Foreign Workers Insurance from Employers
Foreign workers are entitled to basic health insurance from their employers, whether they are legally employed in the country or not. Foreign workers are not residents of the state, and therefore they are not entitled to health insurance rights according to the National Health Insurance Law. However, the employer is required to purchase private health insurance for the foreign worker at their own expense.
This is an obligation imposed on employers in order to ensure that foreign workers receive basic medical treatment in case of illness or accident. The private health insurance policy covers medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospitalizations, and medications, and the employer must bear these costs.
The goal is to ensure that foreign workers receive proper medical care, even if they are not residents of the country. This is an important social responsibility of employers towards their foreign workers.
Key Facts About Foreign Workers in Israel
Number of Foreign Workers in Israel:
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, in 2023 there were about 300,000 foreign workers employed in various sectors in Israel, such as caregiving, agriculture, construction, and more.
Origins of Foreign Workers in Israel:
The main sources of foreign workers in Israel are China, Thailand, the Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, and various African and South American countries.
Why Employers Should Purchase Health Insurance for Foreign Workers?
It is a legal requirement in Israel for employers to arrange health insurance for the foreign workers they employ. Failure to do so can expose employers to heavy fines and even imprisonment.
Health insurance provides foreign workers access to health services in Israel, through the leading HMOs, unlike a situation where the worker remains without insurance coverage and has to bear the high costs of medical treatment.
Appropriate insurance coverage also protects the employer from worker claims resulting from illness or accident, providing peace of mind and allowing the employer to focus on their business.
Coverage Included in Health Insurance Policies for Foreign Workers
Typical policies include coverage for:
- Visits to family physicians and medical specialists
- Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, laboratory tests, and imaging
- Hospitalization in hospitals, including psychiatric hospitals in emergencies
- Medications included in the national health basket
- Emergency dental care
- Expenses for repatriation of remains in case of death
- Return flight ticket to country of origin in case of inability to work
Additional optional extensions:
- Coverage for special medications not included in the national health basket
- Consultations with specialist doctors in addition to family physician visits
- Private hospital room accommodation
- More comprehensive dental care beyond emergencies
- Periodic medical check-up coverage
Differences in Insurance Costs Between Employment Sectors The cost and coverage of health insurance for foreign workers varies by employment sector:
| Sector | Daily Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Caregiving | ~₪8.2 | ~₪3,000 |
| Agriculture | ~₪3.77 | ~₪1,400 |
| Construction | ~₪10 | ~₪3,650 |
| Other (cleaning, kitchen, etc.) | ~₪8 | ~₪2,900 |
Factors Affecting Insurance Costs:
- Worker's age
- Worker's health condition
- Type of work
- Duration of insurance period
- Scope of insurance coverage
- Choice of insurance company
How to Enroll in Foreign Worker Insurance?
Harel's private health insurance is designed to provide medical services for various medical cases to foreign workers during their stay in Israel.
Purchasing an insurance policy, including a medical coverage tailored to the needs of the foreign worker in Israel, will provide the insured with peace of mind throughout their stay in the country.
Who is the Foreign Worker Insurance Policy For?
The foreign worker insurance policy is intended for foreign workers employed in Israel in the following sectors: caregiving, general, agriculture, and construction.
How to Submit the Application?
You need to fill out an insurance proposal form and a health declaration for foreign worker insurance.
You can send the forms to us in one of the following ways:
Through your insurance agent
By email to: maayan@hibur-ins.co.il
Completing the Process
If you submitted the enrollment request through an insurance agent, your agent will update you on the enrollment process. If you sent the documents by email, you can verify that we have received them through the telephone service center, Sunday-Thursday, 8:00-16:00, at 08-6559090 or 052-5433219.
After we receive your documents, we will begin processing your enrollment request. If the policy is approved, we will send it to the address provided in the enrollment form or to your insurance agent.
Why Choose Harel?
Harel is the largest and leading company in Israel in the field of health insurance for over 80 years. The strength, experience, and expertise of Harel provide its policyholders with peace of mind. At Harel, a skilled team of service personnel is available to policyholders 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any medical case.
Documents and Forms
- Health Insurance Proposal Form for Foreign Workers in Israel
- Health Declaration Form in English – Foreign Worker Insurance
The Role of Insurance Brokers
Working with an experienced insurance broker, such as Meiran Mela Aharon, is crucial to securing appropriate insurance coverage. The broker can help identify the specific needs, compare policy options, and obtain the best terms from leading insurance companies. The broker also assists in claims handling and expediting payouts when needed.
In conclusion, health insurance for foreign workers is a legal obligation and a critical need for the protection of both the worker and the employer. We recommend that employers carefully select the most suitable policy for their sector and worker needs, and consider working with a professional insurance broker to guide them through the process.
The Importance of Insurance Brokers in the Process
Our insurance broker, Meiran Mela Aharon, serves as a strategic partner for employers in the process of purchasing the policy. She accompanies clients through all the steps – from comparing offers and selecting the most suitable policy, to providing support in case of a claim or request.
The professional knowledge and extensive experience of the insurance broker allow her to identify the unique needs of each employer and tailor the policy accordingly. Additionally, she negotiates with the insurance companies to secure the best terms for her clients.
In the event of a claim or request, the insurance broker guides the client through the entire process with the insurance company. She assists in submitting the required documentation, mediates between the parties, and ensures a swift resolution and timely payout. The client can be confident that they are receiving professional advice and accessing their full entitlements.
Choosing the Insurance Broker
Selecting an experienced and professional insurance broker is critical to securing appropriate insurance coverage. An insurance broker can help you understand your insurance needs, compare various policies, and choose the coverage that best suits your business and your workers.
Connecting with Maayan Mala Aharon insurance brokerage – the Comprehensive Solution for Foreign Worker Insurance
Maayan Mala Aharon, the owner of the insurance brokerage Hibur Insurance, specializes in insurance for foreign workers and offers a wide range of insurance solutions tailored to the specific needs of each business and worker. We work with leading insurance companies in Israel and provide professional, courteous and efficient service.
Summary and Recommendations
Health insurance for foreign workers is a legal obligation and a critical need for the protection of both the worker and the employer. The policy provides comprehensive coverage for medical services in case of illness or accident, and prevents high financial expenses.
We recommend that employers who hire foreign workers and need foreign worker insurance:
- Carefully select the insurance policy most suitable for their employment sector and unique needs.
- Compare offers from different insurance companies, but not necessarily choose the most competitive price.
- Ensure continuous insurance coverage even during the worker's vacation periods.
- Purchase additional insurance to cover work-related accidents.
To receive our services, please leave your details on the contact page and we will be happy to provide you with a professional response.
We at Hibbur Insurance Agency are happy to advise and guide you through the process of choosing the most suitable policy. Contact us today!
We invite you to contact Hibur Insurance Agency today to receive professional advice on foreign worker insurance.
