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National Health Insurance for Immigrants — Dental, Vision, and Medications in Haifa
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 Haifa
Haifa is home to an established Israeli-Ethiopian community, spread across multiple neighbourhoods in the city. The local real-estate market offers a range of housing options — from modern projects in the Carmel area to neighbourhoods with urban-renewal potential in the eastern part of the city.
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.
About Haifa
Related rights
Disability Benefit for Ethiopian Immigrants — Rights and How to Apply
Ethiopian immigrants with a recognised medical disability are entitled to BTL disability benefit. A waiting period may apply in the first year. Full benefit for 75%+ disability is approximately ₪4,500/month (2025).
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.