What is the Israeli Healthcare System for New Immigrants?
The healthcare system in Israel is universal, meaning that every citizen and resident, including new immigrants, is entitled to state health insurance. From the moment you land, you can join subsidized health insurance and gain access to essential medical services. This is a huge advantage that ensures peace of mind and medical security from your very first step in Israel. The state takes care of you, and you can rest assured that you have a strong health safety net.
How Do New Immigrants Get Immediate Access to Health Insurance?
Israel's universal healthcare system ensures that new immigrants can join subsidized health insurance immediately upon arrival. This is a significant advantage that provides medical security from your first day in the country. How does it work in practice?
Immediately upon landing at Ben Gurion Airport, you can register with one of the health maintenance organizations (HMOs) operating in Israel. This initial registration is easy and accessible, allowing you to start your life in Israel with peace of mind regarding your health. If you missed this opportunity, don't worry! There are other options.
In addition to registering at the airport, you can also register with an HMO through post office branches throughout the country. Simply go to the post office branch closest to your place of residence and register with your preferred HMO. Another convenient option is to register through the National Insurance Institute's website, but please note that this option will only be available three weeks after your immigration date, after your data has been entered into the system.
Remember, choosing an HMO is an important decision. It is recommended to check the services offered by each HMO, the location of the branches closest to you, and the specializations of the doctors working there. Take the time to choose the HMO that best suits your needs.
And if you are looking for additional and personalized support, private companies offer special services for new immigrants, including social and economic support. They can assist you throughout the process, from choosing an HMO to understanding your medical rights.
Therefore, whether you are a new immigrant or planning to immigrate to Israel, it is important to know your rights in the healthcare system. Do not hesitate to contact the HMOs, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, or companies to get all the information and support you need.
What is the Process of Registering with an HMO?
So you've decided to immigrate to Israel – congratulations! One of the first and most important steps you need to take is to register with an HMO. The registration process is relatively simple, and there are several ways to do it, so you can choose the most convenient way for you.
As mentioned earlier, the first way is to register at the airport, at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration office. This is an excellent solution if you want to take care of this immediately upon landing and start your life in Israel with peace of mind. HMO representatives will be there to help you choose the HMO that suits you and complete the registration on the spot.
If you missed the opportunity at the airport, don't worry! You can register at any post office branch throughout the country. Simply go to the post office branch closest to your place of residence and ask to register with an HMO. The post office staff will be happy to help you fill out the forms and complete the registration quickly and efficiently.
Another option, and a particularly convenient one, is to register through the National Insurance Institute's website. Three weeks after your immigration date, your data will be entered into the system, and you can complete the registration online, without leaving your home. This is an excellent solution for those who prefer to perform actions online and save time.
Please note! If you do not complete the registration within 90 days of your immigration date, you will have to register through the National Insurance Institute branch closest to your place of residence. Therefore, it is recommended not to postpone the registration and complete it in one of the ways we mentioned as soon as possible.
What Financial Benefits Are Available to New Immigrants?
The State of Israel grants new immigrants significant financial benefits in the field of health, to make it easier for you to start your new life. One of the most prominent benefits is an exemption from paying health insurance contributions for six months from the date of your immigration.
If you are a new immigrant who is not working, or your income is lower than the amount determined by the National Insurance Institute, you are entitled to this exemption. In addition, if you receive subsistence payments from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the exemption period from paying health insurance contributions can be extended for another six months, for a total of 12 months!
It is important to know that the additional exemption is only given for the months in which you receive subsistence payments. At the end of the exemption period, you will have to arrange the payment of health insurance contributions with the National Insurance Institute, unless you are an employee, in which case the insurance contributions will be automatically deducted from your salary.
These benefits are intended to make it easier for you in the initial period, and allow you to focus on learning the language, finding a job, and integrating into Israeli society, without worrying about healthcare costs.
What Additional Support Services Exist for Immigrants?
The healthcare system in Israel not only provides health insurance, but also offers a variety of additional support services for new immigrants. The basic insurance includes a long list of treatments, medications, and tests, so you can be sure that you will receive the best medical care.
If you need help communicating with medical staff, telephone service centers in public health institutions provide answers in various languages, including Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, English, and Amharic. In addition, there is a medical translation call center at *5144, which allows simultaneous translation of a meeting between a caregiver and a patient in different languages.
The HMOs also offer multilingual support on their websites and service centers. You can find information in different languages, and get answers to your questions in the language you understand.
Remember, there are private companies that offer personalized support services for immigrants, including assistance in understanding your medical rights, and finding the services that meet your needs.
Summary: Comprehensive Medical Security for New Immigrants in Israel
In summary, the healthcare system in Israel grants new immigrants immediate and subsidized access to health insurance, which ensures your medical security from the very first moment. With convenient registration options, significant financial benefits, and a variety of support services, the state does everything to make the absorption process easier for you and ensure that you receive the best medical care. So immigrate with peace of mind, knowing that the Israeli healthcare system stands by you and supports you every step of the way.
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