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Critical Illness Insurance: when it pays and how to claim

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In short

  • Critical illness insurance (מחלות קשות) pays a lump sum after the diagnosis of an illness or event listed in the policy.
  • Payment does not depend on expenses or working capacity, only on the diagnosis and the policy's definition.
  • Many people bought such cover years ago and forgot. Check Har HaBituach.
  • For policies taken out or renewed from 25.11.2020 you can claim up to 5 years after the event. For older policies, up to 3 years.

What to check in the policy

  • The list of covered illnesses and events, and the exact definition of each.
  • The sum insured, and whether milder conditions get a partial payment.
  • The qualifying period: the time from the start of cover during which a diagnosis does not count.
  • Some policies require you to survive a set number of days after diagnosis.
  • Exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

How to claim

  1. Find the policy on Har HaBituach and ask for the full terms.
  2. Submit a claim form to the insurer with the diagnosis, hospital discharge letters and test results.
  3. The insurer must pay within 30 days of receiving all the documents it needs.

Good to know

  • A serious diagnosis may bring other rights too: the general disability allowance, tax credit points, a pension fund disability pension or loss-of-working-capacity insurance.
  • If you have several critical illness policies, each usually pays under its own terms.

Frequently asked questions

I was diagnosed two years ago. Is it too late?

Not necessarily. You can claim up to 3 years after the event, and for policies taken out or renewed from 25.11.2020, up to 5 years.

The insurer says my diagnosis does not match the definition.

Ask for the reasons in writing and compare them with the policy definition. If you disagree, you can turn to the Capital Market Authority or a lawyer.

  • Rights of cancer patients

    Fast-tracked disability pension, special services during chemotherapy, tax relief and insurance — from diagnosis to recovery.

  • Har HaBituach: all your policies

    A Ministry of Finance registry where you see all your insurance policies. The starting point for any claim from an insurer.

  • Loss of Working Capacity Insurance

    A policy that pays monthly when illness or injury stops you working. Many people are covered through managers' insurance and do not know it.

  • General Disability Allowance

    A monthly allowance for people whose earning capacity fell by at least 50% because of illness, injury or a birth defect. Up to ₪4,711 a month.

Sources

This is general information, not legal advice. Amounts are correct as of the review date and change every January.