Israel Healthcare Information

Israel's extensive medical network and high doctor-patient ratio are reflected in the low infant mortality rate (5.4 per 1,000 live births) and high life expectancy (80.9 years for women, 76.7 for men). Western-level training for medical professions is offered at the country's schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, nursing and physical rehabilitation. There is also an established private worldwide family medical insurance sector.

The National Health Insurance law provides a standardized basket of medical services, including hospitalization, for all residents of Israel. Health insurance premiums are collected by the National Insurance Institute which transfers the funds to the four health-care organizations providing the medical services. Alternatively, many expatriates in Israel take out worldwide family medical insurance.

Responsibility for all health services is vested in the Ministry of Health, which prepares legislation and oversees its implementation; controls medical standards throughout the country; licenses medical personnel; and supervises the planning and construction of hospitals. The ministry also acts as a public health agency with regard to environmental and preventive medicine.

Health services are offered at 354 general and specialized hospitals (with some 39,600 beds), which can be used by worldwide family medical insurance policy holders. There is also a network of outpatient clinics, mother-and-child health care centers, convalescent homes, rehabilitation institutes and school health programs, which include dental care.

Medical facilities and services are provided by the Ministry of Health, the large municipalities, private and non-profit institutions and worldwide family medical insurance funds.

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