Israel – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in Israel, and how do I recognise one?

The Hebrew term for a pharmacy is beit merkachat (בית מרקחת), which translates literally as “house of medicines.” This phrase appears on signage outside most independently run pharmacies. In everyday conversation, Israelis frequently use the word farmakia (פרמקיה), a borrowing from Greek, so both expressions are in common circulation.

Israeli pharmacies are easy to spot on the street because they display a green Star of David or a green cross on their façade — a visual convention similar to the green cross used to identify pharmacies in France, Spain, and Germany. The name farmakia or beit merkachat is typically written in Hebrew and, in larger cities, sometimes in Arabic or Latin script as well.

Much of the Israeli pharmacy sector is dominated by chains. Super-Pharm is the country’s leading drugstore chain, with more than 190 branches nationwide and a retail floor divided into departments covering infant products, household goods, toiletries, cosmetics, fragrances, natural health products, food items, and a dedicated pharmacy counter. Independent pharmacies also operate and may offer a more personalised level of service.

Separately, each of the four kupot cholim runs its own network of affiliated pharmacies that serve only their own members. Maccabi Pharmacies, for instance, will exclusively fill prescriptions for Maccabi members, and the fund’s logo appears prominently on its pharmacy signage. Maccabi operates over 600 pharmacy locations across the country, while Clalit maintains roughly 400. When visiting any fund-affiliated pharmacy, look for the logo of the relevant health fund — Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, or Leumit — to confirm it is the right one for you.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Israel?

Pharmacy hours in Israel reflect the country’s working week, which runs from Sunday through Thursday, with Friday being a shortened day in preparation for the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat). Most pharmacies are open approximately 08:30 to 22:00 from Sunday to Thursday. On Fridays, the majority close in the early-to-mid afternoon — typically between 14:00 and 16:00 — before Shabbat begins at sunset.

Extended late-night opening is available at a handful of pharmacies in major cities, but around-the-clock trading is rare. During Shabbat and public holidays, locating an open pharmacy can be genuinely difficult. Each city designates a rotating on-call (toran) pharmacy to remain open during these periods, ensuring some access to essential medications is maintained.

If you plan to stay somewhere for several days, particularly over Shabbat or a national holiday, it is sensible to ask a nearby pharmacy in advance which outlet will be available during that time. Many Israeli municipalities publish updated on-call pharmacy schedules; the Jerusalem Municipality, for example, provides an up-to-date list of on-call pharmacies on its official website.

In larger urban centres such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, certain Super-Pharm branches within shopping centres maintain extended hours that can stretch to midnight. Pharmacies in rural areas and smaller towns typically have shorter operating hours, and on-call rotas may cover a broader geographic zone — meaning a journey may be necessary to access emergency dispensing outside standard hours.

Which medications can I buy over the counter in Israel, and which require a prescription?

Both health-fund pharmacies and independent outlets sell a range of basic medicines — including cold remedies and contraception — without a prescription, while many other medications require a doctor’s authorisation before they can be dispensed. Every drug sold in Israel must appear on the national drug register, which is administered by the Pharmaceutical Division of the Ministry of Health.

Some products that are freely available over the counter in other countries require a prescription in Israel. These can include treatments for yeast infections, heartburn, allergies, and certain topical preparations, though the regulations governing such items are gradually being relaxed. If you are accustomed to picking up a particular product from a supermarket shelf or pharmacy counter abroad, it is worth checking whether the same item demands a doctor’s visit in Israel — particularly important to bear in mind during your first weeks after arriving.

Certain prescription medicines in Israel must be initiated by a specialist physician rather than a general practitioner. This category can include specific psychiatric drugs such as some ADHD medications, as well as biological therapies. This arrangement mirrors how controlled or higher-risk medications are restricted to specialist prescribers under frameworks such as the NHS or Medicare in other countries.

