One of the first decisions you’ll face as a new Oleh is choosing your Kupat Cholim — your Israeli health fund. You have a limited window after making Aliyah to make this choice, and many people make it without fully understanding what they’re signing up for. This guide breaks down Israel’s four health funds, explains what’s actually included in the basic and supplementary packages, and tells you what to look for based on where you live and what matters to you. For immigrants coming from countries with private health insurance — particularly the US and South Africa — the Israeli healthcare system for new immigrants is one of the most pleasant surprises of Aliyah.
How the Israeli Healthcare System Works
Israel has universal healthcare under the National Health Insurance Law of 1994. The Israeli healthcare system is funded through National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) contributions — not through separate premiums paid to a private insurer. Every resident, including new Olim from the day they receive their Teudat Oleh, is entitled to a comprehensive basket of medical services (known as the sal briut) through one of four non-profit health maintenance organizations called Kupot Cholim.
Health insurance in Israel works differently from most countries new Olim come from. There are no deductibles, no networks to navigate, and no coverage denials based on pre-existing conditions. Medical care in Israel is accessible, affordable, and comprehensive — even for immigrants who arrive without any prior Israeli insurance history.
The four Kupot Cholim are:
- Clalit Health Services (כללית)
- Maccabi Healthcare Services (מכבי)
- Meuhedet Health Services (מאוחדת)
- Leumit Health Services (לאומית)
All four are legally required to provide the same basic health basket — you cannot be denied membership or charged more based on age, health status, or pre-existing conditions. You pay for basic health coverage through your Bituach Leumi (National Insurance) contributions, not directly to the health fund.
On top of the basic basket, each Kupat Cholim offers its own supplementary insurance plan (Mashlim or Mushlam) for an additional monthly fee. This is where the differences between funds become significant — the supplementary plans vary considerably in coverage, cost, and quality.
The Four Kupot Cholim: An Overview
Clalit Health Services — Israel’s Largest Health Fund
Clalit is by far the largest health fund, serving approximately 4.6 million members — just over half of Israel’s population. It has the most extensive network of clinics and hospitals, including many hospitals it owns and operates directly (such as Soroka in Beer Sheva, Hadassah in Jerusalem, and Beilinson in Petah Tikva).
Who it’s best for: People living in smaller cities, towns, or rural areas where other funds have limited coverage; families who want easy clinic access regardless of where they live; and people who don’t have strong preferences and want a default that works everywhere. New Olim who don’t actively choose a fund are automatically enrolled in Clalit — which is fine, but not always the optimal choice for an Anglo-speaking Oleh in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.
Maccabi Healthcare Israel — Most Popular Among English-Speaking Olim
Maccabi Healthcare Israel serves approximately 2.6 million members and has built a strong reputation among English-speaking Olim. It is widely considered to have the best digital infrastructure of the four funds — its app allows appointment booking, prescription renewals, test results, and specialist referrals without needing to call or visit a branch.
Who it’s best for: English-speaking Olim in the Tel Aviv area, Jerusalem, Ra’anana, or Modi’in; people who want a strong specialist network and digital-first experience; and young professionals who want efficient, app-based healthcare management. Maccabi’s supplementary plan (Maccabi Zahav) is one of the more comprehensive on the market, offering access to top private specialists, enhanced dental coverage, and faster procedure access.
Meuhedet Israel — A Strong Middle Option
Meuhedet Israel serves approximately 1.2 million members and is the third-largest fund. It has particularly strong infrastructure in Jerusalem and other cities with large religious populations, but serves a broad general population today. Meuhedet’s supplementary plan tends to be priced competitively between Clalit and Maccabi.
Leumit — The Smallest Fund
Leumit serves approximately 750,000 members and is historically associated with the Histadrut labour federation. It has a loyal membership base in certain cities where it has a strong clinic network. Leumit’s supplementary plan tends to be the most affordable of the four — useful for budget-conscious members who live in areas with good Leumit coverage.
Does Israel Have Universal Healthcare?
Yes. Israel universal healthcare has been in place since 1994 under the National Health Insurance Law. Every resident is entitled to a comprehensive basket of medical services regardless of income, age, or pre-existing conditions. The system is funded through Bituach Leumi contributions, not through premiums. Medical care in Israel is genuinely accessible — GP wait times are short, specialist referrals are processed within days, and prescription medications cost a fraction of what they cost in the US. The cost of healthcare in Israel is one of the most significant financial advantages for Olim coming from countries with private insurance systems. Medical insurance in Israel, in other words, is universal, non-discriminatory, and far less expensive than what most Anglo immigrants are accustomed to.
