Insurance Giant Harel Accused of Denying Caregiver Benefits After Secret Surveillance

An elderly man in Israel is suing the insurance company Harel after it allegedly denied him significant monthly caregiver benefits, despite his documented inability to perform basic daily tasks. The 79-year-old plaintiff, identified as 'A' from Givatayim, suffers from multiple severe illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and orthopedic issues. Following hip replacement surgery in August 2025, his functional capacity significantly declined.

'A', who is insured under two of Harel's long-term care policies, applied for benefits exceeding 11,000 shekels per month. Harel sent a physician to assess his condition, who concluded that the man was dependent on assistance for four basic daily activities: rising and transferring, dressing, bathing, and bladder control. These findings, according to the policy's terms, should have qualified him for full benefits. His dependency was further corroborated by two separate assessments from the National Insurance Institute.

Despite its own doctor's findings, Harel sent a rejection letter in June. The company claimed that a covert investigation conducted about a month prior to the medical examination indicated that 'A's functional capacity was better than reported and that he could perform these activities independently. Harel based its decision on "spotty" surveillance footage and observations, disregarding the direct medical examination.

'A' has filed a lawsuit for 129,735 shekels in back payments, plus ongoing benefits and special interest due to alleged bad faith. His attorneys criticized Harel's actions, calling it "outrageous" for an insurance company to rely on brief surveillance over its own doctor's professional assessment. They expressed concern that this approach, potentially a "try-your-luck" tactic, targets vulnerable policyholders who may struggle with legal battles.