Choosing a Kupat Cholim (קופת חולים) Guide 2026
- All About Aliyah
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Making Aliyah is a major life transition, and choosing a Kupat Cholim -קופת חולים (health fund) is one of the most critical steps in your first week.
Israel’s healthcare system is world-class, but as a new immigrant (Oleh Chadash), you need to know how to navigate the four health funds to ensure you are covered from the moment you land.
The "Oleh" Health Essentials
Cost: Basic coverage is FREE for your first 6 months (if you are not working).
Registration: You can sign up immediately at Ben Gurion Airport.
Flexibility: You aren't stuck! You can switch health funds twice a year on specific transfer dates.
The Card: You will receive a magnetic member card that acts as your "key" to all medical services.
Choosing a Kupat Cholim:
What is a Health Fund?
In Israel, a Kupat Cholim - קופת חולים (Health Fund) is the actual provider of your medical care. By law, every Israeli resident must be registered with one of the four official funds.
They all provide a standard "basket of services," but their clinic locations and specialist networks vary.
Here is the list of the four providers in Israel:
How to Register:
4 Ways to Get Covered
1. At the Airport (Highly Recommended): Register at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration desk immediately after passport control.
2. At the Post Office: Visit any Israel Post (דואר ישראל) branch with your Teudat Oleh. Note: You must book an appointment in advance via the MyVisit App/Website.
3. Online via Bituach Leumi (ביטוח לאומי): A few weeks after arrival, you can register via the National Insurance website.
4. In-Person at a Branch: Walk into any local health fund (קופת חולים) office in your new city.
Tip: Want to know what else you get when you land? Click here to read our full Ben Gurion Airport Guide.
Your "First Week" To-Do List
1. Find Your Branch: Locate the clinic closest to your new home. In Israel, convenience is key!
2. Order Your Card: Visit the branch or use their app to order your magnetic card (there is usually a small one-time fee of around ₪30).
3. Pick a Doctor: Assign yourself a primary care physician (Family Doctor — רופא משפחה) to manage your referrals.
4. Upgrade Your Coverage: Most Olim add "Supplemental Insurance" (like Maccabi Sheli or Clalit Mushlam).
The 90-Day Fast-Track to Full Coverage
Most Israelis have to wait 6 to 12 months after joining a plan before they can use "high-value" services like dental surgery or pregnancy tests. These are called Waiting Periods (Tkufot Hamtana — תקופות המתנה).
However, as a new Oleh Chadash, you have a unique advantage:
The Benefit: If you sign up for a supplemental plan (the upgrades plan) within your first 90 days in Israel, the health funds will waive these waiting periods.
What it means: You get immediate access to discounted dental care, vision (glasses/contacts), and specialist consultations the moment you join.
The Risk: If you wait until day 91 to sign up, you lose this "Oleh Right." You will have to pay into the system for months—or even years— before you can claim the major discounts on things like orthodontics or pregnancy labs.
Tip: If you sign up within your first 90 days, many funds waive the standard "waiting periods" for dental and vision benefits.
Understanding Supplemental Insurance
While the basic health basket is excellent, most Israelis choose to pay a small monthly fee for Supplemental Insurance.
This means you get immediate access to:
Dental Care: Massive discounts on checkups, fillings, and orthodontics.
Pregnancy & Birth: Subsidies for private testing, doulas, and recovery hotels (מלון יולדות).
Optical: Significant discounts on glasses and contact lenses.
Alternative Medicine: Cheap sessions for acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care.
Private Surgeries: The ability to choose your surgeon and avoid long public waitlists.
How to add it?
You can't usually sign up for these at the airport. Once you visit your local branch to get your magnetic card, just tell the clerk: "I want to sign up for the upgraded plan." It usually costs between ₪40–₪120 per month depending on your age.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it really free?
A: Yes. The basic National Health Insurance is free for your first 6 months in Israel if you aren't working. If you receive a living allowance from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, this can extend up to a full year. If you add "Supplemental" layers, you will pay a small monthly premium from the start.
Q: Can I switch if I'm unhappy?
A: Absolutely. You can switch funds twice a year on set dates (Jan 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, Sept 1, Nov 1). If you just arrived, you have a 14-day "grace period" to change your mind immediately without waiting for these dates!
Q: Can family members be in different funds?
A: Yes. Each adult family member can select the fund that fits them best. Keep in mind that children must be registered with the same fund as at least one parent.
Final Tip
Check Your Neighborhood First! Before you commit at the airport, look at a map of your new neighborhood.
In Israel, you want a clinic that is within walking distance or a very short bus ride. All four funds provide excellent care, but you’ll regret picking the "best" tech-savvy fund if their nearest lab is a 30-minute drive away when you’re feeling under the weather.
Go to Google Maps, type and see which logo is closest to your front door!
