Understanding Private Clinics and Sharap in Israeli Hospitals

Navigating the Israeli healthcare system can feel like deciphering an ancient text, especially when you're used to something entirely different back home. Beyond the familiar public health funds (Kupot Holim), you'll quickly encounter terms like "Sharap" and a whole world of private clinics. For many expats and tourists, understanding these options is crucial for accessing specialized care, reducing wait times, or simply finding a doctor who speaks your language, and this guide will demystify it all for you.

What Exactly is Sharap in Israeli Hospitals?

When you first hear "Sharap," it might sound like another bewildering acronym in a country full of them. But fear not, my friend, because once you understand it, it actually makes a lot of sense in the Israeli context. Sharap, which is an acronym for Sherut Refu'i Pratí (שירות רפואי פרטי), essentially means "private medical service." It's a system where public hospital doctors can see private patients outside of their regular public duties, often in the same hospital facilities, but with a different payment structure and, crucially, a different experience for you, the patient.

The History and Purpose of Sharap

Sharap didn't just appear overnight; it evolved out of a need to retain top medical talent within the public system and offer patients more choice. For years, many highly skilled doctors would leave the public hospitals for entirely private practices, seeking better pay and more autonomy. This, understandably, created a drain on the public system. Sharap was introduced, in part, as a compromise: it allows leading doctors to supplement their income by offering private consultations, surgeries, and procedures within the very hospitals where they perform their public duties. This keeps them connected to the public institutions, ensuring their expertise remains accessible, at least partially, to the general population.

From a patient's perspective, Sharap offers the enticing prospect of choosing your own specialist – often a renowned professor or a department head – and scheduling appointments or surgeries much faster than through the standard public Kupat Holim channels. It's a system designed to offer a higher degree of control and often, quicker access to specific doctors, which can be a huge relief when dealing with complex or urgent medical issues.

How Sharap Works in Practice

So, how does this actually play out for you on the ground? Let's say you've been to your family doctor, gotten a referral, and now you're facing a long wait to see a particular specialist through your Kupat Holim. With Sharap, you can often bypass this wait. You'd contact the specialist directly, or through their private secretary, to schedule an appointment at the hospital. These appointments usually take place in dedicated private clinics within the public hospital, often in the late afternoons or evenings, after the public clinic hours.

The key difference is financial. While your Kupat Holim might cover a portion of specialist visits or procedures through co-payments when accessed via the public system, Sharap services are paid for directly by you, the patient. Now, this is where your supplementary health insurance (Bituach Mashlim) or private health insurance comes into play. Many Israeli health funds offer supplementary plans that include significant reimbursements for Sharap services, allowing you to choose your surgeon for a procedure or access quicker specialist consultations. You might pay upfront and then submit the invoice for reimbursement, or in some cases, the insurance might cover a direct payment to the doctor, minus a deductible. It's a bit of a dance, but it usually means quicker, more personalized care. Understanding Supplementary Insurance (Bituach Mashlim) from Your Kupah is really important here, as it can significantly mitigate the costs.

Specific Hospitals Offering Sharap

Not all public hospitals in Israel offer Sharap services. It's primarily available in some of the larger, more prominent medical centers. For instance, you'll find extensive Sharap options at facilities like Ichilov (Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center) in Tel Aviv, Hadassah Ein Kerem in Jerusalem, and Rambam Medical Center in Haifa. These hospitals attract many leading specialists, and Sharap provides a platform for them to offer their services privately.

If you're looking for a specific specialist or a particular procedure, it's worth checking the website of the hospital or the specialist's private practice to see if they offer Sharap. The specific arrangements can vary, so a quick phone call (or a friend who speaks Hebrew to make the call for you!) can save a lot of headaches. Just remember, even though it's within a public hospital, you're essentially engaging in a private transaction, so the level of service, communication, and scheduling flexibility often reflects that.

The Landscape of Private Clinics Outside Hospitals

Beyond Sharap, Israel also has a robust and growing sector of entirely private clinics. These are independent medical practices that operate outside the framework of the public health funds and hospitals. Think of them as private practices anywhere else in the world – they're businesses, and they offer a wide range of medical services, from general practice to highly specialized treatments.

Types of Private Clinics

The variety of private clinics in Israel is quite extensive. You'll find everything from single-doctor practices focusing on a specific niche, like a dermatologist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a private family doctor, to multi-disciplinary centers offering a comprehensive range of services. There are private dental clinics, fertility clinics, aesthetic medicine centers, physiotherapy practices, and even psychological and psychiatric clinics.

