Israel Health Insurance

Israel is a country with a rich and chequered history, a home to people of many different beliefs and customs, and a place where tradition and modernity meet and interact in a myriad of ways. It was ranked 29th in the World on the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ index, making it an attractive expatriate destination, and its historical sites, beaches and fascinating landscape have all contributed to a rise in tourism in the country. However, while the health service in Israel is mostly of a high standard, it can be very expensive and private medical insurance is a necessity.

Feeling comfortable in the knowledge that if something was to happen to a family member their medical costs will be taken care of, is important to us all. Our expert consultants can advise on the most suitable level of coverage for families, individuals, groups, travelers, and teachers expatriate health insurance.

Expatriate Health Insurance Israel

Pacific Prime is an expatriate insurance broker specialising in providing overseas medical insurance for Israel nationals living, working or holidaying abroad. If you are a non Israel national and moving to Israel we can also provide plans that meet your specific requirements.

The policies that we can provide are guaranteed renewable for life and globally portable, so even if you should relocate away from the country your plan will continue to cover you. With a number of extra benefits including maternity coverage, emergency evacuation and repatriation, dental treatment, out-patient consultations, alternative medicines, complimentary therapies, and specialist consultations, you can be assured that an international health insurance Israel plan will give you the coverage that you need. For more information about the products and services that we can offer, or to receive a free quote, please contact us today.

Professional Service you can trust

Pacific Prime Insurance will be with you for the duration of your policy. We offer additional customer services that include claims advice, emergency contact numbers and medical advice lines. We also maintain a comprehensive list of Israel hospitals/doctors. Most of our clients are expatriates so we maintain a list of Embassies in Israel.

As a leading broker of medical insurance in Israel we keep up on the latest insurance trends and Israel Insurance News.

We can offer expatriates in Israel dedicated international health insurance plans that will provide comprehensive coverage in the East and around the world. Plans that we can offer will usually have a number of benefits that a policyholder is able to tailor to suit their specific requirements. With coverage options including out-patient, dental, maternity, and emergency evacuation, you will be assured of receiving the highest levels of quality treatment anywhere in the world.

Israel Travel Tips

We understand that foreign countries can be confusing. To help you better understand Israel we have provided some advice on local customs, laws and general behavior.
Please be advised that the information contained below is only for reference purposes, by no means comprehensive, and is liable to change at any time without prior warning. Please consult with a travel professional before your trip to ensure that you have the most current data.

• Israelis have a reputation for valuing forthrightness above superficial politeness, in a way that outsiders might see as abrupt or even rude. Direct personal questions are common, and not usually meant to be offensive. Almost all Israelis have had to serve in the armed forces, and a lot of military vocabulary is incorporated into Hebrew slang alongside words of Arabic origin. Israelis are usually keen not to be seen as a ‘sucker’- a person who does not stand up for themselves, and lets others take advantage of them or rip them off. Loud, spirited debates and arguments in public are socially acceptable. However, on the whole Israelis are welcoming and hospitable to foreign visitors.
• Religions: Israel encompasses an area of historical importance for many local and worldwide religions, and is a place where several religions and cultures brush shoulders. Visitors should be aware of this and respect people’s often strongly held beliefs and customs.
• The Jewish “Shabbat”, starting at sunset on Friday and ending on Saturday evening, means that in Israel Saturday is a weekly rest day for most Jews. Shops will often close relatively early on Friday to allow people to get home in good time for sunset. You should be especially aware of Shabbat in ultra-orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods, for example in Jerusalem, and it is best not to enter them at all on a Saturday, when they are blocked off. Residents may stone your car if you attempt to drive into their neighbourhoods, as they consider driving to be prohibited on this day. You should also be careful to dress modestly in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza on any day of the week, and it is unwise for women to wear trousers. Assaults have occurred on people considered ‘immodestly dressed’.
• It is best to be sensitive to Jewish, Muslim, or other local customs when in Israel. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the dates for which vary from year to year, Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset. You may wish to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public places in predominantly Muslim areas during this month as a courtesy to the locals. Also, drinking alcohol in the presence of Muslims may cause offence. Be sensible about taking photographs of people in Muslim or Orthodox Jewish areas without their permission.
• Avoid taking pictures of military or police personnel or installations, as the Israeli authorities take any percieved security threats extremely seriously.  
• Terrorism – The threat of terrorism in Israel from extremist Palestinian or international groups or individuals is constant and unpredictable. Attacks can take place anywhere in the country and are not limited to Jerusalem, the West Bank, the area near the Lebanese border or Gaza and its surrounds, although you should be especially careful in these areas. There is also a risk of kidnapping. Public transport and any area where large numbers of people may gather, including border crossings and also areas frequented by foreigners or expatriates are among the targets for indiscriminate attacks. At present, travel to many areas in and around Israel, including but not limited to Gaza and the surrounding area, is strongly advised against by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and by the U.S. Department of State; Check with your country’s embassy for detailed advice. Your insurance may not cover terrorism related injuries if you disregard advice of this kind, and health cover for travel in some areas where there is a perceived threat may be subject to limitations or exclusions; For more information and advice about insurance in Israel, please do not hesitate to contact one of our advisors.
• Partly as a result of the terrorist threat, those entering and exiting the country are subject to careful security screening, and long delays, prolonged questioning and searches are not uncommon at the airport. Particularly rigorous security is in place at border crossings with the West Bank and Gaza, which can severely impede travellers, especially as these borders are sometimes closed altogether. In particular, those with Arab surnames or connections, women travelling alone, or people asking that their passports not be given an Israeli stamp, may well be delayed or detained for some time. People can be refused entry to the county by the Israeli authorities with no explanation. Citizens of other countries with Palestinian passports or I.D. numbers are considered by Israel to be Palestinians and subject to the same movement restrictions in Israel controlled territory as other Palestinians. Those with Israeli passports must also use them when entering and leaving the country instead of any other passport they may have. People bringing electronic devices and cameras into the country may also be subject to delays and even have them confiscated, although they will normally be returned on leaving the country.
• You should carry identification at all times when travelling in and around Israel in case the authorities ask for it and make copies of your passport in case it gets lost.
• Israel has severe penalties for drug related offences such as smuggling or trafficking illegal drugs. Being caught in possession of illegal drugs is likely to result in a prison sentence followed by deportation.
• Israeli roads are often crowded and aggressive driving is a common problem. Israel has a very high fatality-rate from automobile accidents. Drivers and passengers are required to wear a seatbelt at all times, and all cars are to have fluorescent vests in them (which can be purchased cheaply in petrol stations) to be worn when getting out of the car to do repairs or change tires etc. In winter headlights have to be used day and night for intercity travel. Use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
• Most visits to Israel are trouble-free. However, theft of valuables, credit cards or passports from public beaches is commonplace so look after personal belongings.
• Healthcare, while of a high standard in most parts of Israel proper, can be commensurably expensive for non-citizens. Hospitals will insist on payment and may take legal action to prevent people leaving the country until their bills are payed. Visitors who enter the country legally and are subsequently injured by ‘acts of hostility’ in Israel are eligible for certain benefits from the Israeli government but this is subject to the specific circumstances. For peace of mind and to avoid unnecessary expense and distress, private medical insurance is a must for those planning to visit or live in Israel for any length of time.