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Navigating Urgent Care in Israel (Moked, Terem, Bikur Rofe & Miyun)

  • Writer: mixedneshamot
    mixedneshamot
  • 5 hours ago
  • 3 min read

While this is based on our community's collective knowledge to help you navigate the system, always consult your Kupa for official medical guidelines!


Getting sick or having a minor accident outside of business hours (or on the weekend) is tough, but in a new country with a different language, it can be downright scary.


We decided to put together a Navigating guide about our urgent care options in Israel, including all the essential hotlines you should save in your phone right now!


If it's not a life-threatening situation (for real emergencies, dial 101 for Mada/Ambulance or go straight to the ER), but you need a doctor at night or on Shabbat, these are your main routes:


1. Moked Achiot (Nurses' Hotline)

Before leaving your house, always call your Kupat Holim and ask for the Moked Achiot.


  • What it is: A telephone triage with a nurse.

  • Why it's the golden rule: If you explain your symptoms and they determine you need to see a doctor, they will issue a Hafnaya (referral/Tofes 17) in the system. With this, going to an urgent care center or the hospital is either almost free or comes with a huge discount.

  • How to reach them (English options available!):

2. The Kupa's own Moked (מוקד)

  • What it is: Night or weekend care centers run by your own Kupat Holim (e.g., Moked Maccabi, Moked Clalit). You can find the nearest open one using the links above or via your Kupa's app.

  • What they handle: Fevers, infections, strong pains, minor cuts.

  • The perk: They have immediate access to your medical history. It's usually the cheapest option if you go to your own Kupa's Moked (you generally just pay a small copay, around 40 to 90 NIS).


3. Terem (טרם)

  • What it is: An independent network of Urgent Care clinics spread across Israel. It's practically a mini-hospital.

  • What they handle: They have X-ray machines, run quick blood tests, do stitches, treat dehydration, asthma, minor fractures, etc.

  • The catch: If you just walk in (without a referral from your doctor or the Moked Achiot), you will pay a higher walk-in fee (usually around 90-150 NIS for residents with a kupa, and much more for tourists).

  • Resources: You can check wait times and clinic locations on their website.

    • Phone: 1-599-520-520  

    • Website: terem.com  


4. Bikur Rofe (ביקור רופא)

  • What it is: Another network of urgent care clinics, very similar to Terem.

  • The crowd: They treat civilians, BUT they have a massive contract with the Israeli army (IDF).

  • Resources: They also offer doctors who can do home visits.  

When to go straight to the Miyun (מיון - Hospital ER)?

  • Chest pain, suspected stroke, car accidents, severe head trauma, active labor, etc.

  • BEWARE of the bill: In Israel, if you walk into the hospital ER on your own, are NOT admitted to the hospital, and don't have a Hafnaya (referral), you will get a bill for nearly 1,000 shekels!

  • Exemptions: There are strict rules that exempt you from paying for the ER even without a referral (e.g., a confirmed fracture on an X-ray, a cut that required stitches, a baby under 2 months old with a fever, workplace accidents). But when in doubt, call the Moked Achiot first!

  • National Emergency Numbers:

    • Ambulance (MADA): 101

    • Police: 100

    • Fire & Rescue: 102


Pro Tip: Download your Kupat Holim's app right now. Most allow you to check the hours of the Mokeds near you and even request online/video consultations (many Kupot have doctors on call in the app until 11 PM).


What about you? What has been your experience at Terem or Bikur Rofe? Any struggles or extra tips to share with the newcomers? Drop them in the comments!

 
 
 

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