Main Features

Today Israel boasts a population of over 6 million people with 81 % of them being Jews and the remaining 19 % are from a number of different nationalities and religions, largely Arabs. Israel's population has a life expectancy rate of 79.5 years for women and 75.5 years for men, which is considered very high compared to the rest of the world.

Israel also has a large number of hospitals across the country and most of them are in the center of the country. Some of these are general hospitals, which cater to a number of medical conditions. There are also a large number of specialty hospitals which deal with specific medical issues. Many of the general hospitals that operate in Israel are run by the state's Health Ministry or Clalit health maintenance organization.

The main feature of the Israeli Health care system is the Health insurance law which was passed in the year 1995. This law made it mandatory for the citizens to have a membership in any one of the four Health Maintenance organizations. A list of Uniform Benefits Package, which included a number of medical treatments and services, was made available and funded with the passing of this law.

Funding was provided for the health benefits by creating a progressive health tax and was also financed by the government. Also, the government provided for "supplementary insurances" which go beyond the basic healthcare and provide treatments and medical services that are not included in the Uniform Benefits Package.

Key elements of the 1995 Insurance law -

1. The state is responsible for providing medical services to its residents.

2. The sick funds will provide for the hospitalization and other standardized medical services.

3. All residents and employers have to pay progressive insurance premiums.

4. Mandatory registration for every citizen with any one of the four sick funds.

5. There is no restriction when enrolling for a sick fund, e.g. age, health condition, etc.

6. All four sick funds are of the same standard.

Here is a list of treatments and services that are included in the government health care service -

1. It covers all medical diagnosis costs

2. Provides health education and preventive medicines

3. Hospitalization costs for things like maternity, chronic and psychiatric treatment, etc.

4. All surgeries and organ transplants. Under this clause, if a patient requires a surgery or organ transplant that is unavailable in Israel, then the medical treatment that is done overseas will be covered too.

5. All children are covered for basic dental care treatments

6. The plan provides transportation services to and from the hospital

7. All workplaces should provide basic first aid

8. Medical treatment for different drug addictions or alcohol problem is also included in this health care program

9. Injuries due to violence

10. Paramedical treatment for people requiring physical or occupational therapy

The services and medical treatments provided by the Health care plan above show that the Israeli health care system covers almost all basic and advanced health issues that a resident may require.