1. Healthcare in Israel: A Practical Guide for Anglo Families

Israel's healthcare system is quite different from the NHS or private healthcare systems many Anglos may be familiar with. The key thing to understand is that eligible Israeli residents receive healthcare through one of four health funds, known as kupot cholim.

These are Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet and Leumit.

Under Israel's National Health Insurance system, Israeli residents must be registered with a health fund, and the funds are required to provide members with the statutory healthcare basket.

Registering with a Kupat Cholim

New Olim can register with a health fund when arriving in Israel through the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration facilities at the airport. If you don't do it then, registration is also available through Israel Post; once your information has been transferred to National Insurance, online registration becomes available too.

One detail worth knowing: if a new Oleh remains unregistered for more than 90 days after Aliyah, registration needs to be dealt with through a National Insurance branch.

National Insurance – HMO registration for new immigrants

Which Kupat Cholim Should You Choose?

There isn't one universally "best" fund.

For families, I'd compare what's actually available near your home:

Clalit has an extensive nationwide network. Maccabi, Meuhedet and Leumit may have particularly convenient clinics or doctors in your area.

For an Anglo family, one practical consideration is whether the local clinic has doctors and administrative staff you're comfortable communicating with in English.

You're not necessarily stuck with your initial choice either. National Insurance provides a formal process for switching health funds, subject to transfer dates and rules.

Finding an English-Speaking Doctor

Start with your health fund's website or app and search by speciality and location. You can also ask in local Anglo groups—particularly when looking for paediatricians, dentists, therapists and specialists.

Before choosing someone, check:

• Whether they're covered by your kupah.
• Where they actually practise.
• Appointment availability.
• Whether they speak sufficient English for your needs.
• Whether referrals are required.

Check out or How to Find English-Speaking Doctors in Israel guide here.

Know Your Rights

If you believe your health fund has wrongly refused medication, an examination or treatment, there is an official Ministry of Health complaints process. The Ombudsman's office can consider whether the service should have been provided under the statutory basket or supplementary insurance.

Ministry of Health – complaints about HMO services

Anglo Dad tip: Don't wait until a child is ill to figure the system out. Install your kupah's app, identify your local paediatrician and learn how your clinic handles urgent appointments beforehand.