Medical tourism in Israel grows each year that it has become one of the primary destinations of people from various countries in search for world-renowned medical facilities and superior healthcare.
Roughly 30,000 medical tourists visited the country in 2013 to seek treatment in Israel (65% for medical treatments and 35% for aesthetic procedures). This is due to the accessibility of complex and reasonably-priced healthcare procedures, which include:
- Cardiac Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Endocrinology
- Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
- IVF Treatment
- Bone Marrow Transplants
- Urology
The System of Healthcare in Israel
Medical tourism in Israel is backed by approximately 70 medical centers and general hospitals (the majority of which are owned by the government and non-profit organizations). The Israeli Ministry of Health standardizes and implements health regulations of these institutions, as well as manages the country’s healthcare policies. It also regulates the certifications of doctors and other medical experts, who are well-equipped with knowledge and expertise in Western procedures and medicines.
Israel is, undoubtedly, a healthcare leader for the following reasons:
- Highly-qualified medical experts
- Specialist-patient ratio
- World-class hospitals and healthcare facilities
- State-of-the-art medical technology
- Superior standards in medical services
- Best medical resources
- Communication ability of medical personnel (speaking both Russian and English languages)
However, three aspects affect medical tourism in Israel:
- Higher fees (than most Asian countries)
- Political condition
- Poor service level in public hospitals
Top Hospitals for Medical Tourists in Israel
- Tagged as the most advanced medical facility in the Middle East, Tel Aviv Assuta Hospital offers sophisticated medical technology and outstanding and personalized services to medical tourists.
- Herzliya Medical Center, the first in the country to get Blue Cross Blue Shield of America full accreditation and certification, presents patients with superior healthcare procedures, such as endoscopic treatment, neurosurgeries and complex heart surgeries.
- Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital and Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, operated by non-profit organization Hadassah University Medical Center-Jerusalem Hadassah Medical, serve thousands of medical tourists who seek treatment in Israel each year.
- The largest healthcare facility in Israel and the Middle East, Sheba Medical Center-Tel Hashomer is recognized worldwide for its medical excellence, treating 31,000 patients every year.
Liability and Malpractice Laws
Negligence results in malpractice charges against a medical practitioner. Many law firms in Israel places focus on these cases as they require professional assistance to increase the likelihood of receiving liability claims. Patients can rely on the services of these law firms due to their extensive experience and expertise.
Pointers When Traveling to Israel for Medical Tourism
Airline Carriers
- Europe and America has direct flights to Israel. The majority of Arab countries, however, require medical travelers to go to Amman, Jordan first to reach Israel.
Entry and Exit Requirements
- The nationals of 65 countries that want to undergo treatment in Israel (or to simply pay a visit) can enter the country without a visa, presenting only a valid passport. The citizens of the majority of Arab, African and Asian countries must apply for a visa at the Israeli embassy.