Quitting Smoking: Workshops, Medication and Reimbursement

Quitting smoking is one of the interventions Israel's healthcare system actively encourages, so HMOs usually offer several support tracks — workshops, individual counseling, nicotine replacement, and medication. That said, the exact scope of subsidy, number of sessions, and whether a copay is required varies between HMOs and between programs. This article explains what's usually available, and how to check exactly what applies to you.

Cessation workshops — what the group track usually includes

Most HMOs offer group cessation workshops that usually run over several sessions, guided by a professional (for example, a certified nurse or psychologist). The workshops usually combine information about the quitting process, behavioral tools for handling cravings, and group support. Some HMOs also offer individual counseling for those who prefer a one-on-one setting. Registration is usually done through the HMO's website or clinic, and it's worth checking whether a copay is required and how long the wait is for the next available workshop.

Medication and nicotine replacement — what's in the basket and what's private

Beyond behavioral support, there's usually also a medication track: prescription medication for smoking cessation, as well as nicotine replacement products like patches, gum, or spray. Some of these treatments are included in the public health basket subject to criteria that are set from time to time, while others are sold over the counter at full private cost. Since eligibility for basket medications depends on medical criteria and is periodically updated, the right approach is to talk to your family doctor about what fits you personally, and to your HMO about actual eligibility and cost.

Shaban and riders — do they add anything beyond basic membership

Shaban and complementary-medicine riders, beyond the basic track included in HMO membership, sometimes add extra support — for example, individual counseling sessions with a dietitian or psychologist in the context of quitting, or access to complementary treatments like acupuncture, which some patients use to support the process. Private health insurance, on the other hand, usually doesn't focus on smoking cessation itself as a standalone service, but may later cover treatment for smoking-related illness under the policy terms. The difference between these tracks is explained in detail in shaban vs. private insurance.

Quitting as part of a broader health picture

For some patients, quitting smoking is connected to stress management, sleep, or eating habits, so it's worth also checking related coverages such as stress and burnout management or broader guidance toward a healthier lifestyle. Long-term smokers in particular should also ask their physician about relevant periodic preventive checkups for follow-up after quitting.

Common limits worth knowing

Some programs limit the number of cycles or prescriptions available in a given year or period, to encourage one serious attempt rather than repeated, uninterrupted use. If you've already tried to quit with your HMO's help before, it's worth checking in advance whether there's a waiting period before you can start another cycle. Details like this usually appear in the HMO's specific program terms, not always on the general marketing page.

How to check your eligibility, step by step

1. Check your HMO's website or clinic for available cessation workshops and the next schedule.
2. Talk to your family doctor about whether medication or nicotine replacement fits your situation.
3. Check whether you have shaban or a rider that adds support beyond basic HMO membership.
4. Find out whether there's a copay or a limit on the number of cycles in the program you chose.

How Ravit can help

What's exactly included for you when it comes to quitting smoking depends on your HMO, your shaban plan, and your policy. Send Ravit your insurance documents on WhatsApp, ask about workshops, medication, or nicotine replacement, and get an answer based on your own documents with a reference to the relevant clause — and when there's no certainty, Ravit says so honestly instead of guessing.

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.