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National Health Insurance for Immigrants — Dental, Vision, and Medications in Ashdod
Every new immigrant is covered by the National Health Insurance Law from day one of aliyah. In the first year, immigrants receive free dental care and subsidised vision care. Mental health has been in the basic basket since 2015.
About Ashdod
Ashdod, one of Israel's largest cities, is home to a large and well-rooted Israeli-Ethiopian community that arrived in the first waves of aliyah. The city offers a variety of properties — from apartments in established neighbourhoods to new projects — alongside an extensive network of community services and institutions.
Coverage From Day One
The National Health Insurance Law (1994) covers every Israeli resident — including new immigrants — from the day of aliyah. No waiting period, no initial premium required.
Choosing a Sick Fund
Four sick funds operate in Israel. For new immigrants from Ethiopia, Clalit is often recommended because of its wide clinic network and the Tene Briut program, which provides Amharic-speaking community nurses.
Special First-Year Rights
- Dental: Basic dental care (check-up, cleaning, X-rays, basic fillings and extractions) is free for immigrants in their first year.
- Vision: One free eye exam and a 30–50% discount on glasses in the first year.
- Mental health: Since January 2015, mental health is in the basic basket — 15 annual sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist at low or no co-pay. Psychiatric medications are covered.
Tene Briut
Tene Briut (תנא בריאות) is a Clalit program specifically for the Ethiopian community, offering Amharic-speaking nurses who make home visits and help navigate the healthcare system.
How to Register
- Visit any sick-fund branch with your teudat oleh and Israeli ID.
- First appointment can be scheduled immediately.
- Register children separately if needed.
Ethiopian community in Ashdod
- Community population
- ~15,000
- Share of city
- ~7%
- Main neighbourhoods
- ד', ה', ז'
- Community services
- ENP, NATAL, תנה בריאות
More rights in Ashdod
This right in other cities
FAQ — Ashdod
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Ashdod?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Ashdod numbers approximately ~15,000 residents — around ~7% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: ד', ה', ז'.
- How do I claim National Health Insurance for Immigrants — Dental, Vision, and Medications in Ashdod?
- Contact your local health fund (kupat holim) in Ashdod — all funds are required to provide understandable service. For support: ENP, NATAL, תנה בריאות.
- What community support is available in Ashdod for this right?
- In Ashdod, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, NATAL, תנה בריאות.
Related rights
Disability Benefit for Ethiopian Immigrants — Rights and How to Apply
The BTL general-disability benefit is set by the loss-of-earning-capacity degree determined by a committee — not by the medical disability percentage. Full benefit (75%+): ₪4,711/month (from 1 Jan 2026).
National Insurance for Ethiopian Immigrants — What You Get and When
Ethiopian immigrants receive child allowance from day one of aliyah. Maternity, disability, and unemployment benefits have waiting periods. Register at BTL within 3 months of arrival.
Chronic Disease Prevention — Tene Briut
Prevention programs for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease — culturally adapted for the community. Hebrew/Amharic workshops, dietary guidance, exercise instructors. Via Tene Briut.
Right to an Interpreter in Court and Government Offices
Anyone who does not speak Hebrew is entitled to an interpreter in any legal proceeding — a constitutional right. Government offices (BTL, Interior Ministry, Aliyah Ministry) must also provide translation. The right is free and at state expense.