Many Americans often ask whether the U.S. pays for Israeli health care since supporting its fight against Hamas, yet most visitors must cover their medical expenses themselves. Though economically disadvantaged immigrants and refugees receive free or discounted health care in Israel, most visitors must cover their own medical costs when visiting. Israeli doctors are well known for providing quality healthcare with affordable prescription drugs and high uptake of vaccines; moreover they provide exceptional emergency health services during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic when critical care services were reported shorter wait times and rapid uptake of vaccines during crisis, and experienced shorter waits for critical care as well.
Israelis voluntarily choose one of four official health insurers, known as Kupat Cholim (Kvpt Hvlym or Patient Funds), which are non-profit companies permitted by law from refusing membership to any resident of Israel. Each plan offers standard Health Basket and Medication Basket as mandated by law as well as customized options tailored specifically for some groups; some standard services incur copayments although many Israelis purchase additional supplemental insurance coverage for more costly treatments.
The annual budgeting process is highly transparent and well-reported, involving a 17-member Ministry committee comprised of four physicians, four economists, four health plan executives and four public representatives, along with the Ministry’s Ombudsman. Prior to every budget cycle beginning, health plans submit proposals to the Knesset which is free to accept or reject proposed spending levels as part of parliamentary elections preceding each budget cycle.
Private financing accounted for 33.9 of total health expenditures in 2022, most notably through supplementary and commercial health insurance policies, private care payments and purchasing medications; with the remainder funded from state earmarked budgets or health tax funds.
Israeli hospitals are widely revered, with all general and specialized hospitals ranking as top-tier by the World Health Organization. Accreditation of hospitals falls under the purview of the Ministry of Health while an independent research institute regularly conducts surveys with members of the public to measure satisfaction with services provided.
The Ministry of Health promotes innovation and technology in healthcare by encouraging research for new medications, procedures, diagnostic tools, as well as offering grants for developing clinical trial models.
Israel’s major goal for healthcare delivery efficiency is ensuring that common conditions are treated in primary care settings and by creating efficient referral networks to specialists, thus decreasing hospitalizations and improving outcomes for patients.
Israel’s health system is constantly developing and improving. With an emphasis on digital innovations, integrated IT capabilities for greater accuracy, and tools that facilitate physician-patient communication – as well as low costs – this healthcare system has been widely recognized for being among the world’s most advanced while still remaining cost effective. Furthermore, its patient-centric approach can be seen through online and mobile applications that assist patients manage their own health better, and through initiatives designed to promote healthier lifestyles.