The Ministry of Health is responsible for providing assistive devices (walking aids, prosthetic teeth and limbs), wheelchairs, adjustable nursing beds, mattresses, walking frames, etc. where necessary. The health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are also able to provide rehabilitation equipment.

Eligibility for Assistive Devices

Assistive devices are made available to people with permanent disabilities who live in the community. In some cases, their eligibility may be confirmed even before their permanent disability is formally recognized. The Ministry of Health covers 75% of the price, determined according to the type of device.

Referral Methods

• The Ministry of Health

Contact the equipment coordinator in the Long-Term Illness and Rehabilitation Department of the regional bureau of the Ministry of Health. Documents may be submitted by the HMO or by the patient themselves. Documents may be submitted by fax, post or e-mail to [email protected].

• The following documents should be included:

1. A medical report signed by a doctor
2. A letter of recommendation from a physiotherapist or occupational therapist from the HMO
3. A function report, signed by a nurse
4. A social welfare report signed by a social worker.

Click here for a list of regional bureaus of the Ministry of Health.

• HMOs

The medical services basket contains a partial list that includes, for example, oxygen cylinders, medical food, sugar-test sticks, syringes for self-injection, etc.

See links below for a list of devices:

Mobility devices

Rehabilitation devices

• Those whose HMO policy includes the “Additional Health Services” provision are entitled to the HMO’s participation in the purchase of additional devices. We recommend checking the details with your HMO prior to purchasing the device, either in-branch or by contacting their call centre.

1. Clalit website
2. Maccabi website
3. Meuhedet website
4. Leumit website

After the application has been submitted, it will be discussed by a committee, after which the equipment coordinator in the regional bureau will inform you of the committee’s verdict and its reasoning in a letter. They will specify guidelines for continuing the process, if required. If the request has been approved, the patient will be provided with written instructions to receive the device. Appeals against the committee’s decision may be lodged with the health bureau. Complaints may also be submitted to the National Health Insurance Ombudsman.

• Third sector organisations

The following organizations also offer a variety of medical and rehabilitation equipment on loan, free of charge or at a subsidised cost:

1. Yad Sarah (click for further details – Hebrew).
2. Ezra Lamarpe (click for further details).
3. Ezer MiTzion (click for further details – Hebrew).

Motorised Wheelchairs

The Ministry of Health contributes 90% of the cost of a speed-limited motorised wheelchair. This service is also provided by the regional health bureaus.

Eligibility for Motorised Wheelchairs

• Quadriplegic persons, who are permanently confined to a wheelchair and are unable to propel a manual wheelchair for a reasonable functional distance that allows mobility in the home and the workplace
• Any individual who has no satisfactory alternative to provide mobility, as determined through expert evaluations

These individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Aged 70 and below, excepting exceptional cases
• Possesses the necessary cognitive, motor and medical capacity to safely operate a motorised wheelchair
• Leading an active and functional life, inside and outside the home
• Their home and places of regular activity, and the means of access to them, have been adapted to safely accommodate a motorised wheelchair.
• The mode of transport to the place of activity has been adapted to accommodate a motorised wheelchair.

For the full conditions, the process and the required forms

The Ministry of Health will cover all repairs to manual and electric mobility devices alike. The repairs will be carried out by one of the Ministry of Health’s authorised suppliers and will be offered for devices provided by the ministry. The service is available to all, including those who do not have a copayment, and without the need to present documentation.