What is “Toefes 17” and how to get it from your health fund
In Israel, every citizen is entitled to regular medical care, but not everyone knows about an important document that can significantly simplify life. We are talking about the “Toefes 17” form — an official certificate from the health fund (kupat holim) confirming your status as an insured person. Without this document, you cannot receive benefits, obtain discounts on medications, or even get certain types of jobs. Many new immigrants and even long-time residents of the country are unaware that “Toefes 17” may be required in the most unexpected situations. And if you are looking for work or want to sell something through free classifieds, knowing your rights becomes even more important. On the platform 4israel.co.il, each of your ads is automatically translated into the four main languages of Israel — Russian, Hebrew, English, and Arabic. This means that your offer will be seen by members of all communities, and you can quickly find a buyer or employer without worrying about language barriers.
Why you need “Toefes 17” and where it is used
“Toefes 17” is not just a certificate but an official document issued by the health fund (kupat holim). It confirms that you are insured in Israel’s healthcare system. This document is required by the Ministry of the Interior when renewing an identity card (teudat zehut), applying for a driver’s license, or obtaining a passport. Employers also often request it during hiring — especially in government institutions or companies requiring a high level of legal verification. Additionally, “Toefes 17” serves as a basis for receiving discounts on medications under the “Sal” program or for scheduling an appointment with a specialist without a referral. If you plan to sell a car or buy property through a free classifieds website, remember that this document may be needed for transaction processing or notarization. On Motors or Properties, you can quickly find a buyer or tenant, and having all your paperwork will simplify the process.
Step-by-step guide: How to get the certificate from your health fund
The process of obtaining “Toefes 17” is quite simple if you know the correct procedure. You do not need to schedule a doctor’s appointment or stand in lines. Simply log into your health fund’s personal account through the official website or mobile app. For example, Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, or Leumit — each has electronic services. Find the section “Certificates and Documents” (Hebrew: teudot ve-ishur) and select the form “Toefes 17.” The system typically offers an instant PDF download or sends it to your email. If you do not use the internet, you can visit a health fund branch with your ID and request the certificate to be printed on the spot. Some funds issue the document free once a year, while repeat requests may incur a small fee (around 10-20 shekels). Please note: the certificate must be in Hebrew, but for foreign citizens, an English version is often provided. If you need a translation, use the automatic translation service on the classifieds website Services — where you can find a translator to certify the document.
What to do if the health fund refuses to issue it
Sometimes situations arise where the fund delays issuing “Toefes 17” or provides incomplete information. This may be due to overdue insurance payments, errors in personal data, or changes in residence. First, check your insurance status on the “Bituach Leumi” (National Insurance) website. If there is no debt and the document still does not arrive, contact the health fund’s customer service department with a personal inquiry. It is useful to have your ID and proof of entitlement to medical care. As a last resort, file a complaint via the Ministry of Health’s hotline — such cases are handled expeditedly. Remember: your right to receive the certificate is protected by law, and refusal without explanation is illegal. If you are looking for a side job or want to sell items to cover potential fines, place an ad on Hand to Hand. There you can quickly find a buyer for unwanted items or services.
Practical tips for new immigrants and beyond
Many new immigrants do not know that “Toefes 17” is an equivalent of a certificate of insured status, needed not only for government agencies but also for private transactions. For example, when buying a car through a private ad, the seller may ask to confirm that you are not under the health fund’s supervision as a patient with special needs. The certificate is also required when taking out a mortgage or renting a large property long-term. Therefore, I recommend keeping a digital copy of the document in cloud storage or on your phone — it will come in handy at any moment. If you are job hunting, be sure to include information that you have “Toefes 17” when applying through the website Jobs. This will increase employer trust. And remember: all ads on the platform are automatically translated into four languages, so your job or service offer will be seen by more people.
Conclusions and key benefits
Now you know that “Toefes 17” is an indispensable document for every resident of Israel, and obtaining it does not require complex bureaucratic procedures. The main thing is to regularly check your insurance status and not hesitate to ask the health fund for it. This document opens doors to government services, discounts, and formal employment. And if you decide to sell a car, apartment, or find a side job, remember the platform 4israel.co.il. Its main advantage is that each ad is automatically translated into Russian, Hebrew, English, and Arabic. This means your offer will be seen by people from all communities in Israel — from Tel Aviv to Hadera, from Russian-speaking immigrants to Arabic-speaking residents. Save time and money using free classifieds with a smart multilingual feature. Your ad will work for you 24/7, allowing you to focus on what matters most — your life in Israel.