Medical Treatments from the Health Basket
Various medical treatments for alopecia are included in the health basket, including topical treatments (topical corticosteroids, minoxidil) and systemic treatments. Check with your HMO which treatments are included in the basket and get a referral from a dermatologist.
Emotional and Psychological Treatments
Alopecia patients are entitled to psychological treatment within the health basket, if the disease affects mental health. Contact your family doctor for a referral.
Wig Purchase Reimbursement
Patients with alopecia totalis or universalis are entitled to reimbursement for wig purchase from their HMO. Per the health basket regulations, the reimbursement is up to NIS 5,569.05, once every two years. The purchase must be made from a supplier or store in Israel only (no reimbursement for wigs purchased abroad).
National Insurance (Bituach Leumi)
In some cases, alopecia may entitle patients to disability percentages and rights under the National Insurance Institute. It is important to distinguish between medical disability percentages and eligibility for payment — a determination of medical disability does not automatically entitle to payment, and eligibility depends on the claim track and additional conditions.
Disability Percentages for Alopecia
Under National Insurance regulations, alopecia universalis may entitle patients to 20% medical disability. Alopecia totalis and extensive alopecia areata may entitle to lower percentages, depending on case severity and the medical committee decision.
Claim Tracks
- General Disability: For those whose disability affects earning capacity. Ages 18 to retirement age.
- Work Disability: If the condition worsened due to working conditions.
- Disabled Child: For children up to age 18 with at least 20% disability.
It is recommended to seek advice from a lawyer or disability consultant before filing a claim.
More Information from "Kol Zchut"
For comprehensive and official information about all rights and benefits available for alopecia areata patients in Israel (wig refunds, allowances, institutional support, etc.):
Go to "Kol Zchut" Website