The national expenditure for health, in affixed prices, went up by 2% in 2008 compared to 2007.  The expenditure per person remained the same after the increase of 2% in 2007.  The national expenditure for health totaled NIS 56.2 billion in 2008, 7.7% of the Gross Domestic Product.

The expenditure on health includes expenses for all health services provided at health clinics, hospitals, private medical centers and dentists; expenditures on medicines and medical equipment, research and Government health administration, investment in building and equipment in health institutions.

In comparison with OECD countries - In 2007 it can be seen that the percentage of the national expenditure for health on local raw materials in Israel (7.7%) was lower than in 21 OECD countries, especially in the United States (16%), Switzerland and France (11%).  The lowest rate was in Korea, Turkey and Poland (6%).  In most OECD countries the national health expenditure as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product increased gradually between the years 1995-2007.  In Israel, it remained almost unchanged during these years.

Compared with international statistics, in 2007 the health expenditure per person, in terms of buying power in Israel was $2,048, similar to Portugal and lower than most OECD countries.  In the United States the expenditure per person was higher - $7,290.  In Korea, Hungary, Checkia, Slovakia, Turkey, Mexico and Poland, the expenditure was lower than in Israel.

The calculations in terms of spending power takes into account differences in the product prices in the different countries. Nevertheless, other sources which could affect expenditures were not taken into consideration, such as age, health structure, employment, etc.