Labor Law

Is an accident on the way to or from work covered as a work injury in Israel?

Yes, in most cases. Section 80 of the National Insurance Law [Consolidated Version] 5755-1995 treats an accident on the way from home to work, from work back home, or between workplaces as a work accident, so the employee is entitled to the same National Insurance Institute benefits as for an injury at the workplace. Coverage depends on the journey not being interrupted or substantially diverted for private purposes. Fault is generally irrelevant, and the mode of travel does not matter, whether the employee walks, drives, cycles or takes public transport.

The work-injury chapter pays an injury allowance of 75% of the employee's prior wage for up to 91 days of incapacity, and a disability benefit if a lasting impairment remains. Section 80 extends that protection to the commute because travel to work is treated as part of the employment relationship. The protected route is the normal journey between the place where the employee lives or sleeps and the workplace. A brief, ordinary stop does not always break the connection, but a detour for a private errand usually does, and the National Insurance Institute examines the timing and route closely. Disputed decisions can be challenged in the Regional Labor Court.

Many commuting injuries happen on the road, which brings a second statute into play. A road accident victim can also claim from the compulsory motor insurer under the Road Accident Victims Compensation Law 5735-1975, but that compensation is generally reduced by the National Insurance benefits paid for the same injury, so the two claims are coordinated rather than doubled. The employee claims the injury allowance on Form 211 and receives Form 250 from the employer for medical treatment through the health fund. Foreign workers registered with Bituach Leumi are covered on the same terms as Israeli employees. Our guide to work injury claims in Israel explains medical boards and appeals.

⚖ In Practice
  • Governing law: Sections 79 and 80, National Insurance Law [Consolidated Version] 5755-1995; Road Accident Victims Compensation Law 5735-1975
  • Competent authority: National Insurance Institute (HaMosad LeBituach Leumi); Regional Labor Court (Beit HaDin HaAzori LeAvoda) for challenges
  • Fees/amounts: the injury allowance is 75% of the pre-injury wage, subject to the statutory ceiling, so an employee earning NIS 12,000 a month receives about NIS 9,000 a month while unable to work (2026)
  • Timeline: the injury allowance is payable for up to 91 days; claims should be filed within 12 months, because late claims are generally paid only for the preceding year
  • Evidence: record the time, route and purpose of the trip immediately, and tell the treating doctor and the employer that the injury happened on the way to or from work

From the full guide: Work Injury Claims in Israel: A Complete Guide for Foreign Employees


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