Online pharmacies do exist in Israel, but they principally handle delivery of non-prescription products and general healthcare goods. For prescription items, a visit to a physical pharmacy presenting a valid prescription is the standard requirement. Any legitimately operating online pharmacy will demand a valid prescription from a licensed Israeli physician before supplying medication, will only dispense in the quantities and strengths the physician has authorised, and will carry only drugs listed in the Israeli National Drugs Registry.

How does the prescription system work in Israel?

The vast majority of medications in Israel can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed physician. Within the public health system, your primary medical contact is your rofeh mishpacha (family doctor), who is assigned through your kupat cholim. A GP can prescribe most everyday medications; however, certain drugs — including some psychiatric or biological treatments — require a specialist referral before a prescription can be issued.

Two of the four health funds — Clalit and Maccabi — have moved entirely to digital prescriptions, dispensing with paper altogether. As the broader healthcare system continues to evolve, the remaining two funds may adopt the same approach. This transition towards electronic prescribing mirrors similar developments in countries such as the UK and Australia. Where paper prescriptions are still in use, they will carry the brand name, generic name, and dosage instructions alongside the doctor’s licence number, signature, and stamp for validation. Prescriptions carry an expiry date, and a pharmacist cannot fill one after this date unless the prescribing doctor specifically requests and approves an extension.

Unlike healthcare systems that routinely allow patients to collect two or three months’ worth of medication in a single visit, Israeli pharmacies generally operate on a monthly dispensing cycle. Most prescription drugs cannot be supplied in quantities exceeding a one-month supply, which means regular monthly trips to the pharmacy are part of life for anyone managing a chronic condition. This is an important practical point for anyone accustomed to longer dispensing intervals elsewhere.

A first prescription in Israel will only be issued following a physical consultation — you cannot simply present a foreign prescription and receive an immediate local equivalent. You will need to register with a kupat cholim and book an appointment with your assigned family doctor, who will carry out an examination before issuing an Israeli prescription where appropriate.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in Israel?

The healthcare basket (sal briut) defines the full range of services, medications, supplies, and medical equipment to which individuals are entitled under the National Health Insurance Law. Any citizen or resident registered with a kupat cholim qualifies for these entitlements, provided the relevant clinical criteria are met. All four health funds are equally obligated to deliver every benefit and service contained in the sal briut, as set out by the Ministry of Health.

Prescribed drugs within the basket receive government subsidies, although patients typically contribute a co-payment. Many commonly prescribed medications carry a co-payment of around 13 NIS — just over three US dollars at recent exchange rates — while a prescribed antibiotic costs approximately six US dollars. Co-payment amounts can change, so always confirm the current figures directly with your health fund. The Israeli Ministry of Health website and your kupat cholim are the most reliable sources for up-to-date pricing information.

The co-payment percentage varies considerably and may range from as little as 10% to as much as 90% of a drug’s cost depending on the medication. Drugs falling within the health basket are regulated by the four sick funds, which form the foundation of Israel’s public healthcare system.

Medications outside the basic basket may be covered by supplemental insurance plans, though different funds do not offer identical supplemental coverage. Around 85% of Israelis hold some form of supplemental health insurance that extends coverage to medications not included in the standard basket. The cost of supplemental plans is age-dependent — contact individual kupot cholim for current premium information.

Due to government subsidies, brand-name prescription medications are generally less expensive in Israel than in many other countries; paradoxically, however, over-the-counter products can sometimes cost more. For the most current pricing details, the Kol-Zchut (All Rights) guide to medications in the healthcare basket provides frequently updated, plainly written information.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in Israel?

Israeli pharmacies can only dispense prescription medications on the basis of a prescription issued by a doctor licensed in Israel. A prescription from abroad carries no legal validity at an Israeli pharmacy, regardless of whether it bears a doctor’s stamp or registration number, and regardless of the country in which it was issued. This rule applies uniformly across all pharmacy types — both independent outlets and health-fund-affiliated branches.

If you arrive with a prescription from another country, your new Israeli physician will assess your situation and prescribe a local equivalent where appropriate. However, as noted above, an initial physical consultation is required before any first prescription can be issued. You should therefore register with a kupat cholim and arrange a consultation with your family doctor as promptly as possible after your arrival. Bring a comprehensive medical summary from your previous doctor — including your diagnoses, current medications, dosages, and any pertinent test results — so that your new Israeli physician can identify a suitable local equivalent as efficiently as possible.

