Full guide · Updated 2026

Which kupat cholim (health fund) is right for your family?

All four funds are required by law to cover the same basic health basket — the real difference is in the shoval (supplementary insurance), geographic coverage, and service quality. Here is a detailed comparison of each fund, who it suits, and how to switch (including waiting periods).

What is the same in every fund (the basic health basket)

Prenatal monitoring, ultrasounds, and standard screening tests
Hospitalisation and delivery
Childhood vaccinations — free (at Tipat Chalav clinics and school)
Preventive dental care for children up to age 18
Birth grant, hospitalisation grant, and maternity pay — paid via Bituach Leumi (not the kupah)

Detailed comparison — what each fund offers

Benefits and reimbursement caps depend on the shoval tier and change over time — verify with the fund before making a decision.

Clalit (כללית)

Shoval: Mushlam Zahav / Platinum

During pregnancy

Prenatal monitoring and ultrasounds with no co-payment
Option for home ultrasound (PulseNmore partnership)
Pregnancy package in shoval (supplementary insurance) — reimbursements on additional tests

For baby and child

Tipat Chalav (well-baby clinic) and vaccinations — free
Children's dental clinics up to age 18
Developmental therapy — shoval reimburses ~75% per session (Platinum adds 25 sessions/year)
Post-birth recovery allowance for new mothers (Platinum tier)

Best for: Families who want the widest nationwide coverage (including the periphery), no co-pay on primary care, and those planning several children.

Less suitable for: Specialist waiting times can be long; basic dental coverage without shoval is minimal (you need shoval for real discounts).

Clalit official website

Maccabi (מכבי)

Shoval: Maccabi Zahav / Sheli

During pregnancy

Pregnancy package in shoval: up to ~75% reimbursement, up to ₪2,000 per pregnancy (₪4,000 for multiple pregnancies)
Includes breastfeeding consultation, doula, NIPT and screening tests, maternity accessories
Waiting period: 6 months of shoval membership

For baby and child

Newborn registration up to one month old
Children's dental care up to age 18 (higher discounts in "Sheli" tier)
Developmental therapy and reimbursements on medical equipment (shoval)
ADHD diagnosis with low co-payment ("Sheli" tier)

Best for: Families who value fast digital service — a strong app, online appointment booking, and fast referral processing.

Less suitable for: Relatively high waiting times and service complaints; less suitable for those who prefer phone/in-person service.

Maccabi official website

Meuhedet (מאוחדת)

Shoval: Adif / Shia

During pregnancy

Pregnancy package in "Shia": ~75% reimbursement up to ₪2,365 per pregnancy
Includes NIPT and screening tests
Waiting period: 6 months

For baby and child

Family-focused approach — perks and discounts for infants and children
Developmental therapy and consultations (shoval)
Tipat Chalav and vaccinations — free

Best for: Families planning a pregnancy who can join "Shia" and wait 6 months — the pregnancy package is competitive. Also suitable for new immigrants (olim chadashim) and temporary residents.

Less suitable for: Anyone needing immediate pregnancy coverage — the 6-month shoval waiting period applies.

Meuhedet official website

Leumit (לאומית)

Shoval: Kesef / Zahav

During pregnancy

MOM Centre for pregnancy guidance, certified nurses, and breastfeeding consultants
"Kesef" tier: ~80% reimbursement on birth-prep course (up to ₪226)
"Zahav" tier: pregnancy package up to ₪2,322 per pregnancy (up to ₪9,290 cumulative across 4 pregnancies)

For baby and child

Breastfeeding support and guidance
Tipat Chalav and vaccinations — free
Preventive dental care for children

Best for: Families looking for an established fund with strong pregnancy guidance (MOM Centre) and often good appointment availability.

Less suitable for: Basic plan (without shoval) offers limited prenatal diagnostics; complaints rate is relatively high for its size.

Leumit official website

Switching health funds — what you need to know

How many times

You can switch up to twice in 12 months, with at least 6 months between switches.

When it takes effect

6 fixed dates per year: 1 January, March, May, July, September, and November. The request must be submitted at least 45 days in advance.

Basic health basket — immediate

The basic health basket (sal briut) transfers immediately with no waiting period; coverage starts on the transfer date.

Supplementary insurance (shoval) — seniority preserved

By law, the new fund must accept you at the same shoval tier and preserve your seniority. However, new services may have a waiting period (typically 3–12 months, sometimes longer). Services you have already used continue without a waiting period.

Important for pregnancy: From the second trimester onward, a pregnancy may be classified as a "pre-existing condition" and a fund may refuse to accept a transfer. If you are thinking of switching, do it before becoming pregnant or before the second trimester.

How to switch:Online on the Bituach Leumi website, via the app, or at any post office.Switch fund via Bituach Leumi (Hebrew)

How to choose — 4 questions to ask

Which prenatal tests matter to you, and what is the reimbursement rate for each in each fund's shoval tier?
Where are the nearest clinics, paediatricians, and diagnostic centres to your home?
How good is the appointment availability and digital service (app, remote consultation)?
What is the waiting period (vetek/achshara) before pregnancy benefits kick in?

Whichever fund you choose, it is worth finding a good paediatrician. Explore BabyHub tools for parents →

Estimate only. Information is general and correct as of 2026. Shoval terms, reimbursement rates, caps, and waiting periods are set by each fund and change periodically — always verify the latest details with your fund before making a decision.

Bituach Leumi — Health Insurance (Hebrew)Clalit official site Maccabi official site Meuhedet official site Leumit official site

Looking for more help? All tools for parents →

Frequently asked questions

Which health fund should new immigrants (olim chadashim) join?+

All four funds are equally required by law to accept new immigrants. Meuhedet is sometimes recommended for olim because of its family focus and experience with new residents. Clalit has the widest geographic coverage, which matters if you live outside a major city. The most important step is to register with any fund as soon as possible after making aliyah — you are entitled to the basic health basket from day one.

How do I switch kupot holim (health funds)?+

You can switch online via the Bituach Leumi (National Insurance) website, through the Bituach Leumi app, or in person at any post office. Switches take effect on one of six fixed dates per year (1 January, March, May, July, September, November) and must be submitted at least 45 days before the target date. You can switch up to twice in 12 months.

Are all four funds the same for pregnancy and baby care?+

The basic health basket (sal briut) is identical by law: prenatal monitoring, delivery, childhood vaccinations, and preventive dental care. The real differences are in the supplementary insurance (shoval/bituach mashlim): the reimbursement rates, pregnancy packages, developmental therapy sessions, and dental discounts vary significantly between funds and even between tiers within the same fund. Always compare the shoval terms before deciding.

Can I join a kupah before I have a teudat zehut (Israeli ID)?+

In practice, registration with a kupah requires a teudat zehut number. However, you receive your teudat zehut at the airport or at the Ministry of Interior on arrival day. Once you have it, register with a kupah as soon as possible — the Ministry of Absorption (Misrad Haklita) can help you do this on your first day. Until you are registered, emergency care is still available in hospitals.