Hananya Naftali
Nov 7, 2026
Israel's Universal Healthcare
The Short Answer
Yes. Israel has universal healthcare. Under the National Health Insurance Law, which took effect in 1995, every resident is covered and must belong to one of four health funds. Care is funded through a health tax based on income, with small copayments for some services. Israelis enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in the world.
How the System Works
Every resident chooses one of four health funds, called kupot cholim: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet and Leumit. Each must provide a national basket of services, including doctors, hospital care and many medications.
Most Israelis also buy supplemental insurance from their health fund for extras such as private specialists and some dental care. Arab and Jewish citizens receive the same coverage and often the same doctors.
A World Leader in Medicine
Israeli hospitals treat Jews, Arabs and even patients from neighboring countries. Israel is also a world leader in medical innovation, from the PillCam to emergency bandages used by armies worldwide.
Key Facts
Israel has universal healthcare for all residents.
Every resident belongs to one of four health funds.
The system is funded by an income based health tax.
Arab and Jewish citizens receive the same coverage.