Not every medication available abroad is approved for sale in Israel, and the reverse is equally true. If you depend on a particular drug, it is advisable to discuss its availability and legal status in Israel with a local healthcare provider before or shortly after arrival. Generic drug names tend to be more prevalent in Israel, and many international brand names either differ or are simply not stocked — Fosamax, for example, is marketed as Fosalan in Israel — which can cause confusion for people transitioning from another country’s healthcare system.

Keeping a record of all your prescription medications — including both trade names and generic (active ingredient) names, plus dosages — stored on your smartphone ensures that any medical professional can access this information instantly whenever needed. This straightforward precaution can save valuable time during your first medical appointment in Israel.

Can I bring my medications into Israel?

Travellers are generally permitted to bring medicines for personal use into Israel, typically up to a 30-day supply. Prescription drugs should be kept in their original containers, clearly labelled with the drug name, the prescribing doctor’s name, and your own name. Keep all medications in their original packaging alongside the prescription, and ensure that the name on the prescription corresponds exactly to the name in your passport.

When relocating rather than visiting, it is advisable to bring a three-to-six-month supply of any essential prescription medication. This buffer period gives you sufficient time to register with the Israeli health system, establish care with a local doctor, and begin accessing your medications through the subsidised route — consistent with the general guidance given to people moving to countries where their existing medications must be re-prescribed locally.

If you are carrying narcotics or controlled substances, you should obtain a letter from your prescribing physician detailing the medications involved and the medical reason you require them. Cannabis-based products or medications cannot be imported into Israel under any circumstances. Controlled substances may require additional documentation beyond what is needed for standard prescription drugs.

The importation of medicines is strictly regulated to safeguard public health. Under the Pharmacists Ordinance, the Ministry of Health is responsible for approving and monitoring all pharmaceuticals entering the country. For medications that are not approved in Israel but are critical to a patient’s wellbeing, the Ministry provides a pathway for personal importation under defined conditions. Always consult the Israeli government’s official guidance on carrying medication before you travel, as these rules are subject to change.

Some medications you currently use may be sold under a different name in Israel, and in certain cases the same formulation may not be available at all. Israeli legislation permits the importation of non-registered drugs from approved countries under specific circumstances, and the Ministry of Health maintains a complete registry of all approved medications. If you rely on a drug that may not be registered in Israel, contact the Ministry of Health’s Pharmaceutical Division well ahead of your move to explore the available options.

How do expats access prescription medications through health insurance in Israel?

Expats and newcomers to Israel should register with one of the four kupot cholim as soon as possible in order to access subsidised healthcare and medications. Health insurance contributions are not paid to your kupat cholim directly — they are collected through Bituach Leumi (the National Insurance Institute) as part of your broader social security obligations. Once enrolled and contributing, you become entitled to the full medication basket on exactly the same terms as any other registered member.

You will need your health fund membership card each time you collect a prescription at a pharmacy. The four health funds — Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, and Leumit — each operate their own dedicated pharmacies and also have agreements with independent chains such as Super-Pharm, so registered members enjoy a reasonable degree of flexibility in where they choose to collect their medications.

Approximately 40% of Israelis carry private health insurance to supplement their kupat cholim coverage. For expats, international health insurance provides valuable additional support — including access to global medical records and cover for repatriation costs — and helps offset the higher costs associated with private medical services in Israel. If you hold a private international insurance policy, review the specific terms relating to prescription medication reimbursement, and clarify whether the policy operates on a cashless basis or requires you to pay upfront and claim back later at Israeli pharmacies.

Expats who have not yet registered with a kupat cholim — for example, those in the early stages of establishing residency or on short-term visas — will generally be required to pay the full, unsubsidised price for any prescription medications they need. The pharmacy Shor Tabachnik maintains a price list of drugs marketed in Israel; the displayed prices represent the full non-subsidised cost including VAT, whereas the price for medications dispensed through kupah membership may be substantially lower. This gap in cost reinforces how financially significant it is to register with a kupat cholim promptly upon arrival.