Many expats find themselves gravitating towards these private clinics for several reasons. Often, they offer appointments with shorter waiting times, more flexible scheduling, and crucially, a higher likelihood of finding English-speaking staff and doctors. For complex issues or simply for a more comfortable and personalized experience, these clinics can be a godsend. They often cater specifically to an international clientele, understanding the nuances of foreign insurance or lack thereof. For new arrivals or those still figuring out their long-term healthcare, having a reliable option like this can be invaluable. Even for tourists, if you're traveling through and need non-emergency medical attention, these clinics, or even specific travel insurance like SafetyWing, might be your best bet for quick, efficient care without getting tangled in the public system.

Benefits of Independent Clinics

One of the biggest advantages of independent private clinics is the sheer speed and convenience they offer. You often don't need a referral from your Kupat Holim, you can book appointments directly, and the wait times for seeing a specialist are typically much shorter – sometimes even same-day or next-day appointments are available. This is a stark contrast to the public system, where getting a How to Get a Referral (Hafnaya) to a Specialist in Israel and then waiting weeks or even months for an appointment can be a common experience.

Another significant benefit, especially for the international community, is the language factor. Many private clinics, particularly in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, actively employ or contract English-speaking doctors and administrative staff. This removes a huge barrier for those who aren't yet fluent in Hebrew and helps ensure that crucial medical information is communicated clearly. The patient experience is generally more personalized, with more time allotted for consultations and often a higher degree of comfort in the waiting areas and consultation rooms. This can be particularly appealing for specific services where privacy and discretion are paramount, such as mental health consultations. To learn more about this, you might find our guide on How to Find an English-Speaking Doctor in Israel extremely helpful.

Common Services Offered

Private clinics cover a vast spectrum of medical and wellness services. Here’s a general overview of what you can typically expect to find:

• General Practice & Family Doctors: For those who prefer a consistent English-speaking primary care physician without the Kupat Holim bureaucracy.
• Specialist Consultations: From cardiology to dermatology, gastroenterology to orthopedics, you can often find top specialists available for private consultations.
• Diagnostics: Many private clinics offer quick access to lab tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and sometimes even more advanced imaging like MRIs and CT scans, often with a faster turnaround for results.
• Dental Care: A very common area for private clinics, offering everything from routine cleanings to complex orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry. Understanding Dental Care Coverage in Israel through your Kupah is limited, so private dental is often the go-to.
• Aesthetic Medicine: A large number of private clinics specialize in cosmetic procedures, injectables, and skin treatments.
• Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation: While available through Kupot Holim, private options often provide more intensive or specialized treatment plans.
• Mental Health Services: Private psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists are readily available, often with immediate access to English-speaking professionals. Our guide on How to Access Mental Health Services in Israel as an Expat covers this in more detail.

Essentially, if you need a specific medical service and are willing to pay for convenience, speed, and potentially a more personalized or linguistically comfortable experience, there's likely a private clinic in Israel that offers it.

Navigating Costs and Insurance: Public vs. Private

This is where things can get a little murky, and many expats find themselves scratching their heads. The Israeli healthcare system, with its combination of national health insurance and private options, isn't always straightforward. Understanding how costs are covered, or not covered, is paramount before you dive into Sharap or private clinics. To gain a broader perspective, it's worth reading The Cost of Healthcare in Israel: A Complete Breakdown for Foreigners (2026).

Sharap Costs and Kupat Holim Involvement

When you opt for Sharap services, you are generally paying for the doctor's time and expertise directly. The fee structure for Sharap is set by the doctors themselves, often within certain guidelines, and it's typically higher than what you'd pay in the public system with your Kupat Holim. For example, a specialist consultation might range from a few hundred shekels up to 1,000 NIS or more, depending on the doctor's reputation and the complexity of the visit.

Crucially, while the service is private, the location is a public hospital. This can sometimes mean that diagnostic tests (like blood work or imaging) ordered by the Sharap doctor might still be covered, or partially covered, by your Kupat Holim if they are performed in the same public hospital and you have a valid referral from your Kupat Holim for those specific tests. However, the consultation fee for the Sharap doctor themselves is almost always a private expense.

This is where supplementary insurance (Bituach Mashlim), offered by your Kupat Holim, becomes your best friend. These plans often provide significant reimbursement for Sharap consultations and even surgeries, allowing you to choose your surgeon for a procedure and pay only a fraction of the cost out-of-pocket. For example, some plans might cover 80% of a specialist's fee, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20% plus a small deductible. Always check the specifics of your Bituach Mashlim plan before booking a Sharap appointment to understand what will be reimbursed and what your Understanding Co-Payments (Hishtatfut Atzmit) in the Israeli Health System) will be.

