How to choose a maternity hospital in Israel
The choice is yours — not your kupah's. Here is your right to choose, how to pre-register, and every factor worth weighing before you decide where to give birth.
Your right to choose
Under the National Health Insurance Law, you may give birth at any public hospital in Israel with a maternity ward — regardless of which kupah (health fund) you belong to. Basic coverage is identical at every public hospital; distance is a factor in your control, not a restriction imposed by your kupah.
Pre-registering at the hospital
It is a good idea to pre-register at your chosen hospital around your ninth month — visit the admissions office and bring: both parents' ID documents (teudat zehut or passport), bank account details, and your pregnancy file. Pre-registration saves paperwork during labour. In Jerusalem, pre-registration is usually mandatory; elsewhere it is strongly recommended. Check the exact procedure directly with the hospital.
What to consider when deciding
Epidural & pain relief
Epidurals are available at most hospitals (approx. ₪1,500–2,500; sometimes partially covered by your kupah/health fund). Ask whether anesthesiologist cover is 24/7, and what other options are offered — birthing pool, TENS, massage.
NICU (neonatal intensive care)
Especially important in high-risk pregnancies. Ask about the NICU level, the number of neonatologists on staff, and whether cover is 24/7.
Natural birth & water birth
Some hospitals have dedicated natural-birth rooms (e.g. Sheba/Tel HaShomer, Lis/Ichilov, Laniado, Hadassah). Ask if there is a dedicated room and whether water birth is available.
Rooming-in & private room
Rooming-in (baby stays in your room) is available as full or partial — your choice. Standard admission is a shared room (1–3 nights); upgrade to a private room or hotel-style suite is an extra charge (sometimes partially covered by supplemental insurance, "shem/shaban").
Caesarean section rate
C-section rates vary between hospitals. Ask about their rate and their approach to VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean).
Birth companions & doula
Usually 1–2 companions are permitted. The National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) basket covers a refund of approx. ₪1,500–2,000 for a doula. Confirm the hospital's policy in advance.
Distance & accessibility
Consider travel time during labour, parking for your companion, and whether your OB/midwife delivers at that hospital. Sometimes a smaller, calmer hospital beats a large busy one — distance is a factor you control, not a restriction from your kupah.
Major hospitals with maternity wards
Ramat Gan
Tel Aviv
Jerusalem
Jerusalem
Haifa
Netanya
Questions to ask the hospital
- Is there a natural-birth room? Is water birth available?
- Is an epidural (anesthesiologist) available 24/7? What other pain-relief options are offered?
- What is the rooming-in policy, and is a private room available? How much does it cost?
- What NICU level do you have, and how many neonatologists are on call 24/7?
- What is your C-section rate? What is your approach to VBAC?
- How many birth companions are allowed? Can I bring a doula (siyur)?
- How do I pre-register, and what documents do I need to bring?
For information only. The information above is general and correct as of 2026. 24/7 epidural availability, C-section rates, and service details vary between hospitals and change over time — verify directly with your chosen hospital. Talking to other parents in your community can also be very helpful in making your decision.
See also: All tools for parents →
Preparing for birth?Doulas, lactation consultants and birth-prep courses — rated by cityFind providers near you