Estimate total long-term care costs in Israel. Enter care type (nursing home or domiciliary), hours or full-time care, and number of years to see monthly, annual, and total cost versus state benefit coverage.
Enter the type of care, hours required, and number of years to estimate total long-term care costs in Israel and see the gap not covered by the Bituach Leumi benefit.
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The real cost of long-term care in Israel
Long-term care is one of the most significant financial risks for older Israelis and their families. While Bituach Leumi provides a care benefit of up to 6,186 ILS per month at the highest dependency level, this covers only a fraction of the actual cost of a nursing home or full-time home care. A mid-range nursing home in Israel costs 12,000 to 15,000 ILS per month, leaving a monthly gap of 6,000 to 9,000 ILS even at the maximum state benefit. Over three years of care, this gap amounts to 216,000 to 324,000 ILS. For families caring for a parent or spouse, this cost frequently falls to the immediate family and can deplete retirement savings significantly.
Home care versus nursing home: financial comparison
For people with moderate care needs, part-time home care (10 to 20 hours per week) at 35 to 50 ILS per hour costs 1,500 to 4,000 ILS per month, which is substantially below the cost of a nursing home. A live-in carer (typically on a specific work visa) costs 8,000 to 12,000 ILS per month all-in, which is comparable to a basic nursing home but may be preferable for quality of life and continuity of care. For people with advanced dementia or complex medical needs, a specialist nursing home unit provides 24-hour clinical supervision that domiciliary care cannot replicate. The right choice depends on the individual care needs, living situation, and family support available.
Planning ahead for long-term care costs in Israel
The most effective way to manage care costs is to plan before they arise. Long-term care insurance, purchased at age 50 to 60, can provide a monthly benefit that bridges the gap between the Bituach Leumi allowance and the actual care cost. Alternatively, building a dedicated care reserve in a savings or investment account during working years creates flexibility. Many Israeli financial advisers recommend setting aside the equivalent of 100,000 to 300,000 ILS per potential care recipient as a care contingency fund. This can be held in a provident fund (Kupat Gemel) or investment account alongside retirement savings. Early planning dramatically reduces the financial impact on family members who might otherwise bear the cost.
Frequently asked questions
What does Bituach Leumi pay for long-term care in Israel?
Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute) provides a long-term care benefit (Givmulat Siyud) to Israeli residents who are assessed as requiring help with daily activities due to physical or cognitive impairment. The benefit is paid in the form of care hours or as a cash equivalent. In 2025, the maximum cash-equivalent benefit is approximately 6,186 ILS per month for the highest care level. For lower levels, benefits range from around 2,000 to 5,000 ILS per month. The benefit is not income-tested but is subject to a functional assessment by a Bituach Leumi inspector. It does not cover the full cost of a nursing home or intensive home care.
How much does a nursing home cost in Israel in 2025?
Nursing home (Bayit Avot or Mossad Siyudi) costs in Israel vary significantly by location, level of care, and facility quality. Basic facilities in peripheral cities start at around 7,000 ILS per month for residents who are ambulatory and need primarily social care. Mid-range facilities with nursing care cost 12,000 to 16,000 ILS per month. Private premium facilities in the centre of the country, particularly in the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem areas, can reach 18,000 to 25,000 ILS per month. Dementia care and secure units for residents with advanced Alzheimer disease are typically priced at the upper end of the range. All figures are before any Bituach Leumi benefit offset.
What is the cost of home care (Siyud Bayt) in Israel?
Domiciliary care (Siyud Bayt or Ezra Basayud) provided by a private carer or through a home care agency in Israel costs approximately 35 to 55 ILS per hour for standard personal care (bathing, dressing, meals). Live-in carers (commonly from the Philippines, India, or other countries on a specific care visa) cost approximately 8,000 to 12,000 ILS per month including salary, social contributions, and agency fees. The government provides some subsidised hours through Bituach Leumi, and the number of funded hours depends on the assessed care level (from around 10 to 18 hours per week for lower levels). Hours above the funded level must be purchased privately.
Can I buy private long-term care insurance in Israel?
Yes. Several Israeli insurers offer long-term care (LTC) insurance policies that pay a monthly benefit when the insured person meets a dependency threshold. Policies are typically structured to pay a fixed monthly amount for a defined benefit period (3, 5, or lifetime) if the insured cannot perform a specified number of activities of daily living independently. Premiums are lowest when purchased at ages 45 to 55 and rise steeply after 60. LTC insurance bridges the gap between the Bituach Leumi benefit and the full cost of care. If you plan to buy LTC insurance, comparison-shopping through a licensed broker is advisable because product structures and pricing vary significantly between insurers.