Basic Coverage vs. Supplementary Insurance
The Basic Health Basket (Sal Briut)
All four Kupot Cholim must provide an identical basic basket, which includes: primary care (family doctor/GP), specialist referrals (with co-pays), lab tests and imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI — with referral), hospitalization, emergency care, prescription medications on the approved formulary (with co-pays), maternity care and newborn services, mental health services (basic level), and preventive care, vaccinations, and screenings.
The basic basket does not include dental care (except for children up to age 18), comprehensive vision care, or access to private specialists without the standard queue.
Supplementary Insurance (Mashlim/Mushlam)
Each fund offers its own supplementary plan covering: access to top-tier specialists (faster wait times and choice of doctor), enhanced dental coverage, vision coverage (glasses, contact lenses, laser eye surgery discounts), enhanced mental health sessions, alternative medicine (varies by plan), faster access to procedures and surgeries, and medical equipment discounts.
Monthly supplementary insurance costs vary by age and fund, but for a working-age adult expect roughly NIS 80–200/month per person. Most Olim are advised to take supplementary insurance — especially in the first few years when you’re navigating a new system and may need specialist access.
How to Choose: Key Questions to Ask
What clinics are near where you’re living? Check each fund’s clinic finder (all four have English-language websites) before committing. If Maccabi has no clinic within reasonable distance but Clalit has one 5 minutes away, geography may make the decision for you.
Do you need specific specialist coverage? If you have a pre-existing condition or know you’ll need regular specialist care, research which fund has the best network for that specialty in your area. Maccabi tends to have the strongest specialist network in the centre of the country; Clalit’s own hospitals give it an edge for certain hospital-based care.
How important is the digital experience? If you want to manage everything through an app — booking appointments, getting prescriptions, accessing test results — Maccabi’s digital infrastructure is consistently rated the best.
Does your community have a preference? Many Anglo communities in Israel skew toward a particular fund — Ra’anana’s Anglo community is heavily Maccabi, for example. Being in the same fund as your neighbours makes it easier to get recommendations for good English-speaking doctors.
When Can You Switch?
Israeli law allows you to switch Kupat Cholim twice per year, during two specific windows: January 1–March 31 and July 1–September 30. The switch takes effect on the first day of the following month with no penalty and no waiting period for the basic basket — though supplementary insurance may have waiting periods for certain benefits in the new fund.
The Enrollment Window for New Olim
As a new Oleh, you have 90 days from your Aliyah date to choose your Kupat Cholim. If you don’t choose within that window, you are automatically enrolled in Clalit. The 90-day window is generous — use it to research properly, check clinic maps for your specific address, and ask your neighbours what they use.
To enroll, visit a branch of the Kupat Cholim you’ve chosen with your Teudat Oleh and Teudat Zehut (or passport if you haven’t received your Teudat Zehut yet). Some funds also allow online enrollment. Healthcare in Israel for immigrants begins the moment you choose your fund — don’t delay.
A Quick Comparison Summary
| Fund | Members | Best For | Digital Experience | Supplementary Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clalit | ~4.6M | Anywhere in Israel, rural areas, default option | Fair | Lower |
| Maccabi | ~2.6M | Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ra’anana, Modi’in; Anglos | Excellent | Higher |
| Meuhedet | ~1.2M | Jerusalem, religious communities, families | Good | Mid-range |
| Leumit | ~750K | Budget-conscious, specific cities | Fair | Lowest |
Practical Tips for New Olim
- Enroll within the first few weeks, not the last day of your 90-day window. You’ll likely need to see a doctor before then.
- Sign up for supplementary insurance at the same time you enroll in your basic fund. Waiting means potential waiting periods for certain benefits.
- Get the app from day one — most routine interactions can be handled digitally once you’re set up.
- Ask your family doctor for an English-speaking specialist when you need a referral — many specialists in Israel speak English.
- Bring your medical records from your home country — particularly for ongoing conditions and medications. Translating these is worth the effort.
How Olim Paveway Can Help
Navigating health fund enrollment is one of those decisions that seems simple but has real consequences if you get it wrong. Olim Paveway works with new Olim to make sure these decisions are made deliberately and correctly — from checking clinic coverage for your specific address, to comparing supplementary plan options, to being there at the enrollment appointment if you need someone who speaks Hebrew. Get in touch if you’d like help thinking through your options.