Jerusalem Healthcare Guide
Understanding Healthcare in Jerusalem & Israel
Israel has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and Jerusalem is home to world-class hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals. Whether you're a long-time resident, a new immigrant (oleh chadash), or a tourist, understanding how the Israeli healthcare system works will help you access the care you need quickly and efficiently.
This guide covers Israel's national health insurance system (kupat cholim), Jerusalem's major hospitals, urgent care options, and links to related healthcare directories across the city.
Jerusalem Hospitals
Major medical centers
Urgent Care
Emergency & walk-in clinics
Jerusalem Dentists
Dental clinics & specialists
Jerusalem Pharmacies
Pharmacies & prescriptions
How Healthcare Works in Israel
Under Israel's National Health Insurance Law (1995), every Israeli resident is entitled to join one of four kupot cholim (health funds/HMOs). Your kupat cholim provides comprehensive medical coverage including:
- Primary care doctor visits
- Specialist consultations
- Hospitalization
- Prescription medications (with co-pays)
- Maternity care and pediatrics
- Mental health services
- Preventive care and vaccinations
Healthcare is funded through the health tax (deducted from your salary via Bituach Leumi / National Insurance). Coverage is universal — you cannot be denied enrollment. New immigrants receive automatic coverage from their first day in Israel.
Each kupat cholim also offers supplemental insurance (ביטוח משלים) for additional services like private specialist appointments, faster MRI access, and alternative medicine.
The Four Kupot Cholim (Health Funds)
All Israeli residents must choose one. You can switch once per year during the open enrollment period.
Clalit Health Services
שירותי בריאות כללית
~4.8 million members nationwide
Israel's largest health fund, serving nearly half the population. Clalit operates its own hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across the country. In Jerusalem, Clalit has numerous clinics in neighborhoods including Talpiot, Givat Shaul, Pisgat Ze'ev, Ramot, and the city center.
Key Strengths:
Maccabi Health Services
מכבי שירותי בריאות
~2.6 million members nationwide
Israel's second-largest health fund, known for its strong digital health platform, telemedicine services, and Maccabi Online app. Maccabi has clinics across Jerusalem and is popular among English-speaking immigrants.
Key Strengths:
Meuhedet Health Fund
קופת חולים מאוחדת
~1.3 million members nationwide
Known for excellent customer service and strong presence in religious communities. Meuhedet has many branches throughout Jerusalem's neighborhoods and is the third-largest health fund.
Key Strengths:
Leumit Health Fund
קופת חולים לאומית
~750,000 members nationwide
Israel's smallest health fund, offering personalized service and competitive supplemental insurance packages. Leumit has clinics in several Jerusalem neighborhoods.
Key Strengths:
How to Choose a Kupat Cholim
When selecting a health fund, consider:
- Clinic locations — Which kupah has a branch nearest to your home or work?
- Doctor availability — Check wait times for family doctors and specialists in your area.
- Digital services — Maccabi and Clalit offer strong apps for booking, prescriptions, and telemedicine.
- Community recommendations — Ask neighbors, friends, and your community for their experiences.
- Supplemental insurance — Compare the supplemental (mashlamim) packages for cost and coverage.
- Language — Some clinics have English-speaking staff, which is important for new immigrants.
New immigrants (olim) are automatically enrolled in Clalit unless they choose another fund. You can switch kupot cholim once per year.
Healthcare for New Immigrants (Olim)
If you're making Aliyah to Jerusalem, healthcare is one of the smoothest parts of the transition. Here's what to know:
- You receive health coverage from day one of your Aliyah
- You'll be assigned to Clalit by default — but can switch immediately
- Visit your local kupat cholim branch with your Teudat Oleh to register
- Choose a family doctor (רופא משפחה) — you can request an English-speaking doctor
- Prescription medications have small co-pays (typically ₪10–₪50)
- Emergency care is always available at Jerusalem hospitals
Healthcare for Tourists & Visitors
Tourists are not covered under Israel's national health insurance. It's strongly recommended to purchase travel health insurance before visiting Jerusalem. However, in case of emergency:
- All Jerusalem hospitals accept emergency patients regardless of insurance
- Terem Urgent Care centers accept walk-in patients and many international insurance plans
- Dial 101 for Magen David Adom (ambulance) or 1221 for United Hatzalah
- Pharmacies can provide many over-the-counter medications without a prescription
Emergency Numbers in Jerusalem
Magen David Adom (Ambulance)
101
United Hatzalah
1221
Police
100
Fire Department
102
Mental Health Crisis
*2784 (ERAN)
Poison Control
04-854-1900
Explore Jerusalem Healthcare
Jerusalem Hospitals
Major hospitals and medical centers
Urgent Care & Emergency
Walk-in clinics and emergency services
Jerusalem Dentists
Dental clinics across Jerusalem
Jerusalem Pharmacies
Pharmacies and prescription services
Jerusalem Resources
Helpful resources for living in Jerusalem
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