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 walks 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, a fever above 40°C, or sudden face drooping or trouble speaking.
For everything else — here's the path
- Tell your employer or supervisor you're not feeling well. They are responsible for your health insurance and can help with the next steps.
- Get your insurance details — ask for the insurance company name and your policy number.
- Call the insurance company. Give your name, policy number, and what you're feeling, then ask: “Where is the nearest clinic I can go to?”
- Go to the clinic — bring your passport, insurance details, and a note of any medications you take.
If language is a barrier, ask a colleague to help. You don't have to do it alone.
Useful words at the doctor
- “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 Machala — תעודת מחלה) for every sick day.
Your right to paid sick days
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.
The simple summary
- Life-threatening → call 101 immediately.
- Feeling sick → tell your employer, get insurance details, call insurance, go to the clinic.
- After the visit → keep documents, get a doctor's note, rest.
- Pharmacy → look for בית מרקחת (Beit Merkakhat).
- Sick days → you're entitled; always get a doctor's note.
