How to Get Medical Help in Israel as an International Worker

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🏥 What To Do When You're Sick in Israel

You're not alone. The system is here for you.

Q Mobile – Connecting Foreign Workers in Israel

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What To Do When You're Sick in Israel

You're not alone. The system is here for you – let us help you navigate it.

Being sick is hard. Being sick far from home, in a country where you don't speak the language and don't know the system, can feel overwhelming.

❤️ You have rights, you have insurance, and there are people whose job it is to help you. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do.

First – Trust Yourself

If something feels wrong with your body, take it seriously. You know yourself best. Don't wait too long, don't try to push through, and don't be embarrassed to ask for help.

In Israel, you are entitled to medical care. Use it.

Is This Urgent?

🚨 Call 101 immediately if you have: chest pain or difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, fever above 40°C, or sudden face drooping or trouble speaking.

Don't hesitate. Don't wait. Call 101. The paramedics will come to you.

For Everything Else – Here's the Path

1. Tell your employer or supervisor – let them know you're not feeling well. They are responsible for your health insurance and can help you with the next steps.

2. Get your insurance details – ask for your insurance company name and policy number.

3. Call the insurance company – tell them your name, policy number, and what you're feeling. Ask: "Where is the nearest clinic I can go to?"

If the language is a barrier – ask a colleague to help. You don't have to do it alone.

4. Go to the clinic – bring your passport, insurance details, and a note of any medications you take.

Useful Words at the Doctor

What you want to say and How to say it

I'm in pain כואב לי ko-EV li

My head hurts כואב לי הראש ko-EV li ha-ROSH

My stomach hurts כואב לי הבטן ko-EV li ha-BE-ten

I have a fever יש לי חום yesh li KHUM

I can't breathe well קשה לי לנשום KA-she li lish-OM

Since yesterday מאתמול me-et-MOL

After the Visit

Fill your prescription at any pharmacy – look for the sign בית מרקחת (Beit Merkakhat).

Keep all receipts and documents. Rest – your health comes before work.

Always ask for a doctor's note (Teudat Mahal – תעודת מחלה) for every sick day.

Your Right to Paid Sick Days

❤️ As a foreign worker in Israel, you are legally entitled to paid sick days. From the third day of illness, your employer must pay you. The doctor's note protects that right – always ask for one.

Late at Night or on a Weekend?

Many cities have 24-hour urgent care clinics (Moked Refui – מוקד רפואי) for situations that aren't life-threatening but can't wait until morning.

💡 If you're unsure whether something is serious – call 101 and ask. That's exactly what they're there for.

The Simple Summary

Situation and What to do

Life-threatening Call 101 immediately

Feeling sick Tell employer → get insurance details → call insurance → go to clinic

After the visit Keep documents, get doctor's note, rest

Pharmacy Look for בית מרקחת (Beit Merkakhat)

Sick days You're entitled – always get a doctor's note