Israel has a strong, well-organised healthcare system built around National Health Insurance and four competing health funds. The catch for Britons is that this cover is for citizens and permanent residents — if you are here temporarily, you are largely on your own.
This guide explains how the Kupot Holim health funds work, why temporary residents and foreign workers are not covered by them, and where private international insurance fits in for British expats in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and beyond.
Healthcare in Israel: how the system works
Public system: National Health Insurance (the four Kupot Holim).
Israel's National Health Insurance provides a comprehensive package of care to citizens and permanent residents, delivered through four health funds (Kupot Holim) — Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet and Leumit — that residents choose between. It is well regarded, but entitlement depends on your residency status, not simply on living in the country.
National Health Insurance covers citizens, permanent residents and new immigrants (olim), who are enrolled in a health fund. Temporary residents, foreign workers and other expats are not entitled to it and need private cover; in fact, employers of foreign workers are legally required to provide private medical insurance for them. A UK GHIC and a domestic UK policy do not cover you as a resident in Israel.
Why British expats take out private cover
If you are not a citizen or permanent resident, you fall outside the national system, and Israeli private treatment is not cheap. Comprehensive international cover fills that gap, giving access to leading private hospitals, cover for your family and portability if you split your time between Israel and the UK.
What expat health insurance costs in Israel
Israel is a relatively high-cost country, and private medical treatment reflects that. Premiums depend on your age, medical history and the level of cover, and international policies that include cover on trips back to the UK sit at the higher end but buy genuine flexibility.
Good to know before you move
- National Health Insurance is for citizens and permanent residents — not temporary expats.
- New immigrants (olim) are enrolled in a health fund; short-term residents generally are not.
- Employers of foreign workers are legally required to provide private medical insurance.
- A UK GHIC does not apply in Israel, and domestic UK cover will not follow you there.
Private hospitals and where Britons settle
A significant British community lives in Israel, concentrated around Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Herzliya, Ra'anana and Netanya.
Leading private providers include Assuta Medical Centers and the Herzliya Medical Center, alongside major hospitals such as Sheba and Hadassah.
Popular with British expats: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Herzliya, Netanya.
How a UK broker helps expats in Israel
International private medical insurance is a specialist market, and the right policy depends on your visa, your age, your medical history and how much time you spend outside Israel. A UK-based specialist broker can compare the international insurers available through its service, check that a policy meets any local or visa requirement, and explain what is — and is not — covered before you commit.
A broker can compare only the insurers and policies available through its service, and may receive commission or charge a fee. Ask for the insurer panel, the remuneration disclosure and the total price. Requesting a quote is free and puts you under no obligation to buy.
Expat health insurance in Israel: FAQs
Can British expats use Israel's public health system?
National Health Insurance is for citizens, permanent residents and new immigrants (olim), who join one of the four health funds. Temporary residents, foreign workers and other expats are not entitled to it, so they need private cover.
What are the Kupot Holim in Israel?
The Kupot Holim are Israel's four health funds — Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet and Leumit — that deliver the National Health Insurance package to eligible residents. You choose which fund to join, but only if you qualify through your residency status.
Does my UK health insurance work in Israel?
No. A domestic UK policy is designed for UK residents and will not cover you once you live in Israel, and a GHIC has no validity there. Temporary residents typically need international private medical insurance.
Do foreign workers in Israel need private health insurance?
Yes. Foreign workers are not covered by National Health Insurance, and employers are legally required to provide them with private medical insurance. Many expats also arrange their own comprehensive cover for wider hospital access and family protection.
How much does expat health insurance in Israel cost?
It depends on your age, medical history and the level of cover, and Israel is a relatively high-cost country. International policies that also cover trips back to the UK sit at the higher end — requesting a quote is the quickest way to compare.
Other expat destinations
Visa, residency and insurance rules change and vary by individual circumstances. This guide is general information, not personal or regulated advice — always confirm the current requirements for your situation before you rely on them. Health Insurance UK is an information and lead-generation service, not an insurer or broker.