Medical Cannabis: License, Cost and Coverage

Medical cannabis is one of the treatments people ask about most: how to get a license, what it actually costs, and who, if anyone, helps pay for it. Unlike regular drugs bought at a pharmacy with a prescription, medical cannabis in Israel is subject to a separate licensing system, and in most cases it's not included in the health basket — so the cost falls mainly on the patient. This article walks through the process, the cost, and when there is nonetheless some form of participation.

How to get a medical cannabis license

Medical cannabis in Israel is regulated by the Medical Cannabis Unit at the Ministry of Health. The license is granted only through a licensed specialist physician who examines the patient and determines that medical cannabis is appropriate for their condition, usually after conventional treatments haven't worked well enough. After the doctor's approval, a request is submitted to the unit, and a personal license is then issued that allows purchases at licensed pharmacies only. The process can take time and requires organized medical documentation.

How much medical cannabis actually costs

The monthly cost of medical cannabis varies depending on the prescribed quantity and the type of product, and can reach several hundred to several thousand shekels a month when paid out of pocket. Unlike drugs included in the basket, medical cannabis is usually not considered a drug in the standard regulatory sense, so it is usually not included in the public health basket or in most standard drug coverages.

When National Insurance participates

In certain cases, patients entitled to a disability benefit or other National Insurance benefits may receive partial participation in the cost of treatment, according to criteria set and updated by National Insurance. Eligibility depends on the individual's situation and the specific benefit, and is not granted automatically to everyone who receives a medical cannabis license — it's worth checking directly with National Insurance based on your personal situation.

Private health insurance — is there any coverage at all

Most private health policies do not include medical cannabis on the list of covered drugs in the standard drug rider, precisely because it's not defined as a registered drug in the conventional sense. In certain cases, when there is a clear medical justification and documentation that other treatments haven't worked, you can try applying to the insurer's exceptions committee and requesting an individual review of the case, though there is no certainty it will be approved.

Medical cannabis in cancer treatment

One of the most common uses of medical cannabis is symptom relief during oncology treatment — nausea, pain, and loss of appetite. Here too, the license is granted through an oncologist or another licensed physician, and here too the cost usually falls on the patient unless there is specific eligibility through National Insurance.

Medical cannabis and mental health

Medical cannabis is sometimes prescribed for conditions related to mental health, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, at the treating physician's discretion. Here too, it's a separate licensing process requiring specific medical justification, not a treatment available automatically or without a proper medical evaluation.

What to check before starting

Before starting the process, it's worth clarifying: whether there's an eligibility criterion for National Insurance participation in your personal situation; whether your private insurance includes an option to apply to an exceptions committee; and what the expected monthly cost is based on the quantity and type of product your doctor recommends, so you can plan the expense in advance.

How Ravit can help

Weighing whether to pursue medical cannabis and not sure what your insurance even offers? Send Ravit the policy on WhatsApp, and she'll check what it says and explain it in plain language.

The information in this article is general only and does not constitute medical, insurance, legal, or pension advice, and is not a substitute for reading your policy terms or consulting a licensed professional. Coverage, amounts, and conditions vary between policies and change over time — always verify against your own specific policy and an authorized professional.