Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Evhenii Katsman
26 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
HIV treatment cost in Israel depends on your residency status and prescribed regimen, with monthly medication costs for non-residents typically ranging from Price on request to Price on request for widely used protocols like Eviplera. Total expenses vary based on specific drug combinations, physician fees, and laboratory monitoring. International patients can save 30-50% compared to the US. Top cities for HIV care include Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Typical HIV Treatment Costs in Israel
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patients seeking high-tier clinical expertise should consider JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov). This facility is ranked among the World's Best Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek. Complex cases benefit from infectious disease specialists like Dr. Evhenii Katsman, who focuses on compassionate, high-quality care. For pediatric needs, specialized services at Ichilov utilize evidence-based practices for complex infections.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Stem cell therapy for HIV | ≈ $25,000 | ≈ $6,500 | ≈ $9,500 |
Dr. Katsman specializes in HIV care at Sourasky Medical Center, with over 26 years of experience in infectious diseases.
Director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital – Dr. Grisaru-Soen specializes in treating children with infectious diseases.
Written by Veronika Kazina
Written by Veronika Kazina
Written by Veronika Kazina
HIV treatment is free for all Israeli citizens and residents through the national health basket. The four official health maintenance organizations cover antiretroviral therapy, diagnostic tests, and specialist visits. Non-residents and tourists must pay for private consultations and medication out of pocket.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While public treatment is standardized, choosing a high-volume center like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) provides access to multidisciplinary teams. This clinic serves over 400,000 patients annually and employs specialists like Dr. Evhenii Katsman. Our data shows that top-tier facilities often integrate infectious disease care with internal medicine expertise for better long-term health management.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that major health funds provide medications quickly after diagnosis, often within a few weeks. Some travelers mention that private payment processes at large hospitals can be confusing, so it helps to clarify billing procedures before your first visit.
Israel provides advanced antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications including single-tablet regimens and long-acting injectables. Standard treatments like Biktarvy and Dovato are available at specialized facilities. Leading centers like Sourasky Medical Center and Rambam Medical Center manage these protocols through dedicated infectious disease departments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology and immunology centers often share resources, which benefits complex cases. Dr. Evhenii Katsman at Sourasky Medical Center brings 20+ years of experience in internal medicine and immunology. This dual expertise is vital for patients managing HIV alongside other chronic conditions. Over 2,900 patients have sought specialized care in Israel through our platform, favoring the high 90% success rates in related immunotherapy fields.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize working with dedicated infectious disease specialists rather than general doctors to ensure consistent medication supply. Many note achieving undetectable viral loads within 6 months while experiencing minimal side effects on modern integrase-based regimens.
You can travel to Israel with HIV medication for personal use without restriction. Short-term visitors face no entry bans based on HIV status. You must carry a 90-day supply in original packaging. Always include a valid prescription and a doctor letter for security. Keep all treatments in your carry-on luggage.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center serve over 1,800,000 patients annually, tourists should not rely on local pharmacies for immediate refills. Even with top specialists like Dr. Evhenii Katsman available, bureaucratic paperwork for international prescriptions can cause delays. Bringing a 20% buffer beyond your planned stay ensures you avoid complex local procurement processes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that security at Ben Gurion Airport is thorough but fair if you declare your medication and syringes immediately. They emphasize that having a doctor's contact ready for a verification call can quickly resolve any questions during screening.
The best location for an HIV appointment in Israel depends on your residency status and the need for anonymous testing. Major JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv and Rambam Medical Center in Haifa provide comprehensive diagnostics and modern antiretroviral therapies for residents and international patients.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While patients often focus on finding the biggest hospital, clinic capacity varies greatly. Our data shows Sourasky Medical Center treats over 400,000 patients annually and manages 240 specialized departments. Choosing a high-volume center in Tel Aviv ensures access to specialized pediatric immunology and complex infectious disease teams not always present in smaller regional clinics.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that initial lab waits can take 30 to 60 minutes even without crowds. It is important to confirm all payment details and doctor names before arrival to ensure a smooth administrative process during your visit.
PrEP and PEP are widely available in Israel through the national healthcare system and private clinics. PrEP was approved in 2017 for residents with a prescription. Emergency PEP is accessible 24/7 at hospital emergency rooms like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov). Success depends on starting PEP within 72 hours.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many seek care in Tel Aviv, specialized infectious disease experts like Dr. Evhenii Katsman at Sourasky Medical Center provide targeted immunology support. Our data shows that top-tier Israeli hospitals manage nearly 1,000,000 patients annually. This high volume ensures doctors are highly experienced in the latest antiretroviral protocols and drug interactions.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that arriving at the clinic early for blood work is essential, though wait times can occur. They emphasize that while medical care is professional, confirming all costs upfront is vital for a smooth experience.
