Israel’s Health Funds: How to Choose and What to Consider
Medical care in Israel runs through one of four kupot holim — public health funds. Every resident and new immigrant is insured in the state health system and receives the basic basket of health services through one of these funds.
The four funds are:
- Clalit
- Maccabi
- Meuhedet
- Leumit
They all provide the same mandatory coverage. The difference is in service quality, access, digital tools, branch availability, and optional extra plans.
What a kupat holim is
A kupat holim is the gateway to public healthcare in Israel. It handles:
- family doctors
- pediatricians
- specialist referrals
- tests and diagnostics
- hospital care
- prescription drugs from the basket
- access to additional insurance packages
Joining one of the funds is mandatory for citizens and new immigrants.
The four health funds
Clalit
Clalit has the largest network of clinics in Israel. It also owns several large hospitals and offers a broad choice of in-house specialists.
Key strengths:
- the widest clinic coverage nationwide
- many specialists
- online booking through the mobile app
- online access to consultations and test results
Clalit works well for people who want broad geographic coverage and a large medical network.
Maccabi
Maccabi does not own hospitals, but it cooperates with public and private clinics across the country.
Key strengths:
- strong digital services
- telemedicine
- remote monitoring for chronic patients
- data-driven diagnostics and treatment tools
Maccabi suits people who value technology, online access, and flexible service.
Meuhedet
Meuhedet is known for lower prices and personal service.
Key strengths:
- the lowest-cost fund
- fast registration
- minimal waiting times
- friendly, individual approach
Its main limitation is coverage. Meuhedet does not operate in every locality.
Leumit
Leumit serves fewer members than the other three funds.
Key strengths:
- smaller scale
- more personal attention
- flexible approach to appointments and treatment
Like Meuhedet, Leumit does not operate in every city.
What the mandatory health basket includes
The basic state basket covers essential medical care and treatment for most common conditions. It does not cover every possible service.
Primary care
The first point of contact is the family doctor. The doctor:
- diagnoses common illnesses
- treats routine conditions
- orders tests and examinations
- refers patients to specialists when needed
For children, care goes through pediatricians.
Diagnostics, tests, and hospitalization
The mandatory package includes:
- laboratory tests
- X-rays
- ultrasound
- echocardiography
- other basic diagnostic procedures
Hospital care is also covered, including:
- planned surgery
- emergency surgery
- intensive care
- rehabilitation
Pharmacies and prescription medication
Some cold and pain medications are sold without a prescription. Stronger drugs require a doctor’s order.
Medicines from the basic list are provided:
- free
- or at a discount
What supplemental insurance is
Supplemental insurance is an extra program offered by the health funds. In Hebrew, it is often called shaban in everyday use.
It expands the standard basket and raises the level of service.
What extra plans give you
Supplemental plans often include:
- access to more advanced and newer treatments
- faster appointments
- direct booking without a family doctor referral in many cases
- choice of specialist
- second opinion
- access to private doctors and clinics within the plan
Popular supplemental programs
Each fund offers its own extra package.
Clalit Mushlam Platinum
Includes:
- aesthetic medicine
- psychotherapy
- physiotherapy
- dietitian consultations
- child development services such as swimming, physiotherapy, and hippotherapy
Clalit Mushlam Siudi
Designed for people with limited mobility and for people with disabilities.
Includes:
- comprehensive social and medical support
- nursing care
Maccabi Sheli
Includes:
- expanded dental care
- alternative medicine
- choice of specialist
Meuhedet Si
Includes:
- clinic choice
- second opinion
- some diagnostic procedures at home
- some laboratory tests at home
- oncology screenings
How to choose a health fund
The right fund depends on your needs and daily routine.
Check these points:
- Location — how easy it is to reach clinics and hospitals
- Availability of appointments — especially with the specialists you need
- Private specialist access — if you need faster service
- Patient experience — based on practical reviews and service reputation
- Digital level — online booking, online results, app-based service
For many families, the decision is based on one practical question: where are the nearest clinics, and how fast can you get an appointment?
Can you switch health funds
Yes. Switching is allowed twice a year during set periods.
How to switch
You can do it in two ways:
-
Go to a post office with your ID card
- processing fee: 16 shekels
-
Submit a request through the Bituach Leumi website
To finish the process, go to the new health fund with the registration form. There you receive a plastic membership card. This card gives access to services and online tools.
Waiting period after switching
After submitting the request, a waiting period applies. It lasts from several days to one month.
When to use supplemental insurance instead of waiting in the public system
Supplemental coverage makes sense when:
- you need a specific specialist quickly
- you want direct access without referral delays
- you need a second opinion
- you want private treatment within the fund network
- you need services not included in the basic basket
If a needed specialist is not available, the options are:
- get a referral to another doctor in the same fund
- use supplemental insurance to see a private doctor
- pay privately for the consultation
What to choose in practice
Choose Clalit if you want the largest network and broad geographic coverage.
Choose Maccabi if you want strong digital services and modern remote tools.
Choose Meuhedet if price and personal service matter most, and your city is covered.
Choose Leumit if you want a smaller system with a more personal approach and your locality is included.
The right fund is the one that matches your city, your doctors, your budget, and your need for speed.