IDF Disabled Veteran Sues Harel Insurance Over Denied Nursing Care Benefits
An approximately 80-year-old disabled IDF veteran suffering from cancer and functional decline is suing Harel Insurance for about 119,000 shekels after the company denied his nursing care claim without a medical examination at his home. According to his lawyers, since June 2024, the veteran has met the policy's criteria for being a nursing care patient, requiring round-the-clock assistance for dressing, bathing, mobility, and incontinence. The National Insurance Institute has recognized his nursing care status, and in April 2026, he requested Harel to activate his insurance benefits.
However, Harel allegedly refused to send a medical expert to assess his condition despite repeated requests. Instead, the insurer sent a private investigator who covertly followed the veteran in his city and reported observing him moving independently without assistance. Based on this, Harel rejected the claim, stating he was not in a qualifying nursing care condition. The veteran's attorneys argue that the rejection letter lacks details on the investigation's findings and that a brief observation by a non-medical person cannot override extensive medical documentation.
Attorney Rafael Almog criticized Harel for what he described as a widespread and unethical practice of denying nursing care claims to vulnerable insured individuals who cannot effectively defend themselves. He noted that each forfeited claim saves the insurer roughly 100,000 shekels, which should cover basic home care. The lawsuit demands payment of nursing care benefits for 25 months from June 2024 until the lawsuit filing date, totaling 118,875 shekels, ongoing future payments as long as the veteran remains eligible, reimbursement of overpaid premiums, and a special high-interest penalty due to Harel's alleged bad faith.
Harel responded that it is reviewing the lawsuit and will respond through appropriate legal channels, but cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy and confidentiality obligations.