Private Clinic Fees

For services rendered at entirely private clinics, you are generally responsible for the full cost upfront. These clinics operate independently, so your standard Kupat Holim coverage typically won't apply to the consultation fees, treatments, or procedures. This means that a private psychologist, for example, will charge their full fee, which you will pay directly.

However, your supplementary health insurance or a dedicated private health insurance policy (which is different from Bituach Mashlim) might offer reimbursement. Many private insurance plans in Israel are designed to cover a broad range of private medical services, including specialist visits, diagnostic tests, and even some alternative therapies, outside the public system. It's essential to understand your policy's terms, including deductibles, annual limits, and whether you need a referral from a public doctor to get reimbursement for private services.

For tourists or those without Israeli health coverage, private clinics will charge their standard rates. If you have international travel insurance, like SafetyWing, you would pay the clinic directly and then submit a claim for reimbursement, keeping all your receipts and medical reports. It's always a good idea to contact your insurance provider before seeking private care to confirm coverage and understand the claims process. This is particularly relevant if you're visiting for a short period and need medical attention that isn't an emergency but still requires prompt attention, a situation where Can Tourists Get Emergency Care in Israel? might only cover acute situations.

Supplementary and Private Insurance Coverage

Let's break down the types of insurance that can help cover private costs:

1. Bituach Mashlim (Supplementary Health Insurance):
Offered by your Kupat Holim (Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, Leumit), these plans are designed to supplement the services of the national health basket (Sal Briut). They are tiered, with different levels of coverage (e.g., Clalit Mushlam, Maccabi Sheli). These plans are excellent for:

• Significant reimbursement for Sharap services, allowing choice of surgeon/specialist.
• Discounts on prescription medications not fully covered by the Sal Briut.
• Access to certain specialist treatments, alternative medicine, or psychological services with reduced co-payments.
• Some coverage for private dental treatments and vision care.

You can often buy these plans directly through your Kupat Holim. It's a crucial component for anyone considering private medical options in Israel.

2. Private Health Insurance:
These are entirely separate policies from your Kupat Holim. They are offered by private insurance companies (e.g., Harel, Migdal, Phoenix) and provide comprehensive coverage for a wide array of private medical services, both within Israel and sometimes abroad. These plans are particularly appealing for:

• Full coverage for private specialist consultations and procedures, often without the need for a Kupat Holim referral.
• Access to private hospitals and doctors, ensuring maximum choice and minimal waiting times.
• Coverage for treatments or medications not included in the Sal Briut or Bituach Mashlim.
• International medical evacuation and treatment, which is a huge plus for global citizens.

While more expensive, a robust private health insurance policy offers the highest level of flexibility and access to private care. Many expats, especially those on work visas or those who prefer a more internationally aligned healthcare experience, opt for this alongside their mandatory Bituach Leumi contributions. For those considering this, our guide on Supplementary and Private Health Insurance in Israel: Options Explained is a must-read.

Pros and Cons: When to Choose Private Options

Deciding whether to go the private route (Sharap or independent clinics) or stick to the public Kupat Holim system can be a complex decision. There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to each, and your personal circumstances, urgency of care, and financial situation will heavily influence your choice. For a detailed comparison, you can look at Public vs Private Healthcare in Israel: Which Should Expats Choose?.

Advantages for Expats: Speed, Choice, and Language

For expats, the allure of private healthcare options in Israel is often quite strong, primarily due to three key factors:

• Speed of Access: This is perhaps the most significant advantage. In the public system, especially for non-urgent specialist appointments or elective procedures, waiting times can be notoriously long. Days can turn into weeks, and weeks into months. With Sharap or private clinics, you can often get an appointment within days, sometimes even hours, and scheduled procedures can occur much sooner. This is invaluable when you're anxious about a diagnosis or need quick treatment.
• Doctor Choice: The public system typically assigns you to a family doctor (a process covered in How to Choose a Family Doctor (Rofeh Mishpacha) in Israel) and then specialists based on availability, not necessarily your preference. With private options, you have the power to choose your own doctor, often a renowned expert in their field. You can research their qualifications, read reviews, and select someone you feel most comfortable with, which provides a greater sense of control over your healthcare journey.
• Language Barrier Mitigation: Let's be honest, navigating medical issues in a foreign language is incredibly stressful. While many public doctors speak some English, it's not guaranteed, and administrative staff might have limited proficiency. Private clinics and many Sharap doctors actively cater to an international clientele, often advertising English-speaking services. This eliminates the need for translation apps or bringing a Hebrew-speaking friend to every appointment, making the experience smoother and reducing the chance of misunderstandings.
• Enhanced Patient Experience: Generally, private consultations allow for more time with the doctor, fostering a more thorough discussion and a less rushed feeling. The facilities can also be more modern and comfortable, contributing to an overall better patient experience.

