(Sick Fund)
A comprehensive health insurance scheme of the Histadrut founded in 1911. When the Histadrut was formed in 1920, two health insurance schemes merged into a joint sick fund that maintained its own medical staff. It provided medical services for its members and new immigrants (see ALIYA), who were given Kupat Holim coverage on arrival. It has clinics throughout Israel as well as numerous other facilities, including hospitals. In recent years, the role of the Kupat Holim has changed significantly, as Israel's entire health care system has undergone radical restructuring and privatization.
Historical Dictionary of Israel. Bernard Reich David H. Goldberg. Edited by Jon Woronoff..