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Switching Health Fund (Kupat Holim) — Your Rights in Afula
Every citizen can switch health funds once a year, free of charge, with no age or health restrictions. The switch takes effect on January 1st.
About Afula
Afula, the centre of the Jezreel Valley, hosts an Israeli-Ethiopian community with a presence in various neighbourhoods. The city offers accessible real-estate prices and access to health services and regional employment centres.
Your Right to Switch Health Funds
Under the National Health Insurance Law, every Israeli resident is entitled to receive healthcare from one of 4 health funds and to switch between them. The switch is free, requires no medical tests, has no age limit, and is independent of health status.
How to Switch
- Submit a request at any time during the year, but the change only takes effect on January 1st
- Apply at: a branch of the new health fund, btl.gov.il, or by mail
- Documents needed: ID card only
- You'll receive confirmation within 30 days
Special Rights for the Ethiopian-Israeli Community
Amharic services: Health funds must provide translation. Request an interpreter or Amharic telephone service.
Mental health in the basic basket: Since 2021, mental health is included in the basic basket — including 18 free therapy sessions per year.
Children under 18: Free dental care until age 18 at every health fund.
📞 Health Insurance Commissioner: 02-5002738
Ethiopian community in Afula
- Community population
- ~3,000
- Share of city
- ~7%
- Main neighbourhoods
- שכ' ב', שכ' ג'
- Community services
- ENP, מרכז קהילתי
More rights in Afula
This right in other cities
FAQ — Afula
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Afula?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Afula numbers approximately ~3,000 residents — around ~7% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: שכ' ב', שכ' ג'.
- How do I claim Switching Health Fund (Kupat Holim) — Your Rights in Afula?
- Contact your local health fund (kupat holim) in Afula — all funds are required to provide understandable service. For support: ENP, מרכז קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Afula for this right?
- In Afula, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, מרכז קהילתי.
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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.
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).
Foreign Worker Rights — Including Undocumented Workers
Undocumented workers are entitled to minimum wage, basic working conditions and cannot be deported for filing a complaint — even if residing illegally.
Free Mortgage Counselling — Guide for Those Entitled
The Ministry of Housing funds free mortgage counselling for housing benefit recipients. A certified adviser saves tens of thousands of ILS in interest.