Israel is a small country in the Middle East that has made significant strides in healthcare over the past several decades. With a population of approximately 9 million, Israel has a relatively high life expectancy and a low infant mortality rate. In this article, we will explore the healthcare system in Israel, including the standard of care, payment options, hospital services, follow-up care, and medical treatment for foreign visitors.
Standard of Healthcare in Israel
The standard of healthcare in Israel is considered to be high, with a robust public healthcare system and a growing private sector. Israel has a national health insurance program, which covers all citizens and permanent residents, and is funded through taxes and contributions from employers and employees.
Israel’s healthcare system is highly centralized, with four main health maintenance organizations (HMOs) responsible for providing healthcare services to the majority of the population. These HMOs offer a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs.
The country has a well-developed healthcare infrastructure with a large number of hospitals and medical centers across the country. Medical research and innovation are also strong, with Israel being home to many medical technology companies and startups.
Payment for Healthcare in Israel
As mentioned above, Israel has a national health insurance program, which is mandatory for all citizens and permanent residents. The program covers the majority of healthcare costs, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescription drugs.
Residents are required to pay a small co-payment for certain services, such as prescription drugs, specialist visits, and non-urgent hospitalization. The co-payment amount varies depending on the service and the individual’s income level.
Private health insurance is available in Israel and is recommended for those who want access to additional healthcare services or who want to avoid the co-payment fees. Private insurance can cover a range of services, including elective procedures, alternative medicine, and overseas medical treatment.
Hospital Services in Israel
Israel has a large number of hospitals and medical centers, both public and private. The public hospitals are operated by the government, while the private hospitals are run by HMOs or private companies.
Hospitals in Israel offer a wide range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient treatment, diagnostic services, and rehabilitation services. The hospitals are well-equipped with modern medical technology and have highly trained medical staff.
In Israel, patients are not expected to receive care from their families while in the hospital. The hospitals provide a range of services, including meals, laundry, and cleaning, to ensure that patients are comfortable during their stay.
Follow-up Care in Israel
After hospital treatment, patients in Israel typically receive follow-up care from their primary care physician or specialist. The follow-up care may include additional tests or procedures, prescription medication, or physical therapy.
Patients are responsible for scheduling their follow-up appointments and for ensuring that they receive the appropriate care. The healthcare system in Israel has implemented a digital health record system, which makes it easy for healthcare providers to access patient information and track their medical history.
Medical Treatment for Foreign Visitors in Israel
Israel has a national health insurance program, which covers all citizens and permanent residents. However, foreign visitors are not covered under this program and are responsible for paying for their medical treatment out of pocket.
Foreign visitors can purchase private health insurance in Israel or obtain travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Many international insurance companies offer travel insurance policies that include medical coverage for trips to Israel.
In case of an emergency, foreign visitors can receive medical treatment at any hospital in Israel, regardless of their ability to pay. However, they will be required to pay for the treatment in full at the time of service.
The healthcare system in Israel is highly developed, with a strong public healthcare system and a growing
