Health

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Like all medical schools, we take the health of our students very seriously — particularly because we know you’re in a foreign environment and may need some extra help. The Kupat Holim Clalit and Kupat Holim Maccabi health clinics are located on campus and are open to you. Other clinics and pharmacies can be found throughout Beer-Sheva.

Health Insurance

Under Israeli law, you are required to have health insurance at all times while you are in the country. You are responsible for purchasing your own coverage. Although BGU does not have a special relationship with any one insurance company, most students purchase insurance through Harel-Yedidim, which offers coverage under a continuous policy. This policy entitles you to use the Kupat Holim Clalit services on campus.

Please read the following rules carefully, as they apply to all MSIH students:

  • You must have comprehensive medical insurance throughout your entire course of study.
  • Coverage must be continuous, even when you are periodically out of Israel for semester breaks, holidays or conferences.
  • Insurance must include evacuation coverage.
  • If you have a preexisting medical condition, please ensure that you have adequate coverage to meet your needs.

Immunizations

The Israeli Ministry of Health requires certain immunizations for everyone working or volunteering in a hospital environment. You must submit proof of immunizations by November 1 of your first semester. Without this proof, you may not start clinical classes at MSIH or rotations anywhere in Israel. You can schedule immunization appointments at the Traveler’s Clinic in the Outpatient Clinic Building at Soroka University Medical Center (tel. +972-8-640-3199).

Required Immunizations

  • COVID-19 vaccine: Compliant with the Israel Ministry of Health guidelines
  • Polio, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP): Booster must be within the last 10 years
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): Two immunizations, each containing triple immunization, with one month between the first and second injections or titers. All students participating in third-year electives at Columbia University should have a current MMR booster (within the last two years).
  • Hepatitis B: Three immunizations or titers, with one month between the first and second, and five months between the second and third, completed within the first year of study
  • Tuberculosis: All students are required to document their status and appropriate treatment as necessary

Additional Recommended Immunizations

  • Hepatitis A: Two shots, 6-12 months apart
  • Chickenpox
  • Yearly influenza immunizations (mandatory for students when on the wards in third and fourth years)

Immunization History Form

All incoming students to MSIH must have an Immunization History Form filled out, signed and stamped by a licensed clinician.

Questions?

Contact us