As of 1/11/08 conditions for receiving medical services will be eased according to the National Health Insurance Law.

1. As of the first of November, 2008, insured individuals can pay the “redemption fee” for the waiting period in one payment or in several payments (up to 6) and at close to the conclusion of receipt of the ‘special payment’ receive health services on condition that they are recognized as residents of Israel.

2. The ‘waiting period’ will be shortened to one month for each year of absence from Israel following the first of November, 2008 (instead of two months as in the past).  For each month of absence from Israel previous to the first of November, 2008, the waiting period will continue to be two months for each year of absence.

3. The maximum waiting period will be shortened to 6 months for individuals that return as of the first of November, 2008 and afterwards (instead of 18 months as in the past).

4. The minimum waiting period will be shortened to two months (instead of four months as in the past).

5. The remainder of the waiting period already begun by individuals that arrived prior to the first of November, 2008 will not exceed six months following this date.

Details of the refund to returning residents by the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption

The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption grants a refund of the special payment to the National Insurance Institute for health services according to the National Health Insurance Law:

The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption refund of the National Insurance Institute special payment for health services according to section 58 of the National Health Insurance law, 5754-1994, is subject to two cumulative conditions:

 The special payment to the National Insurance Institute (the first of six equal payments) begins by 1.11.07, and no later than 30.12.08.

 The applicant returns to Israel between 1/11/07 and 31/8/09.

In other words, subject to Ministry conditions, any Israeli citizen that is classified as a returning resident and who makes the special payment to the National Insurance Institute in six installments over a six-month period in order to “redeem” the waiting period, will receive a refund of the entire amount (NIS 8,880 as of 1/1/08) from the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption on condition that they return to Israel and present  authorization of payment.

Immediately upon completion of the six months and upon receipt of authorization of residency from the National Insurance Institute, the returning resident will be eligible for health services according to the National Health Insurance Law and will be able to join the health fund a health fund of their choice.  
 


The registration and payment process:

1. Any Israeli citizen may register via the campaign registration form on at the Website of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption  as of 1.11.07. All 'returning residents' recognized by the Ministry, will be eligible for a refund, on condition that they have not exceeded the maximum number of days per year in which it is permitted to visit Israel prior to return (up to 120 days per year for the 2 years prior to return).

2. Payments on the Payment Site of the National Insurance Institute Website, can be made from any part of the world via credit card. It is not possible to pay in installments with a credit card that was issued outside of Israel; it is necessary to make a single payment only.
Israeli checks - You may send 6 checks from an Israeli bank made out for NIS 1,530 each written for 6 consecutive months.

3. It is necessary to receive a 'returning resident' card from the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption upon return to Israel, according to Ministry regulations.

4. It is necessary to open an account in an Israeli bank in order for the refund to be deposited directly into it by the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption.

5. In order for the refund to be deposited into one’s bank account, it is necessary to present verification of payment from the National Insurance Institute to the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption branch or district office nearest to your place of residence. 

Comments

 It should be noted that according to section 58, refund of the special payment does not confer eligibility for health insurance. It is necessary to consult directly with the National Insurance Institute following return to Israel in order to arrange for health coverage as a resident of the country.

 In order to prove one’s intention of residency it is necessary to furnish the National Insurance Institute with documentation that certifies that Israel is the focus of one’s immediate plans, for example authorization of the shipment of household goods to Israel,  the renting of an apartment, an employment contract, registration of children in schools, etc.

 Returning residents wishing to ensure their and their families' health insurance must return to Israel within 18 months of the first payment made to the National Insurance Institute.

For additional details

Special information center – 972-3-973-3333 (will begin operating on 6/11/07).

Israel Houses – for details of Israel House Coordinators at various consulates – click here

For the legal version of the Campaign details – to read click here