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Israel Expat Health Insurance

The State of Israel is defined as a Jewish and democratic state which is situated on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. In 1947, the United Nations decided to partition what was then British mandate Palestine and in May 1948, David Ben-Gurion of the World Zionist Organization declared Israel an independent state. Israel’s Arab neighbors then instigated a conflict which has developed into one of the most protracted in recent times. Today, Israel shares borders with Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan and disputed borders with the Palestinian Authority which comprises the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The capital city is Jerusalem although due to ongoing political disputes with the Palestinians, the international community continues to recognize Tel Aviv as Israel’s de-facto capital. Israel has a very diverse and vibrant culture with centuries old Jewish religious and cultural traditions from around the world converging into today’s modern society. Israel is ranked in 17th place among the world’s most economically developed nations and its main exports are pharmaceuticals, software and agricultural produce. In excess of 3 million tourists visit Israel annually, drawn to the large number of religious and archaeological sites.

Israel Health Care and Insurance

Israel is one of the most developed countries in the Middle East and its health care system reflects this fact. The health sector operates to a very high standard and affordable health care is available to all Israeli citizens and permanent residents. Modern health facilities and equipment are present throughout the country’s health care network and there are more than adequate numbers of health personnel. Israeli citizens and permanent residents are required by law to become members of one of the Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), which entitle them to free health care. It should be noted that expatriates and travelers are not entitled to join the national health insurance scheme; therefore, they are advised to purchase Israel international health insurance to ensure they are sufficiently protected for the duration of their time in Israel.

The 1995 National Health Insurance Law compelled all Israeli citizens to join the public health insurance scheme. The scheme ensures that a pre-determined list of services and treatments are available free of charge to members. Employers and employees contribute to the funding of the scheme in the form of a progressive health insurance tax. There are four HMOs which oversee the provision of health care, with Clalit being the largest provider with approximately 54 percent of the market. Health care consists of public, private and semi-private facilities with primary and family orientated health care facilities in the larger cities and urban areas directly operated by providers like Clalit. In smaller or rural communities, primary health facilities tend to be managed by private companies contracted by the HMO. Supplementing these facilities, the Ministry of Health operates a number of prenatal and infant care clinics.

Containing some of the most technologically advanced medical equipment, Israel’s hospital network and facilities are acknowledged as among the most developed in the world. Israel has in total 60 hospitals and clinics throughout the country with seven hospitals achieving international accreditation. Three of the more prominent include the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba and the Assouta Medical Center in Tel Aviv. Israel’s medical personnel can enroll at their choice of five medical universities and generally undertake six years of study. Israeli scientists are world leaders in the areas of medical, bioengineering, biotechnology and clinical research. Expatriates and travelers to Israel can access top of the range health facilities should the need arise. Costs at health facilities in Israel are expensive; therefore it is important to take this into consideration and to purchase an international Israel health insurance policy.

Israel Travel Insurance Concerns

Increasing numbers of medical tourists are now visiting Israel with an estimated 30,000 people visiting the country in 2010 for medical treatment. A majority of these visitors are from Russia or nearby countries where certain surgeries and procedures cannot be performed. Large numbers of American citizens travel to Israel for in-vitro fertilization treatment, which can be performed at a significantly reduced cost when compared to the United States. It is worth highlighting that although medical costs are less than those in the United States; Israel ranks very highly and is almost on par with medical expenses in Hong Kong.

Since its founding in 1948, Israel has been involved in territorial disputes with its neighbors. Peace agreements with the Palestinians have failed to bring about a lasting resolution to the conflict. Although the number of terrorist attacks inside Israel has decreased in recent years, the risk of sporadic attacks remains high. Certain areas of Jerusalem and other cities with contentious religious areas can be subject to closure without prior notice. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Border Police maintain strict border controls and a large troop and police presence is at all times clearly visible in most Israeli cities and towns. Hamas militants in Gaza regularly fire rockets and mortars at towns and communities in southern Israel and extreme caution should be exercised if you intend to visit these areas. Travelers and expatriates are advised to use caution when visiting popular restaurants, nightclubs and shopping malls as these have been previous targets for terrorist attacks.

Israel Expat Health Insurance

Israel possesses state of the art health facilities which in many aspects compare positively to international standards. Expatriates and travelers can be confident that should they require medical attention in Israel, expat health insurance can cover the costs of the excellent facilities and attentive health care treatment that they will receive. This advanced health care comes at a price and Israel ranks very highly among its peers in the cost of medical treatment; hence it is imperative that you and your family or fellow travelers purchase an international health insurance policy. Global Health Insurance can assist you, free of charge, through the various health insurance policies that offer you adequate protection. while in Israel. Expat health insurance the Global Health Insurance works with can provide you a wide variety of coverage options including maternity, dental, traditional medicine and more. For more information on Israel expat health insurance or international health insurance plans please contact a Global Health Insurance advisor today.