Israel’s healthcare system is ranked among the top ten worldwide due to its efficiency and advanced medical techniques, specialist skills and medical equipment. At first glance, its structure and organization is quite complex.
Let’s try to figure out what health insurance funds are in Israel, the health basket, what important role they play in receiving medical services and who pays for them. The principle of choosing health insurance funds is based on the convenience of location and the availability of the necessary specialists.
Health insurance funds in Israel
Israel has a unique system for receiving medical services. The Israeli SHI Law of 1994 obliges citizens of the country to be insured by the health insurance fund. There are four of them:
- Clalit;
- Maccabi;
- Meuhedet;
- Leumit.
Clalit
It is considered the most reliable. This is due to the fact that it was founded back in 1911 and, having undergone a number of transformations, has survived to this day. Its creator is the agricultural workers union. The first clinic was organized in an ordinary tent.
Now it is the largest network of organizations providing medical services throughout the state. More than 50% of the Israeli population belongs to this health insurance fund. However, due to the large number of insured clients, it is difficult to get an appointment with a doctor.
Maccabi
Appeared in the 40s of the twentieth century. It is an alternative to Clalit. The network of its institutions is represented mainly in large cities and is almost absent in the periphery. Today it is the second largest health insurance fund by the number of clients.
Serves approximately 2 million citizens of the state. The cost of the services provided is the most expensive in the country. This is explained by the fact that the network of clinics employs highly qualified specialists.
There are very few free services.
Meuhedet
It was founded in the 70s of the twentieth century. Owns not only the Misgav Ladakh hospital (Jerusalem), but also a network of nursing homes, as well as several hotels. Positions itself as the most accessible health insurance company, offering its clients the most affordable prices for services. There are not branches in all localities of the country.
Leumit
It arose as a result of the dismissal of representatives of the revisionist Zionist movement from the union health insurance fund, who needed their own medicine. The first clinic was located in an apartment.
Today Leumit has more than 300 branches throughout the country and offers the best supplementary insurance program. Medical services are provided by highly qualified private practice doctors.
Health basket
The list of services that sickness funds are required to provide is determined by the state, namely the Ministry of Health, and is called the health basket. These services are free and are updated regularly.
The health basket also includes a list of medicines that can be obtained free of charge from the pharmacy attached to the health insurance fund.
The range of medical services provided is quite wide: from consultations and medical examinations to hospitalization and surgical operations.
Who pays for insurance in Israel?
When joining one of the health insurance funds, citizens are required to pay monthly contributions. Each organization has its own size. But in addition to these contributions, upon reaching the age of 18, every citizen is required to pay a progressive tax on health care.
However, there is an exception here too:
- housewives;
They are exempt from paying insurance contributions, but there is a condition: the husband must be insured by the National Insurance Institute. The amount of contributions depends on income, including additional income, as well as on the status to which it belongs.
- wage-earners;
- unemployed;
- private entrepreneurs.
The health basket is a mandatory part of state insurance. Despite the fact that it is provided by the state, citizens pay for it by making insurance premiums, either through deductions from salaries or contributions to the organization directly.
Paid medical services in Israel
Paid medical services in Israel are available to absolutely everyone, including tourists.
Also, if you are a member of one of the health insurance funds, you can receive paid services at a larger medical institution of another health insurance fund.
There are medical assistance groups that provide paid services. Part of the amount for them can be repaid through insurance from the health insurance fund.
“Ambulance” is a paid service for all citizens, except for emergency cases, which are considered separately and the payment for them is completely transferred to the health insurance fund.
Dental services in Israel are provided by private practices, but through the health insurance fund you can get a discount on specialist services.