This guide was written prior to the 2026 conflict between the US, Israel and Iran and related hostilities. Non-essential travel to Israel is not advisable due to the risks related to military action in the broader Middle East area. Please consult official government travel advisories and exercise extreme caution before considering travel to the region.
Healthcare in Israel is of an exceptionally high standard and is on par with many developed countries, including the USA and much of Western Europe. Most doctors and nurses in Israel are highly trained and can speak English, making it easy for expats to communicate their needs.
Israel has an extensive public healthcare system that is available for all Israeli residents, regardless of income or pre-existing conditions. There are, nevertheless, numerous private healthcare options for those wanting to pay extra for additional services or personalised, high-end care. The excellent quality and affordability of healthcare in Israel have also made the country a notable medical tourism destination.
Public healthcare in Israel
Since 1995, Israeli residents have been legally required to join one of four non-profit health funds – known as Kupot Holim – which deliver coverage under the public healthcare system in Israel. The universal healthcare coverage is renowned worldwide, benefiting from the country’s state-of-the-art medical technology and research facilities.
Expat eligibility for public healthcare in Israel depends on whether they have residency and are earning a salary. Those making money in Israel are required to pay a health insurance tax, which is the country’s primary source of funding for the public healthcare system.
The public healthcare system in Israel includes all basic and essential healthcare services, but additional services and treatments – such as coverage for specific surgeries or dental care – can be accessed through supplementary insurance. Around 85 percent of Israelis opt for such supplementary plans, which are also offered through the health funds.
Private healthcare in Israel
Private healthcare services in Israel are known as Sharap (an acronym for sherutim refuim prati’im, meaning private medical services). Despite the reach and effectiveness of public healthcare in Israel, it’s not uncommon for patients to wait days or weeks for non-emergency tests and surgeries – an issue that has been exacerbated in recent years by workforce pressures and increased demand.
While some people simply wait for the next available appointment, many others seek private healthcare, which allows for earlier treatments or access to care at a more convenient location. The overall quality of care between public and private health services is, on the whole, fairly equal.
Health insurance in Israel
Expats looking to purchase private health insurance in Israel are advised to look at a variety of options before making a decision. There are numerous companies that offer private health insurance, and specialised coverage plans exist for individuals, families, and groups.
Some employers in Israel provide additional private healthcare coverage on a group basis for expat employees and their families, but this is becoming less common. Expats who are not eligible for the public system – including those on temporary visas or without residency – should arrange comprehensive international health insurance before arrival, as the Kupot Holim is generally only available to residents.
Medical tourism in Israel
The quality and affordability of healthcare in Israel have made the country a notable medical tourism destination, attracting patients from across Europe, the USA and beyond for procedures in oncology, cardiology, fertility treatments, and orthopaedics. Medical tourism in Israel is regulated under a dedicated 2018 law, which requires all medical tourism facilitators to be licensed by the Ministry of Health.
Those interested in travelling to Israel for a medical procedure can hire a licensed medical tourism facilitator, who organises everything from travel and the logistics of the procedure to accommodation and a sightseeing itinerary. These facilitators are usually paid by the hospital and don’t charge the patient anything. It is worth noting, though, that the ongoing regional conflicts have significantly disrupted tourism – including medical tourism – so prospective patients should verify the current security situation and ensure they can obtain adequate travel insurance before making plans.
Pharmacies and medication in Israel
There are plenty of pharmacies in Israel, especially in the country’s metropolitan areas. Known locally as beit merkachat, they’re easy to spot by the green cross sign on the storefront.
Most pharmacies are open Sunday to Friday during regular business hours, with some offering extended or 24-hour services. Finding an open pharmacy on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening) can be tricky, although most cities operate an on-call rotation; it’s worth familiarising yourself with the local system early on.
Foreign prescriptions are not accepted in Israel – you’ll need a prescription from an Israeli licensed doctor. Some medications that are available over the counter abroad require a prescription in Israel (including certain allergy medications), while others that usually need a prescription elsewhere can be bought over the counter here. It’s wise to bring an adequate supply of any regular medication when you arrive, along with documentation from your home doctor, as brand names and packaging may differ.
Vaccinations for Israel
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Israel, but travellers are advised to ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date. These include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), polio, tetanus and influenza. A polio booster is particularly recommended, as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus has been detected in Israeli sewage samples in recent years.
Depending on the areas you plan to visit and the nature of your trip, additional vaccinations such as Hepatitis A and B may be recommended – typhoid vaccination is advised specifically for those travelling to the West Bank or Gaza. Consult a travel clinic or your healthcare provider at least four to six weeks before departure for personalised advice. Travellers should also take standard precautions such as using insect repellent and practising good hygiene.
Useful links
Emergency medical services in Israel
Emergency services in Israel are efficient, with the national ambulance service – Magen David Adom (MDA) – operating a high-tech fleet of land, sea, and air vehicles. Ambulance response times are generally fast, and some private hospitals have their own ambulance services. Many health insurers also provide their clients with a list of nearby hospital numbers for emergencies.
Make sure to memorise the key emergency numbers below. Expats coming from the US or Europe will be relieved to know they can also dial 911 or 112, both of which automatically redirect to local emergency services in Israel.
- Police: 100
- Ambulance (Magen David Adom): 101
- Fire brigade: 102