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Israel's universal healthcare runs through 4 kupot cholim (HMO sick funds): Clalit (~52% market share, oldest, founded 1911), Maccabi (~26%), Meuhedet (~14%), Leumit (~8%). Funded via mandatory health tax (~5% of income, capped). Every Israeli citizen and permanent resident must enroll in one. Switching kupot allowed twice per year via website. Olim get automatic enrollment + 6-12 months free coverage from Bituach Leumi.
Cultural note, The kupot rivalry is real. Clalit dominates north and periphery; Maccabi is strong in Tel Aviv tech. Each kupa has its own clinic network (mirpaot), urgent-care centers (Terem-style night clinics), and supplementary insurance tiers (Mushlam, Zahav, Platinum). When an Israeli says "ani b\'Maccabi" they mean "I\'m a Maccabi member", not the basketball team. As an oleh, register at Bituach Leumi first, choose kupa second; the choice affects which doctors and hospitals you can use.
The 4 Kupot
Enrollment & Switching
Coverage Tiers
Services Vocabulary
Insurance Vocabulary
An Oleh Picks a Kupa
A new oleh at Bituach Leumi office chooses between Maccabi and Clalit.