- The best travel insurance plans for Israel
- Is it currently safe to travel to Israel?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Israel?
- Why take out travel insurance for Israel?
- What travel insurance for Israel should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Israel
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Israel
- Will my current insurance cover me in Israel?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Israel: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Israel covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen travel-related incidents.
2. Warning: The Australian government advises 'Do Not Travel' to Israel due to the volatile security situation.
3. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended due to high medical costs and risks.
4. Healthcare cost: Healthcare is expensive; a hospital stay can easily exceed AUD $1,500 per night for tourists.
5. Price: A one-week policy, if available, may cost between AUD $80 and AUD $200 or more.
6. Good to know: Many insurers have suspended coverage for Israel, so check policy exclusions for conflict very carefully.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 42 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Israel.
The best travel insurance plans for Israel
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Our recommendation for safe travel to Israel. - high medical ceiling - covers repatriation - strong assistance guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | A reliable contract for trips to Israel with simple conditions. - 24/7 medical help - covers COVID-19 - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800K | Good for tourists wanting core protection in Israel. - good health limits - emergency support - straightforward terms |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | A well-balanced plan with solid overall cover. - repatriation included - strong support services - covers accidental injuries |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480K | Practical for stays in Israel with essential benefits. - covers hospital fees - repatriation included - civil liability protection |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800K | Accessible plan for shorter or low-risk trips. - fast claims - basic cover for medical care - decent cap for urgent expenses |
- high medical ceiling
- covers repatriation
- strong assistance guarantees
- 24/7 medical help
- covers COVID-19
- no deductible
- good health limits
- emergency support
- straightforward terms
- repatriation included
- strong support services
- covers accidental injuries
- covers hospital fees
- repatriation included
- civil liability protection
- fast claims
- basic cover for medical care
- decent cap for urgent expenses
Watch out!
These travel insurance policies are the ones we usually recommend due to their excellent value for money and reliability. However, in this particular case, they may not offer travel insurance coverage for Israel due to the volatile security situation.
Is it currently safe to travel to Israel?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to not travel to Israel due to armed conflict, civil unrest, and terrorism. The ongoing security situation has resulted in airport disruptions, restricted movement, and limited consular assistance for Australians in the region.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: violence linked to armed conflict, missile attacks, and civil unrest is widespread, especially in areas such as Tel Aviv and southern Israel. Restrictions can appear without warning, and curfews or closures may be imposed.
- Health risks: while Israel offers a generally high standard of medical care, infectious diseases such as West Nile virus and leptospirosis have been reported. Access to care can be severely limited in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Entry and legal restrictions: travellers must obtain an ETA-IL before arrival. Security screening is strict and can involve long delays at Ben Gurion International Airport, and previous travel to certain countries may raise questions.
- Civil and environmental hazards: protests, violent demonstrations, and sudden road closures are common in major cities. Power and water cuts and exposure to tear gas are possible in affected neighbourhoods.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Israel.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Israel?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for travellers from Australia to enter Israel.
However, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is because medical expenses and emergency evacuation can be extremely expensive in Israel, and the security situation creates unpredictable risks that may affect your trip or health.
According to our data, 90% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Israel. This high proportion reflects the costly health system and current security risks in the country.
Why take out travel insurance for Israel?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Israel.
Health care in Israel is provided mainly through private clinics and high-standard hospitals, such as Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv or Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. Foreign travellers can access these facilities, but medical treatment is often costly, especially for emergencies, surgery, or hospital admission.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in case of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Israel.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Sheba Medical Center | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 14,000 ILS (approx. 5,800 AUD) | Up to 1,500,000 AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 8,500 ILS (approx. 3,500 AUD) | Up to 1,500,000 AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 85,000 ILS (approx. 35,000 AUD) | Up to 1,500,000 AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 31,500 ILS (approx. 13,000 AUD) | Up to 1,500,000 AUD |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for Israel should cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency hospitalisation, doctor fees, and prescription medicines. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of AUD 1,000,000. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation and repatriation | Covers air ambulance, evacuation to Australia, or return home if medically required. For Israel, choose at least AUD 750,000 coverage. |
| 💼 Luggage and personal effects | Covers theft, loss, or damage of checked baggage and valuables. Minimum recommended limit is AUD 7,500 for all personal effects. |
| 💳 Trip cancellation or interruption | Reimburses prepaid travel costs if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to illness, accident, or emergencies. Aim for AUD 10,000 minimum. |
| 🦠 Infectious disease coverage | Covers unexpected medical expenses related to illness outbreaks including COVID-19. Recommended minimum is included in medical cover above. |
| 🚘 Personal liability | Covers damage or injury inadvertently caused to others. For Israel, we recommend at least AUD 2,500,000. |
| 🏄♂️ Adventure and sports activities | Includes injuries from commonly practiced travel sports with exclusions for high-risk activities. Ensure at least AUD 500,000 for accidents. |
| 🧑⚖️ Legal assistance | Reimburses legal fees in case of covered incidents or disputes. Opt for AUD 25,000 minimum legal expenses benefit. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of AUD 1,000,000.
For Israel, choose at least AUD 750,000 coverage.
Minimum recommended limit is AUD 7,500 for all personal effects.
Aim for AUD 10,000 minimum.
Recommended minimum is included in medical cover above.
For Israel, we recommend at least AUD 2,500,000.
Ensure at least AUD 500,000 for accidents.
Opt for AUD 25,000 minimum legal expenses benefit.
