There are several situations in which HIV testing is recommended, such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, viral hepatitis, unexplained weight loss, and other medical conditions.

The prevalence of HIV in Israel is approximately 0.1% of the population. Although the test is accessible and inexpensive, there is currently no recommendation in Israel to screen the entire population, although some countries do recommend universal screening.

No. HIV exists across all sectors and communities in Israel, and no group is completely protected from infection.

It is possible that your doctor did not identify a medical reason to refer you for testing, or due to time constraints, the topic was not discussed during your visit, and you were directed to this website for more information.

The test can be done free of charge through health maintenance organizations (HMOs) via your family physician, as well as at HIV centers in hospitals across the country: Rambam (Haifa), Hillel Yaffe (Hadera), Meir (Kfar Saba), Sheba Tel Hashomer, Ichilov (Tel Aviv), Kaplan (Rehovot), Soroka (Be’er Sheva), and Hadassah (Jerusalem).

At Hadassah Ein Kerem, testing is available on Mondays between 08:30–10:30, on the 6th floor in the Infectious Diseases Clinic. No referral is required—only an ID and your HMO card.

Additional testing is available in central Jerusalem at “The Open House,” located at 1 Shmuel HaNagid Street, 4th floor, on Sundays between 17:00–20:00.

In Tel Aviv, testing is available at the AIDS Task Force, 18 Haneziv Street, 1st floor, on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

HIV can typically be detected from about three weeks after exposure.

The time to receive results depends on where and when the test was performed. At Hadassah, results are usually available within two days, and in urgent cases, even on the same day.

If you are concerned about exposure, preventive treatment (PEP) is available in emergency rooms across the country. It is important to seek care as soon as possible—within 72 hours of exposure.