Insurance for a Foreign Caregiver in Israel: A Guide for Employers

Employing a foreign specialist in elderly care requires the employer to strictly adhere to Israeli labor law. Unlike local workers, foreign citizens residing in the country on a work visa have a specific legal status that imposes additional social security obligations on the employer.

Key Components of the Social Package

Israeli legislation clearly defines the list of payments that an employer is required to make for a foreign worker. These obligations are aimed at protecting the employee's health and ensuring their financial stability upon the conclusion of the employment contract.

• Private Health Insurance: The policy must meet the minimum requirements established by the Ministry of Health.
• Pension Contributions: Regular payments into a pension fund that accumulate throughout the entire period of employment.
• Severance Pay (Pitzuim): A payment due to the employee upon the termination of the employment relationship (in cases defined by law).
• Payment for Vacation and Holidays: Accrual of payments based on the amount of time worked.

Table: Employer and Employee Obligations

Health Insurance: Area of Responsibility

Arranging health insurance is not just a formality, but a critical element of safety. If an employee does not have a valid policy, the employer bears sole responsibility for paying all bills from medical institutions, including expensive surgeries or emergency hospitalization. It is important to remember that:

1. Insurance must be arranged from the first day the worker is in the home.
2. The employer has the right to deduct a portion of the insurance cost from the employee's salary, but only within the limits established by law.
3. The policy must be valid throughout the entire duration of the visa.

For those just beginning the process of searching for professional help, we recommend reading information on how to choose a qualified caregiver to avoid misunderstandings regarding working conditions.

Pension Contributions and Payment Transparency

Pension savings are mandatory for all foreign workers in Israel. The process includes contributions from both the employer and the employee. All these amounts must be clearly recorded in the tlush maskoret (payslip).

Transparency in calculations is the best way to avoid labor disputes. It is recommended to keep a record of all payments so that in the event of an audit or contract completion, you have documentary proof of fulfilling all obligations.

The Importance of an Employment Contract

To avoid legal risks, it is necessary to formalize all conditions in a written employment contract. The document should specify not only the salary amount but also the procedure for paying social benefits. Read more about why this is important in our article on the employment contract.

If you feel that handling paperwork and searching for staff on your own takes too much time, consider professional assistance. The EzraHome Select staffing services will help you find a specialist whose documents will be processed in strict accordance with the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to pay for insurance if the caregiver works part-time?

Yes, the obligation to insure a foreign worker does not depend on the number of hours worked. Any foreign citizen residing in Israel on a work visa must be insured by the employer.

What happens if the caregiver does not have valid health insurance?

In the absence of insurance, the employer bears full financial responsibility for any of the employee's medical expenses. Furthermore, this is a violation of the terms of the license to employ a foreign worker, which can lead to fines.

Is dentistry included in the basic insurance package?

The basic health insurance package for foreign workers usually covers only emergency care. Dental services are generally not included in a standard policy unless otherwise provided for by an extended contract.

How do I correctly deduct pension contributions from the salary?

Deductions must be made monthly in accordance with the current percentage rates established by law. All amounts must be transparently reflected in the payslip (tlush maskoret).

Do I need to renew the insurance when renewing the visa?

Yes, the insurance policy must be continuous. When renewing a work visa, you must ensure that the insurance validity period is also extended for the corresponding period.

Who chooses the insurance company?

The employer has the right to choose the insurance company, however, the policy must meet all minimum requirements established by the Israeli Ministry of Health for foreign workers.

In addition to elderly care, we also offer services for home cleaning, gardening, and pet care, allowing you to organize your household comprehensively.