EMA Care — Continuing medications when making Aliyah to Israel

Source: https://emacare.com/about-us/our-blog/436-continuing-medications-when-moving-to-israel · 2026

Overview

If you currently take prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, you need to plan ahead before making Aliyah. Some medications have different names in Israel, may not be available at all, or may require a prescription when they didn’t before (or vice versa). This guide covers what to bring, how to check availability, and how to transition into the Israeli medical system.

Checking If Your Medication Is Available in Israel

• Use the website www.drugs.com/international to search for your medication by name.
• You can find brand names, generic names, and foreign brand names for most drugs.
• If your specific medication is not available in Israel, an alternative is most likely available.
• Be prepared to present your current prescriptions and an explanation of why you take them.

Important example — dosage differences: Metformin is available in the US in a 500mg dose; in Israel, it is only available in an 850mg dose. Dosage differences like this may affect your regimen.

What to Bring With You

• Bring enough medication to last until you can be seen by an Israeli doctor — especially for prescription medications.
• For critical medications, try to schedule an appointment with a local Israeli doctor even before your Aliyah date.
• Getting an appointment in busy areas can take a few weeks, so plan accordingly.
• Carry documentation of your current prescriptions and medical history when traveling.

Israeli Pharmacy Rules — Foreign Prescriptions Not Accepted

• Israeli pharmacies are only allowed to accept prescriptions from a registered Israeli provider.
• A prescription from your foreign physician (e.g., a US doctor not registered in Israel) will not be accepted at an Israeli pharmacy.
• This makes it essential to register with a Kupat Holim (health fund) and find a local Family Physician (Rופא משפחה) as soon as possible after arriving in Israel.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications in Israel

• If moving from the United States, note that Israeli supermarkets carry far fewer OTC medications than US supermarkets.
• This is likely due to regulations about what types of medications can be sold or displayed in supermarkets.
• You may need to visit a pharmacy (בית מרקחת) for products you previously purchased at a grocery store.

Recommendations Summary

1. Before Aliyah: Check medication availability at www.drugs.com/international.
2. Before Aliyah: Consult your current doctor about bringing an adequate supply and obtaining documentation.
3. On arrival: Register with a Kupat Holim health fund and find a local Family Physician promptly.
4. On arrival: Consult a doctor or pharmacist about any medications you take — OTC or prescribed — to identify Israeli equivalents.
5. Note: Prescription rules differ between countries; a medication that was OTC in your home country may require a prescription in Israel, or the required dosage may differ.

Professional Assistance

EMA Care (emacare.com) offers services to help new immigrants find doctors in Israel and transfer their current medication regimen into the Israeli healthcare system. Services in Israel are provided by א אהרן יועצים בע“מ.