People without status - refugees, asylum seekers, migrant workers and tourists
Health and Medical Care
Health and Medical Care
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Medical Summary:
You should bring a medical summary from your treating physician in your country of origin so that doctors in Israel will have access to your medical history. It is recommended that the summary be in English or Hebrew, but it may also be provided in the original language. This is very important for the continuation of your medical care in Israel.
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Medications
It is advisable to bring as many medications as possible with you, ideally enough to cover at least the first six months in Israel. This will ensure continuity of treatment and reduce the need to urgently obtain medications upon arrival.
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Shipping Medications:
If you are not eligible for health insurance, the best way to ensure continuity of your treatment is to have medications shipped from your country of origin to Israel. It is therefore recommended that you arrange in advance for someone who can send medications to you if needed. If necessary, we can assist with Israeli authorities to help release medication shipments from customs.
Information on Medications and Medical Tests in Israel
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If you are unable to ship medications from your country of origin, you may contact us to explore the options available for accessing antiretroviral treatment.
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HIV and STI testing are available at the AIDS Task Force testing center and at Ministry of Health sexual health clinics.
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CD4 tests, viral load testing, and physician consultations can be performed at Israeli hospitals for a fee. We can assist you in scheduling hospital appointments.
Health Insurance
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If you are not eligible for Israeli citizenship and plan to stay in Israel as a foreign worker, it is important to know that by law your employer must provide health insurance. However, health insurance for foreign workers does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, if you are living with HIV, antiretroviral treatment will not be covered, and it is recommended to continue receiving your medications from your country of origin.
Rights
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Israeli law prohibits discrimination based on medical status. Upon entering Israel, you are not required to declare your medical condition, and at any stage it is forbidden to ask you about your HIV status. If you experience discrimination due to your HIV status, you may contact the AIDS Task Force for assistance.
Integration and Adjustment
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The AIDS Task Force holds monthly social meetings for people living with HIV in Israel. In addition, social gatherings and activities are available to people without legal status living in Israel.
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Israel also has many NGOs and organizations that provide legal and psychosocial support to migrant communities and people without legal status. You may contact us and we will help connect you with the relevant organization.
Assistance for People Without Legal Status and Asylum Seekers
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The AIDS Task Force operates a program that supports people without legal status and asylum seekers. You are welcome to contact us with any questions or needs at:
📞 +972 (0)54-320-0077