Overview

Israel’s international providers, and to a lesser extent its government, are now actively promoting medical tourism throughout the region and to its allies in the United States, for good reason. Standards are high, doctors are plentiful and well trained, and the medical technology employed in top hospitals is state-of-the-art.

In 2014 Israel welcomed some 45,000 medical travelers, most of Jewish descent from Russia and other CIS nations, and increasingly from North America and the EU.

An important calling card for the English-speaking medical traveler is that English is universally and fluently spoken throughout the country, including most all doctors, surgeons and administrative staff.

Health and wellness tourism is also on the rise, with tens of thousands seeking the healing waters of the Dead Sea as part of their leisure visits or pilgrimages. Those planning health travel should not overlook a visit to the Dead Sea’s spas and medical centers, where oxygen-enriched air and mineral-rich salt and mud treatments are believed to treat a variety of disorders from psoriasis to arthritis pain.

No overview of healthcare in Israel would be complete without mention of Israel’s reproductive health and fertility centers, which rank among the world’s finest. The IVF unit at Assuta Hospital is the largest in the country. IVF centers at Chaim Sheba, Hadassah and Rabin are also renown for their excellent specialists, high number of treatments and high success rates. Prices for fertility services can total a fraction of those found in North America. At one clinic in Israel, for example, the price of a standard IVF cycle is about $4,000, excluding medication, whereas couples expect to pay $13,000 to $25,000 or more in the US.

For sightseers and history buffs, Israel offers an abundance of both. Jerusalem and its environs abound with religious and historical sites venerated by three of the world’s major religions. In Israel’s bustling markets, shoppers will find antiques, rugs, jewelry, and more. Israel has more than 60 national parks and 230 nature reserves, many of which are also historic sites.

State Department Information

Quick Facts
Alerts and Warnings

Securing Your Money When You Travel

Carrying large amounts of cash is obviously unsafe in a foreign country. Also, be careful using your credit cards when you travel. Never give out your PIN, never let anyone else swipe your card and don't ever let anyone take your card out of your sight (example: at a restaurant). Make sure your cards are "Chip" enabled, require a PIN to use and carry in a wallet or case that shields the data from being scanned on the street.

Many clinics are no longer accepting personal checks, cash or travelers checks. Wire transfer and credit cards are your best bet however they can come with high bank fees per use internationally, variable exchange fees and lower daily spending limits when being used in a foreign country.

A Simple Solution to keep your money safe - Travani offers 3 secure travel products to carrying money for expenses and for paying your doctor. There are no credit checks, low fees, and you don't have to worry about having your money or identity stolen off of your card. In fact, leave those important cards at home and get a FREE RFID shield!* Find out more.