Israel provides anonymous HIV testing through specialized clinics where results are not linked to personal identification. Centers like the Levinsky Clinic in Tel Aviv or the Jerusalem Open House use unique codes. These facilities ensure privacy by excluding data from national medical records.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While public hospitals like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Rambam Medical Center serve over 400,000 and 900,000 patients annually, they primarily handle diagnostic consultations. For true anonymity, NGOs and specialized municipal clinics in Tel Aviv or Haifa are more streamlined. These dedicated centers often bypass the administrative intake layers found in large multidisciplinary hospitals.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that arriving during set hours at clinics in South Tel Aviv often allows for walk-in testing without an ID. Many recommend requesting a translator if you do not speak Hebrew to ensure the anonymous coding process is explained clearly.
Israel provides support for people living with HIV through a network of non-governmental organizations, national health services, and specialized hospital centers. Major support includes the Israel AIDS Task Force, the Levinsky Clinic for anonymous care, and comprehensive treatment coverage via national health insurance programs.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patient volume data highlights a significant concentration of expertise in Tel Aviv. Sourasky Medical Center handles over 1,800,000 patients annually and houses specialists like Dr. Evhenii Katsman, who has over 20 years of experience. This high volume often translates to faster access to the latest drug protocols like Gendevra or Tivicay compared to smaller regional clinics.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that while hospital wait times for blood work can be long, the medical treatment and doctor consultations are professional and helpful. Many note that the Ministry of Health clinics serve as essential, non-judgmental hubs for immediate care and medication.
Israel is a premier neurosurgery hub due to its fusion of high-density medical innovation and elite surgical expertise. Top facilities like Sheba Medical Center integrate AI-guided navigation and real-time intraoperative MRI. Specialized centers report 98% success rates for complex procedures including awake craniotomy and movement disorder treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear divide between public and private options in Israel. Private centers like Assuta Medical Center perform over 92,000 operations annually and allow patients to select their specific lead surgeon. This is a vital advantage for complex cases where a specific expert like Dr. Eli Ashkenazi is preferred for his 1,000+ spine surgery record.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing original imaging on a USB for local review to streamline the surgical plan. They also note that private packages often include hotel coordination and airport transfers, making the logistics much smoother.
Israeli neurosurgeons treat a full spectrum of conditions ranging from brain and spinal tumors to complex functional disorders. Specialized centers utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, deep brain stimulation, and intraoperative MRI to manage epilepsy, Parkinson disease, and cerebrovascular pathologies with high precision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals often combine specialties to handle complex cases. At Sourasky Medical Center, neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Lidar bridge neurosurgery and orthopedics for spinal care. This multidisciplinary approach allows clinics to perform 34,000+ operations annually. Choosing a facility with this crossover expertise often leads to more comprehensive treatment plans for degenerative diseases.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the ability to access specialized treatments like fluorescence-guided surgery for tumors which are often unavailable elsewhere. Many note that the staff is fluent in English and provides clear communication through teleconsultations before traveling.
Israel is home to world-renowned neurosurgery centers like Sourasky Medical Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These facilities are globally ranked for treating complex brain tumors, spinal disorders, and movement diseases. They utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, robotic systems, and intra-operative MRI.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that while most patients focus on Tel Aviv, Rambam Medical Center in Haifa offers unique expertise in neuro-trauma. It operates a specialized neuro-ICU and serves nearly 1 million patients annually. This makes it an essential choice for complex post-trauma brain surgeries that requires intensive recovery support.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to start consultations early. They often highlight that the precision and follow-up care for complex brain tumors exceeded their expectations. One patient emphasized how quickly they could connect with top professors for second opinions during critical neurosurgical cases.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Prof. Zvi Ram, Prof. Shlomi Constantini, and Prof. Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These specialists hold leadership roles in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) and the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN). They utilize advanced intraoperative mapping and robotic systems.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky and Sheba indicates a strong correlation between high surgical volumes and patient safety. For example, Sourasky performs 34,000+ operations annually with a 90% oncology success rate. Patients seeking complex tumor removals should prioritize centers like these where surgeons perform hundreds of specific cases each year.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of finding a surgeon who specializes specifically in your condition rather than a generalist. Many note that high-volume centers provide better access to English-speaking staff and coordinated care for international visitors.
International neurosurgery patients in Israel must provide comprehensive medical records including recent MRI or CT scans translated into English. Admission requires a clinical review by specialists to confirm treatment feasibility. Hospitals often mandate full advance payment or a significant deposit before confirming surgery dates or issuing visa support letters.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Israeli facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center handle massive patient volumes, exceeding 1,000,000 people annually. This high demand means clinics prioritize complex or rare cases over routine procedures. Patients with unique or high-risk conditions often receive faster admission approval than those seeking standard treatments available elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that having all imaging results ready in English is essential for quick scheduling. Many emphasize that while the medical care is excellent, coordinating around Shabbat closures is necessary to avoid unexpected diagnostic delays.
