CAR T-Cell Therapy Cost in Israel: A Comprehensive Guide

Estimating the Cost of CAR T-Cell Therapy in Israel for Patients with Myeloma, Lymphoma, and Leukemia

The overall cost of CAR T-cell therapy in Israel varies based on several factors: the patient's medical condition, the chosen accommodation, dietary preferences, and the number of caregivers accompanying the patient. While patients are required to have at least one caregiver with them during their stay, some opt for an additional helper, which influences the overall cost.

Expected length of stay: International patients receiving CAR-T therapy for myeloma, lymphoma, or leukemia should generally plan to remain in Israel for approximately seven to ten weeks. In some cases, the stay may be extended. The exact timeline is determined individually by the treating medical team in real time.

Medical Expenses

Preliminary Testing for CAR T:
- Duration: Patients typically spend their initial 1-3 weeks in Israel undergoing comprehensive blood tests and other essential assessments to determine their eligibility for CAR T-cell therapy.
- Criteria: It's imperative that the patient doesn't have another type of cancer or any active infections or diseases to qualify for CAR-T.
- Scope & Cost: The extent and nature of the tests vary based on individual diagnoses. Some patients undergo these tests on an outpatient basis, while others may require hospitalization. Costs for these tests range from $3,000 to $20,000 USD.
Pre-CAR-T Chemotherapy: (If needed)
- Most patients do not require additional cancer treatment before arriving in Israel. If bridging chemotherapy or another treatment is needed to control the disease before CAR-T, this will usually be identified in advance during the medical-record review or a remote consultation.
  The cost of bridging treatment varies considerably and may range from $4,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the treatment required.
  Booking a remote consultation with a hematology specialist before traveling can clarify whether pre-CAR-T treatment is needed and help the patient plan accordingly.
Hospitalization:
- Duration & Cost: According to the 2026 CAR T protocol, patients must be hospitalized for a minimum of 14 days to monitor their health and manage potential side effects. Hospitalization costs vary by hospital.
- Extended Stay: Certain medical conditions may necessitate longer hospital stays, either before or after the CAR T-cell infusion.
Post-Hospitalization:
- Depending on the type of disease, follow-up tests may be performed approximately 30 days after the infusion to determine whether the CAR-T treatment is working. This may extend the patient’s stay in Israel by an additional one to two weeks. Some patients prefer to undergo these tests in their home country.

Total Medical Costs: CAR-T therapy represents a substantial medical expense. The final cost depends on the patient’s condition, required testing, treatment before CAR-T, length of hospitalization, and any additional care. After reviewing the patient’s medical records, the hospital will provide an individual treatment plan and official cost estimate. A deposit is generally required before arrival.

FOR THE MOST PRECISE COST ESTIMATE OF CAR-T THERAPY, IT'S ESSENTIAL THAT YOU SUBMIT YOUR MEDICAL DOCUMENTS PROMPTLY. OUR CAR-T PROGRAM SPECIALISTS WILL REVIEW THEM AND SWIFTLY PROVIDE AN OFFICIAL QUOTE. DON’T WAIT — BEGIN THE PROCESS AND GET YOUR PERSONALIZED CAR-T COST ESTIMATE ->

Accommodation Costs

Patients are usually accompanied by at least one caregiver. During hospitalization, the caregiver can often stay with the patient, which may eliminate the need to pay for separate accommodation during this period. Some patients travel with a second caregiver or another family member, which may increase the overall cost.
At least one caregiver should have a reasonable command of English to communicate effectively with the medical team.

Before hospitalization and during the post-treatment monitoring period, patients may stay in a nearby hotel, serviced apartment, or short-term rental. Hotel rooms generally cost between $120 and $190 per night, while apartments may offer a more affordable and practical option for longer stays, depending on availability.

Israeli Hospitals will help each patient find the most suitable accommodation based on their budget, medical condition, preferred location, number of caregivers, and stage of treatment.
Download our budget planner to estimate your accommodation, food, and travel expenses during your stay in Israel. (Prices updated in August 2026)

Living Expenses in Israel

Israel ranks among the pricier countries globally. Dining out may set individuals back by $20-$40 per person. However, some patients opt for accommodations with kitchen facilities, allowing them to prepare meals, which can be a cost-saving measure. As of 2026, a SIM card offering one month of internet and phone service is priced at 80-100 shekels.

In Conclusion

Navigating the cost of CAR T-cell therapy in Israel can be complex, with expenses ranging from medical fees to living costs. By understanding the breakdown and potential variations, patients can better prepare for their medical journey in Israel.