Do you need insurance for a trip to Israel

Russian citizens do not need a visa for a tourist trip to Israel and may stay up to 90 days. But since 2025 an ETA-IL electronic travel authorisation must be obtained before departure. Medical insurance is not checked on entry.

Israel is a destination where travelling without a policy is particularly risky. Healthcare is of a high standard but very expensive for tourists: even an emergency room visit with tests costs a significant amount, and hospitalisation, surgery and intensive care can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance covers such costs within the sum insured.

Which sum to choose

The reasonable minimum is USD 50,000, but we recommend USD 100,000. This is especially important for older travellers visiting relatives and for people with chronic conditions. Add the exacerbation of chronic diseases option: basic plans often exclude such cases or limit them to a small amount.

What to consider on a trip to Israel

  • The Dead Sea and the desert. High temperatures, dry air and highly mineralised water require care. Dehydration and heatstroke are common; people with heart or blood pressure problems should consult a doctor before the trip.
  • Eilat and the Red Sea. Diving and snorkelling — scuba diving requires the diving option and decompression chamber treatment.
  • Excursions. Jerusalem, Masada, Galilee: many walking routes over uneven stones. Sprains and fractures are ordinary insured events.
  • Pregnancy. Childbirth and routine monitoring are not covered. If you are pregnant, look for a plan with a pregnancy complications option and check the permitted term.
  • Security. Most plans do not cover incidents related to hostilities. Before travelling, check the Russian Foreign Ministry’s recommendations and the policy terms on terrorist acts.
  • Trip cancellation. Flights and hotels in Israel are not cheap, so the trip cancellation option helps recover non-refundable costs for reasons listed in the policy terms.

How to buy insurance to Israel in a few minutes

On polisre.ru there is no need to fill in a request and wait for a call. The calculator above the text compares prices from 16 insurance companies via Polis Re’s partner, the Cherehapa service. The policy is issued by the insurer you choose and sent straight to your e-mail.

  1. Set the dates, the number of travellers and their ages.
  2. Choose the sum insured and, if necessary, add exacerbation of chronic diseases, trip cancellation, diving in Eilat, baggage cover.
  3. Pick a plan by comparing price, deductible and assistance company.
  4. Enter your first and last name in Latin letters exactly as in your international passport, then pay by card.
  5. Receive the policy by e-mail and save the assistance phone number in your contacts.

What to do if something happens in Israel

Your first step is a call to the assistance company whose phone number is shown in the policy. The assistance company will choose a clinic, approve the treatment and pay for it directly. If someone’s life is at risk, call the local ambulance at once and notify the assistance company as soon as you can.

  1. Call or message the assistance company (many accept requests via messengers); give the policy number, your full name, your location and what happened.
  2. Go to the clinic named by the assistance company and take your passport and policy with you.
  3. If you had to pay yourself, keep the doctor’s report, invoice, receipts and prescriptions: after you return, attach them to your claim to the insurance company.

Step-by-step guidance is available in the “Insured event” section.

Nearby destinations

If your route covers several countries, see the other pages too: insurance to Egypt, insurance to Turkey, insurance to the UAE, insurance to Georgia. The full list of destinations, annual policies and tips on choosing cover are on the travel insurance page.