Disadvantages: Cost, Continuity of Care, and Coverage Gaps

While the benefits are clear, there are also significant downsides to consider:

• Higher Costs: This is the most obvious drawback. Without adequate supplementary or private insurance, Sharap and private clinic fees can be prohibitively expensive. Even with good insurance, you'll likely face deductibles and co-payments, which can add up quickly, especially for ongoing treatments or complex procedures. The cost can be a major barrier for many, leading to financial stress if not planned for.
• Potential for Fragmented Care: The public Kupot Holim system, for all its bureaucratic quirks, is designed for continuity of care. Your family doctor has access to all your records, referrals are managed internally, and there's a clear pathway for treatment. When you use private clinics, especially different ones for different specialists, your medical records might become fragmented. It's your responsibility to ensure all doctors have the necessary information, which can be challenging and time-consuming.
• Coverage Gaps and Reimbursement Headaches: Even with insurance, navigating reimbursements can be a chore. You might need to pay upfront and then submit claims, which can take time to process. There might be waiting periods for certain treatments under supplementary plans, or specific services might not be covered at all. Always, always clarify coverage before receiving private care.
• Exclusion from Public Benefits: Relying solely on private care might mean you're not fully integrated into the public system, potentially missing out on some of the excellent benefits offered by the national health basket, such as Understanding the Health Basket (Sal Briut) and What It Covers. It's generally advised to remain registered with a Kupat Holim even if you primarily use private services, for emergencies and for accessing certain essential services not covered privately.

Scenarios for Private Use

Given the pros and cons, when does it make the most sense to utilize private healthcare options in Israel?

• Urgent, Non-Emergency Care: If you need to see a specialist quickly for a condition that isn't life-threatening but requires prompt attention (e.g., a sudden, severe pain that your family doctor can't diagnose, or a specialist review for a concerning lump).
• Specific Specialist Preference: When you have a strong preference for a particular, highly recommended specialist or surgeon, and you're willing to pay for their expertise and quicker access.
• Language Comfort: If you're not confident in your Hebrew and absolutely need to discuss sensitive or complex medical issues in English.
• Second Opinions: Private consultations are excellent for getting a second opinion without having to go through the lengthy public referral process again.
• Elective Procedures & Cosmetics: For treatments not covered by the public system or for aesthetic procedures where personal choice and speed are primary drivers.
• Tourists and Short-Term Residents: For those not yet eligible for full Kupat Holim coverage, or tourists experiencing non-emergency medical issues, private clinics or utilizing travel insurance like SafetyWing provides a direct and efficient pathway to care. Even for acute but non-life-threatening issues, knowing Emergency Medical Care in Israel: What Every Newcomer Needs to Know is crucial, but private clinics handle the less critical situations well.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to weighing the benefits of speed, choice, and convenience against the financial implications and the responsibility of managing your own fragmented care.

How to Access and Choose Private Healthcare

Okay, you've decided that private care, be it Sharap or an independent clinic, is the right path for your current needs. Now, how do you actually go about accessing it without pulling your hair out? It's a process, but a manageable one once you know the steps.

Finding English-Speaking Private Practitioners

This is often the first hurdle for expats. While many Israeli doctors have a good grasp of English, finding one who can conduct a full consultation in English and whose staff also communicates effectively in English is key.

• Word-of-Mouth: Ask other expats in your community, on Facebook groups, or through online forums. Personal recommendations are incredibly valuable.
• Online Directories: Many private clinics and even individual doctors list their services online, often indicating language proficiencies. Websites like Medical Tourism Israel, or even Google Maps with targeted searches like "English-speaking cardiologist Tel Aviv," can yield results.
• Embassy/Consulate Lists: Some foreign embassies or consulates in Israel maintain lists of English-speaking doctors. It's worth checking their websites.
• Kupat Holim Resources: Believe it or not, even your Kupat Holim might have online directories that allow you to filter doctors by language, even if you plan to see them privately or through Sharap later. You can also directly contact the departments of large hospitals for their Sharap services.
• Insurance Company Networks: If you have private health insurance, your provider will likely have a network of approved private clinics and doctors, many of whom are English-speaking. For international travel insurance such as SafetyWing, they often have a network or a patient assistance team to help you locate suitable providers.

