Kupat Holim — National Health Insurance Law & Health Fund Registration for New Immigrants

Source: Israeli Government Guide for New Immigrants · 2026-05

79 The National Health Insurance Law According to the National Health Insurance Law, all residents of Israel are insured by health insurance and have the right to receive health services. The state is responsible for these services and they are financed by the public. The services included in health insurance are defined by law and are called “Basket of Health Services” (Sal Sherutei Briut). The main provider of health services are the health funds (Kupot Holim); therefore in order to receive these services every resident must be registered for one of the health funds. In addition every resident from the age of 18 years and over must pay monthly National Health Insurance premiums to the National Insurance Institute. New immigrants (including a returning minor or an immigrant citizen) who are not working and have no source of income, or whose income is lower than the sum set by the National Insurance Institute, are eligible for an exemption from health insurance premiums for six months from the date of aliyah. It is possible to receive an exemption for another six months (twelve months altogether) if, in addition to the above mentioned condition, the new immigrant is receiving assured income from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. To actualize the additional six months benefit, one must provide the National Insurance Institute with confirmation of a receipt of assured income (from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration). The additional exemption will be given only for those months in which assured income was paid. Please Note! Registration for a health fund (Kupat Holim) is a necessary condition in order to receive medical services and the exemption from payment of National Health Insurance premiums. It is extremely important to register for a health fund immediately following arrival in Israel in order to receive health services whenever they are needed. Failure to register may result in unnecessary delays and expenses in receiving medical services. Those who have the status of an immigrant citizen and those who have the status of a returning minor may register for one of the health funds at the offices of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. Health Services