Will my Israeli health insurance cover me abroad?

Israeli Kupat Holim plans provide emergency coverage abroad for 30–90 days. For long-term relocation, you need private international health insurance or enrollment in the destination country's health system.

0 FAQLast reviewed: 2026-06-041 Official sources

Israeli national health insurance (Bituach Briut) works through the four Kupat Holim (health funds): Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, and Leumit. When you relocate abroad, your coverage situation changes significantly.

Short-term travel (up to 90 days)

All four Kupot Holim provide emergency medical coverage abroad for temporary trips:

  • Clalit: Emergency coverage up to 90 days abroad (may require purchasing a travel supplement for extended stays)
  • Maccabi: Emergency coverage; additional plans available for extended travel
  • Meuhedet: Emergency coverage, typically up to 60 days
  • Leumit: Emergency coverage, verify current terms with your fund

What "emergency coverage" means:

  • Covers life-threatening emergencies and hospitalizations
  • Does not cover routine medical care, dental, or preventive care abroad
  • You often pay out-of-pocket and claim reimbursement (forms available from your Kupat Holim)
  • Coverage limits vary by fund, typically up to $50,000–$250,000 per incident depending on your plan

When you relocate permanently

Once you establish permanent residence abroad, you are no longer a current Israeli resident, and your Kupat Holim membership lapses. At that point:

  1. Your Israeli health coverage effectively ends for ongoing medical care
  2. Emergency coverage during visits to Israel or brief returns may still apply for a transition period — verify with your fund
  3. You need to arrange healthcare coverage in your new country

Arranging healthcare in your destination country

Different countries have different systems:

Countries with public healthcare systems (most of Europe, Canada, Australia):

  • After establishing residency, you enroll in the national health system
  • Coverage begins after a qualifying period (varies: immediate in some countries, up to 3 months in others)
  • EU countries: register with the local equivalent of the health fund (NHS in UK, CPAM in France, Krankenkasse in Germany, etc.)
  • Canada: provincial health card (waiting period of up to 3 months in some provinces)
  • Australia: Medicare enrollment available to permanent residents

Countries without universal healthcare (USA):

  • You must purchase private health insurance
  • Options: employer-sponsored plan, Marketplace plan, or private insurer
  • Costs: $300–$800+/month per adult depending on coverage level

UAE:

  • Health insurance is legally required for all UAE residents
  • Employers typically provide coverage; if self-employed, you must purchase privately
  • DHA (Dubai Health Authority) plans starting around AED 3,000/year for basic coverage

Private international health insurance

For the transition period, especially the first months before you qualify for local public healthcare, private international health insurance is essential:

What to look for:

  • Geographic coverage (worldwide, EU-wide, or specific region)
  • Pre-existing conditions coverage
  • Maternity coverage if relevant
  • Dental and vision if important to you
  • Emergency evacuation (important if in developing countries)

Reputable international health insurance providers:

  • Cigna Global
  • Allianz Care
  • Aetna International
  • Bupa Global
  • AXA International

Typical costs: $100–$500+/month depending on age, coverage level, and geographic area.

Returning to Israel after living abroad

When you return to Israel permanently:

  • You can rejoin a Kupat Holim within 2 years of emigration without a waiting period
  • After more than 2 years abroad, a waiting period of up to 6 months may apply before you're covered for non-emergency care (emergency care must always be provided)
  • The waiting period can be reduced or waived in certain circumstances (consult your preferred Kupat Holim)

Practical checklist before relocating

  • Contact your Kupat Holim to understand your exact transition period coverage
  • Research when you qualify for the destination country's public healthcare
  • Purchase private international health insurance to bridge the gap
  • Obtain copies of your medical records and prescription lists in English
  • Locate equivalent medications in the destination country (some Israeli medications have different brand names abroad)
  • Understand emergency room access in your new country (in many European countries, emergency care is free to all regardless of insurance status)

This content is for informational purposes only.