A standard stay for neurosurgery in Israel ranges from 10 to 14 days for uncomplicated cases. Patients undergoing complex procedures like brain tumor removal or deep brain stimulation often require 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline covers pre-operative diagnostics, the surgical procedure, and essential post-operative monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky Medical Center shows they treat over 400,000 patients annually with high success rates. Clinics with such high volumes, like Hadassah or Assuta, often have streamlined discharge protocols. This helps international patients transition to hotel-based recovery faster while maintaining access to top specialists.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital not to rush home too early. Some travelers extended their stay to 3 weeks due to swelling or to ensure they received final surgeon clearance before flying.
Israeli neurosurgery uses robotic guidance, real-time 3D imaging, and incisionless technologies to minimize physical trauma. Systems like Mazor Robotics provide sub-millimeter precision for spine implants. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treats tremors without incisions. These advanced tools ensure high accuracy and reduce recovery times.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli clinics like Sourasky or Hadassah integrate proprietary Israeli-born technologies like Surgical Theater before they hit global markets. Our data shows these centers often use VR flight-through models for pre-surgical planning. This allows surgeons to rehearse complex cases, which is a key factor in their 90% success rates.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that technologies like the Gamma Knife allowed them to return home in days rather than weeks. Many move from traditional 10cm incisions to cuts under 2cm when using robotic-assisted systems.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery due to its integration of proprietary medical innovations and internationally trained specialists. High-capacity centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) perform over 34,000 annual surgeries. Patients access advanced techniques like awake craniotomy and MR-guided focused ultrasound.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery stands out because of the high concentration of dually certified experts. Many top surgeons, such as Dr. Zvi Lidar, are certified to practice in both Israel and the USA. This ensures that patients receive American-standard surgical care while staying in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Our data shows that private centers like Assuta offer significantly faster access to these specific specialists compared to the public system.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to confirm a surgeon's specific volume of cases for your exact condition. They also value the ability to get expert second opinions quickly through online consultations with world-renowned professors.
Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) are among the best neurosurgery hospitals in Israel. These JCI-accredited facilities perform thousands of operations annually. They utilize advanced technologies like CyberKnife and intraoperative MRI to treat complex brain tumors and cerebrovascular lesions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top Israeli centers like Sourasky and Hadassah perform over 40,000 total operations yearly. This high volume allows surgeons to maintain a 90% success rate even in complex oncology cases. Patients seeking robotic spine surgery or deep brain stimulation should focus on these high-capacity municipal centers for the most experienced teams.
Patient Consensus: Patients appreciate that some hospitals quickly coordinate consultations even during regional strikes. Families of pediatric patients especially value surgeons trained at prestigious international institutions.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Professor Zvi Ram, Professor Shlomi Constantini, and Professor Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These experts specialize in awake craniotomy, pediatric brain tumors, and functional mapping. Most hold JCI accreditation and international fellowships from institutions like Johns Hopkins and Yale.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top-tier Israeli neurosurgeons, such as those at Sourasky Medical Center, often hold dual board certifications in Israel and the US. This unique crossover ensures patients receive American-standard protocols. These specialists typically manage over 34,000 annual operations, providing high-volume clinical experience that smaller private clinics cannot match.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that highly qualified doctors like Professor Shlomo Constantini provide satisfactory answers quickly. People emphasize that outcomes often depend on the hospital’s integrated resources rather than just a doctor's prestige.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery, treating complex brain and spinal conditions using robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques. Highly specialized units at JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Hadassah Medical Center focus on neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, and functional procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgical departments often function as rapid-response hubs for international patients. Data shows that large centers like Sourasky, which serves 1,800,000 patients annually, can organize expert video consultations in a very short time. This speed is critical for neuro-oncology cases where starting treatment a few days earlier significantly impacts outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli teams often accept high-risk cases that other hospitals decline. They emphasize the importance of using local coordinators to manage travel logistics or potential local disruptions during their two-week stay.
International patients traveling to Israel for neurosurgery require a valid passport, an entry permit or medical visa, and a formal hospital invitation. You must provide recent MRI or CT scans in DICOM format and detailed medical summaries. Proof of private health insurance and financial stability are also mandatory for border entry.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top neurosurgeons at Hadassah Medical Center and Sourasky often request records 4–6 weeks before arrival. Submitting these early prevents appointment shifts. High-volume centers with over 30,000 annual operations have dedicated portals for secure DICOM file uploads. Using these ensures your surgeon reviews high-quality images before you land in Tel Aviv.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing physical copies and digital backups of all scans on a USB drive. They also note that private insurance needs pre-authorization specifically for neurosurgery to avoid payment delays at the clinic.