Medical Devices & Aids: Funding and Refund

A wheelchair, a walker, a home respirator, a mobility aid, or another rehab device — any of these can be the difference between independent functioning and full dependence, and they're usually a significant expense too. The first question that almost always comes up is who pays: the Ministry of Health, the HMO, or private insurance. This article explains what to typically expect from each track, and how to actually apply.

What kinds of devices and aids this covers

"Medical devices and aids" is a broad term that includes, among other things, manual and electric wheelchairs, mobility aids like walkers and canes, respirators and home oxygen equipment, and various rehab aids for a recovery period or for permanent use. The type of device, the medical condition, and the functional need determine which funding track applies.

Public funding through the Ministry of Health and HMOs

The Ministry of Health and the HMOs participate in funding a range of devices and aids for those who meet the medical criteria set in current procedures. The exact list, level of participation, and terms change over time and are set according to your specific medical condition, so the first step is always to check with your HMO or the Ministry of Health what's currently available to you, rather than relying on old information or on what someone else received.

How to apply for funding

The process usually starts with a referral from a specialist doctor or an occupational therapist who details the specific medical need for the device. You then submit a request to the HMO or the relevant funding body, and it sometimes goes through a professional committee that reviews the request. Processing time and required documents vary by device type, so it's worth finding out in advance exactly what's needed, so you don't delay the process.

What private insurance may add

Some insurance policies include a medical devices/aids rider that may cover part of the cost remaining after public funding, or support more advanced models not included in public funding. The scope, cap and copay depend entirely on your specific policy — so it's worth checking the medical devices clause before you buy.

When the need for a device comes with a long rehab process

Sometimes the need for a medical device arises as part of a longer rehabilitation process, for example after surgery, an injury, or a stroke. In such cases it's worth looking at the bigger picture: if rehab is prolonged and comes with an ongoing need for daily assistance, it's also worth checking what your long-term care policy says, not just the coverage for the individual device. If it's also about an artificial limb or a prosthesis, check the topic in the prosthetics and artificial limbs guide.

What happens if the need for a device affects your ability to work

When the need for a medical device stems from a condition that limits function over the long term, it sometimes affects your ability to work as well. In that case it's worth checking separately whether you have loss-of-working-capacity coverage, designed to replace income — entirely separate from the funding or refund for the device itself.

How Ravit can help

Questions about medical device funding depend on the fine print of your medical condition and your policy. Send Ravit your policy documents on WhatsApp, ask whether and what's included in the medical devices rider, and get an answer based on your policy with a reference to the relevant clause.

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.