Emergency Services and ER in Israel: How to Avoid a 1000 NIS Bill
Emergency Services in Israel: A Patient's Guide
Israel's emergency system is highly efficient but comes with specific financial rules. Not knowing them can result in a bill ranging from 400 to 1,200 NIS for a single visit.
Emergency Numbers
- 101 — Magen David Adom (Ambulance).
- 100 — Police.
- 102 — Fire Department.
The Emergency Room (Miyun): Rules of Engagement
If you feel unwell, you have three main paths: 1. GP Visit: Free if your clinic is open. 2. "Terem" or Urgent Care: Costs ~80–100 NIS. 3. Emergency Room (Hospital): Free only under specific conditions.
When the ER is FREE:
- You have a referral (Efniya) from a doctor or urgent care center.
- You are hospitalized after the ER visit.
- Specific injuries (fractures, deep wounds, foreign object in eye).
- Women in active labor.
In other cases, the hospital will bill you. To have the HMO pay it, you'll need to secure a Tofes 17 retroactively, which is not guaranteed.
Calling an Ambulance
Ambulance rides are almost always billed to the patient UNLESS you are hospitalized.
- Regular Ambulance: ~400–600 NIS.
- ICU Ambulance (Natan): ~800–1,200 NIS.
How to get a refund: If you are admitted to the hospital (even for 24 hours), your HMO will fully cover the transportation cost.
Multilingual Support
When calling 101, you can immediately ask: "English, please?". You will be connected to a translator. Don't hang up; the connection might take up to a minute.