Apply for approval for gender reassignment surgery

You, or someone on your behalf, can apply in one of the following ways:

Telephone

03-5302278 and 03-5302677

Post

Send the application to this address: Gender Reassignment Board, Department of Plastic Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer

Note: At this stage, you only need the applicant's ID and not any additional documentation.

• After the initial application (by phone or post), you will be scheduled a conversation with the board coordinator and then, and over the period of a year from your preliminary application, you will meet with board members to assess your physical and mental suitability.
• The board may change (extend or reduce) the application processing period.
• The board will review the application and inform you of their decision verbally and in writing.
• The board's approval is for continued handling by HMOs.

If your application is denied, the board will explain their decision in writing.

Attach the following documents to your application:

• Your ID.
• Financial commitment (form 17) from your HMO (you will also need to bring this with you to your meetings and examinations with board members).
• Signature of the applicants of a consent to sex reassignment surgery form, received at the hospital before the surgery,
• You can attach the following documents to your application:
  • Referrals from clinical psychologists or clinical social workers who know you.
  • A psychiatric assessment.
• Documentation of hormone replacement therapy received before applying to the board.

• Gender reassignment surgery is a complex and irreversible medical procedure. It is important that applicants are physically and mentally suitable.
• Gender reassignment surgery from male to female, or from female to male, approved by the board, is included in the Health Basket for those found eligible.
• Male to female gender reassignment surgeries can currently be performed at Sheba-Tel HaShomer Hospital.
• Female to male gender reassignment surgeries are currently performed abroad, due to the lack of medical expertise in Israel.
• You can contact the board secretary or coordinator regarding any questions about the procedure.
• You can bring a family member or professional to your meetings with board members.
• The board is authorized to condition their approval for the gender reassignment surgery, on the receipt of hormone reassignment therapy by the applicant, for a period it deems necessary.