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Israel is a country that is proud of their availability of superb and affordable medical care for all the population. The standard of the nation’s health services is very high. It consists of top-quality medical resources and research, modern hospital facilities and an impressive ratio of physicians to population (a density of 37 per 10,000 population). It is also reflected in Israel’s low infant mortality rate (4.22 per 1,000 live births) and long life expectancy (82.95 years for women, 78.62 for men), the 13th highest in the world.
In Israel, imposed by law, the healthcare system applies to all ages, from infant to elderly. It provides a basket of medical services, including medical diagnosis and treatment, preventive medicine, hospitalisation, surgery and transplants, etc. for all residents of Israel. All medical services are supplied by the country’s four health care funds. To be eligible, a citizen must pay a health insurance tax. The total expenditure on health as a percentage of GDP spent in Israel is about 7.8% (US$2,263 on health per capita), which is more than other developed countries. Although the Government covers the medical expenses for their citizens, tourists, expatriates or non-permanent residents are not entitled to this benefit. In fact, the healthcare system in Israel is one of the most expensive ones in the world. It is the 2nd most expensive after the USA, and on a par with Hong Kong.
Palestinians are an Arabic-speaking people with family origins in Palestine. The total Palestinian population is estimated to be approximately 10 million. Over half of them are stateless and lack of citizenship in any country. About 50% of all Palestinians live in the area comprising Israel, the West Bank including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The remaining 50% lives elsewhere around the world, many are refugees.
There are four major health service providers in Palestine; namely, The Ministry of Health (MOH), United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA), Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), and private providers. The MOH provides primary, secondary and some tertiary health services; it also purchases some tertiary services from private providers. MOH plays an important role in providing and controlling immunisations scheme, public health activities, licensing and registration of private clinics and non-public health institutions. Healthcare financing in Palestine is mainly through MOH.
Compared to Israel, healthcare in the Palestinian territories is poor, with limited access to clean water and hospitals. One of the main contributing factors is due to lack of funding and equipment. The expenditure on healthcare in the Palestinian territories is relatively low. It is about US$138 per capita only, this is extremely low, when compared to US$2,263 per capita on healthcare spent in Israel. Infant death rate for Palestinian territories is about 24 per 1,000 births. The World Health Organization has reported drug shortage in Palestine and the Palestinian Health Ministry cannot pay wages to health workers due to lack of funding. Without staff and supplies, it is very hard for the Palestinian healthcare system to provide adequate services.
The Israel-Palestine conflict has affected the Middle East for many decades. The effect of its violence is only one of the contributors to the low quality of life in the Palestinian territories. The poor state of healthcare in Palestine is a major problem. Although foreign aid is essential to its improvement, the ultimate solution for Palestine's healthcare to get better depends very much on resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict and creating political stability.
A good healthcare system in Israel comes at a price, especially for tourists and non-permanent residents; and the healthcare system in the Palestinian territories is extremely poor, even for local residents. As a foreigner visiting or staying in the country, it is therefore best to put in place a global health insurance plan for full protection.
Globalsurance is a one-stop insurance brokerage service provider for you when travelling to Israel and Palestinian territories. We offer a wide range of policies to meet your individual needs, such as Expat Health Insurance, including benefits such as dental, maternity, inpatient, outpatient and many others. Contact our professional advisers today to enjoy a full insurance protection for yourself and your family.
For more information about Israel, international medical insurance that we can provide, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today. |
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