Once you have a few names, don't hesitate to check online reviews or even make a preliminary phone call to gauge the English proficiency of the staff before booking a full appointment.

The Booking Process

Booking a private appointment is generally much simpler than navigating the public system, but it still requires a few steps:

1. Contact the Clinic/Doctor: This is usually done by phone or, increasingly, online through the clinic's website, a dedicated booking platform, or even WhatsApp. State clearly that you're seeking a private appointment and inquire about the doctor's English proficiency if it's a concern.
2. Inquire About Fees: Always ask about the consultation fee upfront. This is crucial for budgeting and understanding what you'll need to pay.
3. Discuss Insurance (if applicable): If you have supplementary or private insurance, ask if they work directly with your provider for billing or if you'll need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement. Clarify what documentation you'll need for your claim (e.g., detailed invoice, medical report).
4. Schedule the Appointment: Choose a date and time that works for you. Private clinics often have more flexible hours, including evenings.
5. Confirmation: You'll usually receive a confirmation via SMS or email with the appointment details, location, and sometimes a reminder of what to bring.

For Sharap, the process is very similar, but you'll be contacting the private secretariat of the hospital department or the specific doctor you wish to see. They will guide you through their specific booking procedure.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Being prepared for your appointment can make a huge difference:

• Teudat Zehut / Passport: Always bring a form of identification.
• Medical Records: If you have relevant past medical records, test results, or referral letters (even from your Kupat Holim doctor), bring them along. Having these in English can be very helpful.
• Insurance Card/Details: If you have supplementary or private insurance, bring your card and policy details.
• Method of Payment: Be prepared to pay for the consultation fee. Most private clinics accept credit cards, cash, or Bit (an Israeli payment app).
• List of Medications: A comprehensive list of any medications you are currently taking, including dosages.
• Questions: Prepare a list of questions you have for the doctor. This ensures you cover all your concerns during the consultation.
• Translator (Optional but Recommended): Even if the doctor speaks English, for very complex or sensitive issues, bringing a Hebrew-speaking friend or a professional translator can be beneficial for nuance.

Comparison Table: Public, Sharap, and Private Clinics

To help visualize the differences, here's a handy table outlining the key aspects of each option:

Feature	Public Kupat Holim	Sharap (Private Service in Public Hospital)	Independent Private Clinic
Access/Eligibility	All legal residents with Bituach Leumi contributions	Open to anyone, often with supplementary/private insurance for reimbursement	Open to anyone, payment typically upfront; travel insurance may cover
Doctor Choice	Limited, assigned by Kupah, based on availability	Choose your specific specialist/surgeon	Choose your specific specialist/doctor
Waiting Times	Can be long for specialists and elective procedures	Significantly shorter for consultations and procedures	Generally shortest, often same-day/next-day appointments
Cost (Out-of-Pocket)	Low (co-payments) for most services	Moderate to high (reimbursed by supplementary/private insurance)	High (full fee, reimbursed by private insurance/travel insurance)
Insurance Coverage	Comprehensive (National Health Insurance)	Partially covered by supplementary (Bituach Mashlim) or private insurance	Covered by private insurance or international travel insurance (e.g., SafetyWing)
Referrals Needed?	Yes, for specialists and many tests	Often, a Kupat Holim referral for tests if within hospital	Rarely, can book direct for most services
Language Support	Varies, not guaranteed English	Often English-speaking doctors available	High likelihood of English-speaking staff and doctors
Continuity of Care	Centralized through Kupah and family doctor	Can be fragmented if not coordinated with Kupah doctor	Relies on patient to coordinate records between providers
Emergency Services	Covered (Magen David Adom, hospital ER)	Not typically for emergencies (use MDA/ER directly)	Not for emergencies (use MDA/ER directly)

Final Thoughts for Expats

Navigating healthcare in a new country is a marathon, not a sprint. While the public system in Israel offers excellent, comprehensive coverage as detailed in The Expat Guide to National Health Insurance (Bituach Briut Mamlachti) in Israel, knowing about Sharap and private clinics gives you valuable alternatives, especially when speed, specific doctor choice, or language comfort are priorities. Don't be afraid to ask questions, explore your insurance options, and leverage the experiences of other expats. With a bit of planning and understanding, you can ensure you receive the best possible care during your time in Israel.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Healthcare policies, costs, and regulations in Israel can change. Always consult with a qualified medical professional, your health fund (Kupat Holim), or a legal expert for advice tailored to your specific situation. This guide does not endorse any specific medical provider or insurance company.