage, dental, and sometimes US/Europe treatment options. Verify coverage details in your offer—it's a key negotiating point.
What is Shaban (supplemental) insurance?
Shaban is supplemental insurance offered by each Kupat Holim for ~$50-100/month. It adds: private hospital rooms, reduced wait times, second opinions abroad, experimental treatments, and better medication coverage. Most middle-class Israelis have Shaban. Expats with Kupat Holim access should add it.
How good is Israeli healthcare?
Excellent. Israel has more doctors per capita than almost any country. World leaders in fertility treatments, oncology, cardiology, and medical technology. Hadassah, Sheba, and Ichilov are internationally recognized. The challenge is access—public wait times can be long without supplemental coverage.
Do international insurers cover Israel?
Most major international insurers (Cigna, Allianz, BUPA) cover Israel, but verify. Some policies exclude coverage during active conflicts or in certain regions. If you're in tech, your employer's coverage likely includes evacuation provisions. Always confirm Israel is explicitly covered before purchasing.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.