There are many reasons to change your kupat holim (health plan). 

Your favorite doctor may no longer be covered at your kupah, you may have moved, and a different kupah is right down the street.  Your decision may be based on a kupah’s easier online access, or the complementary medicine services offered is more inclusive.  As you age, your medical needs change, and perhaps your current plan is not providing what you now need. Whatever the reason is, you are lawfully able to change your kupat cholim whenever you want.  According to Israeli law, kupot holim may not bar applicants on any grounds, including age and state of health.  

When choosing a new kupah, EMA Care suggests you choose according to:

  1. Location, location, location- it’s much easier to follow through on your medical concerns when your medical care is geographically easy to access (this includes a consumer-friendly website)

  2. .Recommendations - ask your friends about their experiences using a specific kupah. Ask if they have experience with hospitalizations and surgeries. Is the kupah easy to work with under these circumstances?  Are they satisfied with the care given? 

  3. Particular services - do your research if you already know what particular need you have. If acupuncture has helped you in the past, check if that kupah will cover the cost. Each kupah has different levels of services. Make sure you understand which level offers which service.

  4. Changing needs – as you age, as your family grows you may find that specific specialists or treatments are needed. Although every Kupah is supposed to provide similar services, some Kupot are more supportive, have more resources, better providers, better levels of coverage, or higher level of services. This may be geographic and this may be related to your age or changing health needs.

The actual changing of kupot holim is relatively easy.  Keep in mind, the coverage provided by an additional health services plan (supplemental insurance or a high-level insurance plan) is usually retained in the new kupah cholim. However, you should always verify this before actually making the switch.  Some plans do require a waiting period before the higher level of coverage begins.

Changing your kupat cholim may be done simply by going to the post office, paying a nominal fee, filling out the required form, and handing it in there. There is also an online option through the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) website. We will send all of your medical files from your current kupaht to your new kupah – but you need to request and verify this service!

Keep in mind you may only switch health plans twice within any 12 month period. There are quarterly enrollment periods throughout the year, but you will be covered by your present kupah until the transfer to the new kupah goes into effect.

If you find yourself unhappy with your current health plan, EMA Care is happy to help you change your kupat home.  Excellent health care does exist! We are ready to work with you to make sure you are in the right kupah for your needs and location.

EMA Care provides medical concierge, case management, and patient advocacy services to tourists, students, and Israel residents. We can be contacted at info@healthcareisrael.com.  Schedule your free consultation today.