In principle, the obligation imposed by the law for the Kupat Cholim to provide health services to Israeli residents is limited exclusively to the territory of Israel. However, there is a defined set of cases where the insured is entitled to participation in the costs of medical treatment abroad, subject to the fulfillment of all the following conditions:

1. The treatment is in one of the following fields: organ transplants, congenital defects, tumors, cardiovascular diseases and neurocerebral diseases.
2. The insured is unable to receive the required treatment or an equivalent treatment in Israel (if a little experience does exist in Israel, it is considered as if the insured is able to receive the treatment in Israel).
3. The insured is in danger of losing his life if he does not receive the specific health service.

In addition, if in the opinion of the health fund a case presents exceptional medical circumstances, it may fund the treatment abroad.
Note: If a health fund rejects the insured’s request to receive health services outside Israel, the decision may be appealed before a special appeals committee in the Ministry of Health.

This information was translated and adapted from content provided by The Society for Patients’ Rights in Israel.