Israel

8 Universal Health Care System FAQs #7

Does Israel have socialized medicine?
No. Health care service providers are both private and public, with some who are semi-private. In 1995, the government passed a law requiring mandatory membership in one of the four Health Maintenance Organizations in the country. Prior to 1995, citizens had paid premiums directly to the HMOs. After the passage of the National Health Insurance Law, they began paying for their health insurance through taxes, with funding guaranteed for those who cannot pay.

What types of restrictions have been placed on the HMOs?
The HMOs are required to accept any citizen who wished to sign up with them regardless of any circumstance including age and pre-existing conditions. All Israeli citizens receive the same Uniform Benefits Package from their HMO.

Is the quality of health care in Israel high?
Israel is one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world. Their research facilities and hospitals are modern and first-rate. They rate well is most indicators of quality health care such as infant mortality rate (4 deaths per 1,000 live births as compares to 7 in the US) and life expectancy (81).

Sources (Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wikipedia)

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