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Switching Health Fund (Kupat Holim) — Your Rights in Netanya
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 Netanya
Netanya is one of Israel's largest hubs of the Israeli-Ethiopian community, with a particularly strong presence in the Dora, Neot Shaked and Kiryat Nordau neighbourhoods. Alongside the established community, many younger families are looking for housing in the area — including through the active urban-renewal projects across the city.
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 Netanya
- Community population
- ~22,000
- Share of city
- ~11%
- Main neighbourhoods
- דורה, נאות שקד, קריית נורדאו
- Community services
- תנה בריאות, NATAL, ENP, מתנ"ס
More rights in Netanya
This right in other cities
FAQ — Netanya
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Netanya?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Netanya numbers approximately ~22,000 residents — around ~11% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: דורה, נאות שקד, קריית נורדאו.
- How do I claim Switching Health Fund (Kupat Holim) — Your Rights in Netanya?
- Contact your local health fund (kupat holim) in Netanya — all funds are required to provide understandable service. For support: תנה בריאות, NATAL, ENP, מתנ"ס.
- What community support is available in Netanya for this right?
- In Netanya, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: תנה בריאות, NATAL, ENP, מתנ"ס.
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