Israel

Wars and rumors of wars may make you think twice about Israel as a health travel destination, but that second thought might be worth the effort—and the money. Although many Westerners feel uneasy about the political turmoil of the Middle East, Israel itself is a modern, independent, and advanced nation that has a lot to offer health travelers—and Israel’s government is now actively promoting medical tourism. Standards are high, doctors are plentiful and well trained, and the medical technology employed in top hospitals is state-of-the-art.

Israel’s more than 47 general hospitals comprise approximately 13,000 beds. Another 14,000 beds are available for chronic-care patients (including geriatric patients) and some 7,000 for psychiatric patients. Nearly half of those beds are in government-operated facilities. Almost 20 percent are in hospitals run by nonprofit and religious organizations.

Israel has four medical schools, each affiliated with a major university: the Hebrew University Medical School associated with the Hadassah Medical Organization, the Tel Aviv University Medical School, the Technion Medical School in Haifa, and the Ben-Gurion University Medical School in Be’er Sheva. Israel also has two schools of dentistry, one of pharmacology, and 20 nursing schools. Courses for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, x-ray technicians, and laboratory technicians are offered at several institutions.

The top Israeli hospitals are equipped with the same state-of-the-art medical instruments routinely used in diagnosis in the US and Europe. Israel is also known for the design and manufacture of medical equipment. Israel’s computer-assisted tomography (CAT) scanners and advanced microcomputer-supported devices are exported widely. The country has pioneered the development and use of laser surgical instruments, computerized monitoring systems, and other life-saving and pain-relieving devices.

Israel's Fertility Specialties Attract International Patients

No overview of healthcare in Israel would be complete without mention of Israel’s in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers, which rank among the world’s finest. The IVF unit at Chaim Sheba is the largest in the country. IVF Haifa, and Rabin are well known for their excellence. Prices for fertility services can total a fraction of those found in North America. At one clinic in Israel, for example, the price of a standard IVF cycle is about $3,000, whereas couples expect to pay $20,000 or more in the US.

For sightseers and history buffs, Israel offers an abundance of both. Jerusalem and its environs abound with religious and historical sites venerated by three of the world’s major religions. In Israel’s bustling markets, shoppers will find antiques, rugs, jewelry, and more. Israel has 50 national parks, many of which are also historic sites.

Those planning health travel should not overlook the Dead Sea spas and medical centers, which treat a variety of disorders from psoriasis to arthritis pain.