Understanding Maternity and Childcare Services in Israel: A Guide for Newcomers
Moving to a new country comes with many exciting opportunities – but also a fair share of challenges, especially for families with young children or those expecting a baby. If you’re new to Israel, navigating the maternity and childcare services might feel a bit overwhelming at first. However, Israel is known for its strong emphasis on family values, and its healthcare system offers excellent support for parents and children alike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of maternity care, parental leave, and child healthcare services in Israel, so you can feel more confident and prepared.
1. Maternity Care: From Pregnancy to Birth
Israel offers high-quality maternity care, with services available through the public healthcare system as well as private options for those who prefer additional comfort or more personalized care. Here’s what you can expect along the journey:
Prenatal Care
From the moment you find out you’re expecting, prenatal care in Israel is readily available and typically covered by the public health insurance (Kupot Holim). Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you will be assigned to a gynecologist or family doctor who will monitor your progress through regular check-ups. These visits will include routine blood tests, ultrasounds, and other screenings to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
In Israel, prenatal care also includes a detailed anatomy scan (known as skirat mofet), which is often done between weeks 20-22 of pregnancy. This is fully covered by the public health system, but you can choose to have it done privately if you prefer, though it will come at an extra cost.
Childbirth
Israel has some of the best hospitals in the world, and maternity wards are no exception. Most women give birth in public hospitals, which are equipped with modern technology and staffed by experienced professionals. Popular hospitals for childbirth include Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital, Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem, and Haifa’s Rambam Health Care Campus.
While the public healthcare system provides all the essential care you need, some families prefer to pay for a private doctor or doula to attend the birth. This is a personal choice and depends on your comfort level. You also have the option of private delivery rooms for an additional fee, which typically offer more privacy and comfort for the birthing experience.
2. Parental Leave and Benefits
Once your little one has arrived, Israel offers generous parental leave policies and financial support to help new parents adjust to life with a newborn.
Maternity Leave (Chufshat Leida)
As a new mother in Israel, you are entitled to 15 weeks of paid maternity leave, which can be extended for an additional 11 weeks of unpaid leave if you wish. The maternity leave benefit is provided through the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi), which will compensate you based on your salary prior to childbirth.
Fathers are also eligible to take part of the maternity leave if the mother agrees to return to work early. This is known as paternity leave, and while it’s not as widely used, it is an option for families who want to share caregiving responsibilities.
Child Allowances
Israel offers a monthly child allowance (kitzvat yeladim) that is paid by Bituach Leumi to help families with the costs of raising children. Every citizen and permanent resident is eligible for this benefit, and the amount is based on the number of children in the family. The child allowance is automatically transferred to your bank account after your baby’s birth is registered, so there’s no need for extensive paperwork.
3. Healthcare Services for Children
After your baby arrives, you’ll want to ensure they receive the best possible healthcare. Fortunately, Israel provides excellent pediatric services that are accessible to everyone.
Tipat Halav (Well-Baby Clinics)
One of the most unique and helpful services for parents in Israel is the Tipat Halav (literally “Drop of Milk”) system. These well-baby clinics are run by the Ministry of Health and provide free or low-cost health services for infants and young children.
At Tipat Halav, your child will receive regular medical check-ups, vaccinations, and developmental monitoring. Nurses at these clinics also offer valuable guidance on breastfeeding, nutrition, and general childcare, especially for first-time parents. You’ll typically visit Tipat Halav several times during your child’s first year and then less frequently as your child grows.
Pediatricians and Emergency Care
Each Kupat Holim (public health insurance fund) offers pediatric services through its network of clinics. You will be assigned a pediatrician for your child, who will be your primary point of contact for any illnesses or routine check-ups. In case of emergencies, all major hospitals have pediatric emergency rooms, and there are also 24-hour urgent care clinics.
Israel’s healthcare system ensures that children (as well as adults) receive timely and comprehensive care, so you’re in good hands should any health issues arise.
Conclusion: A Family-Friendly System with Plenty of Support
Israel is a family-oriented country, and its maternity and childcare services reflect that priority. From high-quality prenatal care to accessible pediatric services and supportive parental leave policies, Israel ensures that newcomers with growing families are well taken care of. If you’re expecting a baby or raising young children in Israel, rest assured that there is a solid network of resources available to help you navigate this new chapter of life.
Whether it’s your first time becoming a parent or you’re adding another little one to the family, knowing what to expect and where to turn for support can make the transition smoother. With this information in hand, you can focus on what truly matters – enjoying the journey of parenthood in your new home.
Let us know if you have any further questions or need help finding local resources as you settle into life in Israel!