X-Ray Cost in Israel: Kupat Holim Healthcare Guide

X-Ray Costs in Israel's Healthcare System

Israel provides universal healthcare through its Kupat Holim (health fund) system, offering residents comprehensive coverage including free x-rays. With four competing health funds providing services, Israeli residents enjoy high-quality healthcare with minimal out-of-pocket costs. For those without coverage, private x-rays typically cost ₪500-₪1,500 ($150-$450 USD), still affordable by international standards. The system combines efficiency, advanced technology, and accessibility, making Israel a model for universal healthcare delivery.

Israel's Kupat Holim System

Israel's unique healthcare system features four competing health funds:

The Four Kupot Holim

• Clalit: Largest fund, 52% of population
• Maccabi: 25% market share, premium services
• Meuhedet: 14% market share, personalized care
• Leumit: 9% market share, boutique approach

System Features

• Mandatory enrollment for all residents
• Funded through health tax (4.8% of income)
• Free choice of health fund
• Can switch funds once per year
• Same basic services at all funds

X-Ray Coverage with Kupat Holim

Basic Basket Coverage

All medically necessary x-rays are covered under the basic health basket:

• Chest x-rays: Fully covered with referral
• Bone/joint x-rays: Covered for injuries/conditions
• Diagnostic x-rays: Covered when medically indicated
• Emergency x-rays: Always covered
• Preventive screening: Covered per guidelines

Process for Getting X-Rays

1. Visit family doctor: Get referral (hafnaya)
2. Schedule appointment: Through fund's app/phone
3. Attend imaging center: Fund-operated or contracted
4. No payment required: Show Kupat Holim card
5. Results to doctor: Usually within days

Private Healthcare X-Ray Costs

Private Facility Pricing

Note: Exchange rate approximately ₪3.33 = $1 USD as of 2025.

When to Use Private Services

• Faster service (no waiting lists)
• Second opinions
• Not covered by basic basket
• Tourist/visitor without coverage
• Convenience and flexibility

Major Healthcare Facilities

Jerusalem

• Hadassah Medical Center: Two campuses, leading facility
• Shaare Zedek: Major hospital, emergency services
• Herzog Hospital: Specialized services
• Terem Emergency Centers: Urgent care network

Tel Aviv Area

• Sheba Medical Center: Largest hospital in Middle East
• Ichilov (Sourasky): Central Tel Aviv location
• Assuta: Private hospital network
• Rabin Medical Center: Petah Tikva, major facility

Other Major Cities

• Haifa: Rambam Health Care Campus
• Be'er Sheva: Soroka Medical Center
• Netanya: Laniado Hospital
• Afula: HaEmek Medical Center

Supplemental Insurance (Bituach Mashlim)

Additional Coverage Options

About 40% of Israelis purchase supplemental insurance for enhanced benefits:

• Shorter wait times: Access to private facilities
• Choice of specialists: Including private consultations
• Advanced imaging: Quicker access to MRI/CT
• Second opinions: Covered consultations
• Abroad coverage: Treatment outside Israel

Cost of Supplemental Insurance

• Basic plans: ₪50-100/month per person
• Comprehensive plans: ₪150-300/month
• Family discounts available
• Age-based pricing
• Pre-existing condition limitations

For New Immigrants (Olim)

Healthcare Rights

• Immediate Kupat Holim enrollment upon arrival
• Full coverage from day one
• Free choice of health fund
• Sal Klita may help with initial costs
• Assistance available in multiple languages

Registration Process

1. Choose Kupat Holim at airport or within 60 days
2. Register at local branch with Teudat Oleh
3. Receive membership card
4. Register with family doctor
5. Full services available immediately

For Tourists and Visitors

Healthcare Options

• Travel insurance: Essential for visitors
• Private hospitals: Accept international insurance
• Terem urgent care: Tourist-friendly, English-speaking
• Tourist programs: Some Kupot offer temporary coverage

Maccabi's Wellcome Program

For extended visitors (non-residents):

• Monthly fees: $115-$450 depending on age
• Comprehensive coverage including x-rays
• No waiting periods
• English support available
• Cancel anytime

Private Medical Centers

Major Private Facilities

• Assuta Network: Multiple locations, premium services
• Herzliya Medical Center: International patient focus
• Elite Medical: Tel Aviv, luxury healthcare
• Private imaging centers: Throughout major cities

Private Consultation Costs

• GP consultation: ₪250-₪1,000 ($75-$300)
• Specialist consultation: ₪800-₪2,000 ($240-$600)
• Often includes basic diagnostics
• English-speaking doctors available

Quality and Technology

Israeli healthcare maintains exceptional standards:

• Advanced technology: Latest imaging equipment
• Research hospitals: Cutting-edge treatments
• Medical tourism: Attracts international patients
• Digital health: Apps and online services
• Multilingual support: Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian

Tips for Navigating the System

1. Learn the lingo: Basic Hebrew medical terms helpful
2. Use fund apps: Book appointments, view results
3. Understand referrals: Required for specialists
4. Emergency care: Always available regardless of fund
5. Keep records: Important for continuity of care
6. Know your rights: Patient advocacy available

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tourists get free emergency x-rays?

Emergency care is provided to all, but tourists must pay. Costs are reasonable compared to many countries. Travel insurance is essential. Some hospitals have payment plans for large bills.

How long are wait times for x-rays?

With Kupat Holim, non-urgent x-rays typically scheduled within 1-2 weeks. Urgent cases get priority. Private facilities offer immediate or next-day appointments. Emergency x-rays are immediate at all hospitals.

Can I choose where to get my x-ray?

Within your Kupat Holim network, you can usually choose from several facilities. Going outside network requires private payment unless you have supplemental insurance. Each fund has different agreements with imaging centers.

Are x-ray reports in English?

Reports are typically in Hebrew. You can request English translations, especially at private facilities or hospitals serving international patients. Many doctors will explain results in English.

What if I need x-rays before choosing a Kupat Holim?

New immigrants have 60 days to choose but receive immediate temporary coverage. Emergency care is always available. Non-emergency care may require private payment and later reimbursement.