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Switching Health Fund (Kupat Holim) — Your Rights in Kiryat Malakhi
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 Kiryat Malakhi
Kiryat Malakhi is one of Israel's cities with a particularly high proportion of Israeli-Ethiopian community members relative to total population. The community is a central part of the city's character — visibly present in education, commerce and community activity — alongside significant demand for updated housing options.
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 Kiryat Malakhi
- Community population
- ~9,000
- Share of city
- ~30%
- Main neighbourhoods
- מרכז, צפון, קרית חיים
- Community services
- ENP, מרכז קהילתי
More rights in Kiryat Malakhi
This right in other cities
FAQ — Kiryat Malakhi
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Kiryat Malakhi?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Kiryat Malakhi numbers approximately ~9,000 residents — around ~30% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: מרכז, צפון, קרית חיים.
- How do I claim Switching Health Fund (Kupat Holim) — Your Rights in Kiryat Malakhi?
- Contact your local health fund (kupat holim) in Kiryat Malakhi — all funds are required to provide understandable service. For support: ENP, מרכז קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Kiryat Malakhi for this right?
- In Kiryat Malakhi, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, מרכז קהילתי.
Related rights
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.