Students' Personal Accident Insurance: A Benefit Many Parents Overlook
Many Israeli parents are unaware of the personal accident insurance policy provided to students, which covers injuries sustained outside of school hours and premises. This insurance, mandated by compulsory education law, is funded by local education authorities and costs NIS 69 per student for the 2027-2028 school year. The current national tender for this insurance was awarded to Ayalon Insurance Company, with coverage extending until August 2028.
The policy offers 24/7 coverage throughout the year, meaning injuries occurring at home, during extracurricular activities, or even during school holidays are covered, subject to the policy's terms and exclusions. Schools are obligated to provide parents with the insurance policy details and disclosure forms, which parents are advised to keep safe.
Unlike standard personal injury claims, filing a claim under the student accident insurance does not require proving negligence by the school or any other party. Eligibility is determined solely by the policy's conditions and the extent of the injury. The Ministry of Education clarifies that a formal accident report or proof of fault is not necessary for these claims.
The insurance provides coverage for various outcomes, including permanent disability (partial or full), temporary disability under specific conditions, certain medical expenses not covered by national health insurance, and rescue costs. For temporary disability, a minimum of 55 consecutive days of incapacity is typically required. Compensation is not automatic for every injury; it depends on the duration and consequences of the injury and the specific policy terms.
In cases where an accident results from negligence, such as a safety hazard or inadequate supervision, students may also be eligible for a separate personal injury lawsuit. This claim can be pursued concurrently with the insurance claim and may potentially yield a higher compensation amount, as it covers the full extent of proven damages, unlike the fixed benefits of the student insurance policy. The defendant in such a lawsuit could be the state, local authority, or the educational institution's owner, depending on the circumstances.