Travel insurance from local providers or via bank cards often has low cover limits and many exclusions, so it’s safer to choose a trusted insurer with full coverage. Use HelloSafe to compare the best offers and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Israel
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 85 AUD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 160 AUD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 260 AUD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 420 AUD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance policy depends on several factors: your age, the length of your trip, your destination, and the level of cover you select. For a high-risk destination like Israel, these elements significantly impact the premium and availability. It's vital to consider these to find a policy that offers adequate protection.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Israel
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Israel while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑🤝🧑 Number of travellers | Group or family contracts can offer significant savings for trips to Israel, especially if multiple people need the same cover. | Choose a group policy for families or friends travelling together and see lower costs per person. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | The amount of medical and repatriation cover impacts the price, especially as medical costs in Israel are high. | Select a suitable ceiling, not the maximum offered, to fine-tune the cost while ensuring enough cover. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Insurance rates increase with the length of your stay, particularly for extended trips or open return dates. | Insure only the actual travel period, and avoid unnecessary extensions for short visits. |
| 🏄♂️ Activities covered | Sports, adventure, or hazardous activities typically trigger higher premiums due to increased risk in Israel. | Exclude unnecessary adventure or sport cover if you will not participate in such activities. |
| 🧑 Age of traveller | Insurers often price policies higher for travellers over 60, affecting total costs in Israel. | Compare options, since Heymondo does not increase prices for people over 62. |
| 🧳 Amount of valuables | Declaring high-value items like electronics increases premium costs on travel to Israel. | Only insure major valuables essential to your trip, to cut unnecessary extra costs. |
| 🌍 Territorial scope | Worldwide cover is more expensive than regional or Israel-only contracts, which may still suit the trip. | Select Israel-only coverage unless your journey includes several other countries. |
Will my current insurance cover me in Israel?
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your current coverage, such as public or private health insurance or credit card insurance, can protect you when travelling to Israel. Unfortunately, this cover is often limited or insufficient for the risks and medical costs encountered while abroad, especially in higher-risk destinations. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Israel? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No coverage for overseas healthcare costs, emergency transport or repatriation. | Travel insurance covers up to 1M+ AUD for medical care and repatriation. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Some plans may reimburse minor medical costs after your return. Excludes repatriation and most in-hospital care. | Travel insurance covers up to 1M+ AUD for treatment and includes evacuation, 24/7 support. |
| Classic credit card (Commonwealth Bank Low Rate, NAB Classic, ANZ First) | Limited coverage | Medical benefits up to 15,000 AUD if conditions met. No cover for baggage or trip cancellation. | Travel insurance offers up to 1M+ AUD plus cancellation and baggage cover. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Altitude Black, NAB Signature) | Limited coverage | Medical costs up to 150,000 AUD with strict eligibility. Limited compensation for delayed flights or luggage. | Travel insurance includes up to 1M+ AUD for medical, repatriation, support and cover for unforeseen events. |
Example
While in Tel Aviv, Liam contracted West Nile Virus, requiring intensive care. The hospital bill hit AU$45,000. His CommBank card's complimentary insurance was invalid due to the 'Do Not Travel' advisory, and his domestic health cover offered no help, leaving him to face the entire cost alone.
Expert advice
Your bank card or health insurance often won't cover trip interruptions, like a family member's illness or death. Always read the fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays in Israel of up to 90 days. However, you must obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before departure. A valid Australian passport with at least three months remaining from your arrival date is also required.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Israel?
First, compare different options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully review what each policy covers and any exclusions, especially for risks specific to Israel. Then, buy your preferred insurance online. You will receive your insurance certificate immediately by email.
Are there specific travel risks to consider for Israel?
Yes, Israel currently has a volatile security situation, with risks including armed conflict, civil unrest, and terrorism. Always check government travel advisories and consider a policy that includes emergency evacuation and trip interruption cover for these unexpected events.
Will my Australian private or public health insurance cover me in Israel?
Australian public health insurance (Medicare) does not provide any cover overseas, including Israel. Some private health policies may offer limited cover abroad but are unlikely to cover all medical expenses, hospitalisation, or repatriation. Comprehensive travel insurance is necessary to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.
What should I do if my travel insurer does not cover Israel due to the security situation?
Some providers may exclude or suspend coverage for Israel. In such cases, look for specialist international travel insurers who offer coverage in higher-risk destinations and confirm directly with the provider before you purchase. Always read the policy wording to understand what is covered and any exclusions.
Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays in Israel of up to 90 days. However, you must obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before departure. A valid Australian passport with at least three months remaining from your arrival date is also required.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Israel?
First, compare different options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully review what each policy covers and any exclusions, especially for risks specific to Israel. Then, buy your preferred insurance online. You will receive your insurance certificate immediately by email.
Are there specific travel risks to consider for Israel?
Yes, Israel currently has a volatile security situation, with risks including armed conflict, civil unrest, and terrorism. Always check government travel advisories and consider a policy that includes emergency evacuation and trip interruption cover for these unexpected events.
Will my Australian private or public health insurance cover me in Israel?
Australian public health insurance (Medicare) does not provide any cover overseas, including Israel. Some private health policies may offer limited cover abroad but are unlikely to cover all medical expenses, hospitalisation, or repatriation. Comprehensive travel insurance is necessary to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.
What should I do if my travel insurer does not cover Israel due to the security situation?
Some providers may exclude or suspend coverage for Israel. In such cases, look for specialist international travel insurers who offer coverage in higher-risk destinations and confirm directly with the provider before you purchase. Always read the policy wording to understand what is covered and any exclusions.
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