Selecting among Israel’s four kupot cholim can feel daunting. Each fund has different strengths in different areas — Clalit, for instance, has the most extensive network in rural and border regions. If you have a specific or complex medication requirement, it is worth researching the supplemental medication coverage offered by each fund before registering, as the benefits extending beyond the standard basket vary from one fund to another.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication before I have registered with a kupat cholim?

If your medication runs out before you have established care with an Israeli health fund, two routes are available: visit a private clinic — many operate in major cities and are able to issue a local prescription on the same day — or attend a hospital emergency department if the need is urgent. Without kupat cholim membership you will be charged the full, unsubsidised price at the pharmacy. This is precisely why arriving with at least a three-month supply of any essential medications is so strongly recommended.

Are brand-name medications available in Israel?

Generic drug names are more prevalent in Israel than brand names, and many internationally recognised brands are either sold under a different name or are unavailable. That said, larger urban pharmacies do stock a wide range of well-known brands. Your pharmacist will be able to suggest a locally available equivalent if your specific brand is not in stock. Bear in mind that certain dosage strengths can be harder to obtain — for example, 25 mcg doses are difficult to source for some drugs — and medications for blood pressure and seizure disorders may be among those affected.

Can I find a pharmacist who speaks a language other than Hebrew?

Israeli pharmacists are highly trained professionals capable of advising on medication use and potential side effects. In major cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, it is common to encounter pharmacists fluent in English, Russian, Arabic, and French, reflecting the country’s diverse population. In smaller towns, the range of languages spoken may be more limited. Writing down the generic (active ingredient) name of your medication is always a useful fallback when a language barrier exists.

What happens to my medication access in a medical emergency?

In a genuine medical emergency, proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency department (cheder miyun). The hospital will liaise with your kupat cholim for the required financial authorisation, and you will not be expected to pay out of pocket for life-saving treatment at the time of care. Hospitals carry essential medications on-site and will administer whatever is required during your treatment. Even if you have not yet registered with a kupat cholim, emergency care will be provided, though the billing arrangements will differ.

What if the medication I need is not included in the healthcare basket?

Medications that fall outside the basic basket may be covered under a supplemental insurance plan. Where this is not the case, your doctor may be able to apply for special authorisation on clinical grounds. In some situations you may need to pay the full market price for the drug. The Kol-Zchut website provides an official guide to obtaining medications not included in the healthcare basket, which is a useful starting point for understanding your options.

Do Israeli pharmacies dispense more than a one-month supply at a time?

Most prescription medications are dispensed in monthly quantities, meaning regular pharmacy visits are a feature of life for anyone on ongoing treatment. This differs from the practice in some countries where two- or three-month supplies are routinely given. Plan your schedule accordingly, particularly if frequent visits to a pharmacy would be inconvenient. Some health funds do offer home-delivery services for repeat prescriptions — check with your kupat cholim for details.

How do I find out if my specific medication is registered in Israel before I move?

The Ministry of Health maintains a searchable database containing all drugs that are currently or have previously been registered in the Israeli drug register, searchable by drug name or active ingredient. This database is accessible via the Ministry of Health website. As much of the content is in Hebrew, using your browser’s translation function or seeking assistance may be necessary. Consulting your prospective Israeli doctor or a relocation healthcare advisory service before you move is also a practical way to resolve any uncertainty.

Can I order prescription medications online once I am living in Israel?

Online pharmacies in Israel are primarily used for the delivery of non-prescription products and general healthcare items. For prescription medications, a visit to a physical pharmacy with a valid Israeli prescription is typically required. Some licensed online operations do accept electronically transmitted prescriptions from Israeli doctors, but any legitimate service will require a valid prescription before dispensing anything. Be wary of any online pharmacy that does not ask for a prescription — it is likely operating outside Israeli law.