United Refuah HealthShare Review
The first and only Jewish health sharing community
Last verified: March 1, 2026
Our Verdict
United Refuah HealthShare is the first and only Jewish-based health care sharing organization in the United States. Founded in 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio, United Refuah ("Refuah" means healing or recovery in Hebrew) provides a Torah-aligned solution to managing healthcare expenses for the Jewish community. Unlike Christian health shares, United Refuah caters specifically to Jewish values and lifestyle. The organization operates on a member-to-member sharing model with no network restrictions, allowing members to choose any provider or facility. With an impressive 37-second average hold time and 5-7 day claims processing, United Refuah emphasizes exceptional customer service.
👥 Who United Refuah HealthShare is Best For
- Jewish Community
- Families Seeking Flexibility
- Those Who Value Fast Service
- People Who Want Provider Choice
Rating Breakdown
Pricing & Costs
Individual: $219/month; Family (up to 6): $519/month. Rates vary based on age and health status.
Coverage Details
| Maternity | ✓ | Maternity covered after notification requirement. Members must notify United Refuah immediately upon learning of pregnancy. |
| Mental Health | ✓ | Limited sharing for diagnosed psychological or psychiatric conditions. Does not cover general family or individual counseling, learning disabilities, behavioral counseling. |
| Telemedicine | ✗ | Not included |
| Prescriptions | ✓ | Limited prescription sharing - primarily for prescriptions related to eligible medical incidents, not routine maintenance medications |
| Preventive Care | ✗ | Preventive care not a primary focus |
| Dental & Vision | ✗ | Dental and vision not included in base membership |
Network & Requirements
Network Type
No Network
Any Provider
Religious Requirement
Yes
Membership open to those who identify with Jewish values and the Jewish community. Must agree to live according to Jewish principles and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Waiting Period
60 days
Pre-Existing Conditions
24-month waiting period
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- First and only Jewish health sharing organization
- No network restrictions - use any provider or facility
- Exceptionally fast customer service (37-second hold time)
- Quick claims processing (5-7 days)
- Up to $1 million sharing per incident
- Strong focus on community and shared values
👎 Cons
- Jewish membership requirement limits eligibility
- 60-day limited sharing period for new members ($25K max)
- Pre-existing condition restrictions (24-month waiting period)
- Limited prescription coverage (not for routine maintenance meds)
- Not traditional insurance - no guarantee of payment
- Limited preventive care coverage
📋 How the Claims Process Works
- Receive Medical Care: Visit any provider (check network for discounted rates). Pay your provider directly.
- Pay Your IUA: Cover your Initial Unshareable Amount (deductible) out-of-pocket first: $2,000–$8,500.
- Submit Bills: Send your eligible medical bills to United Refuah HealthShare via their online portal or mobile app.
- Review Process: United Refuah HealthShare reviews your bills for eligibility based on program guidelines (typically 15-30 days).
- Community Shares: If approved, the community shares (pays) your eligible medical expenses up to Up to $1,000,000 per incident per incident.
Important: Health sharing is not insurance. There are no legal guarantees that your bills will be paid. Sharing is based on program guidelines and community participation.
⏳ Pre-Existing Conditions Policy
United Refuah HealthShare has a 24-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. This means:
- Waiting period: Medical expenses related to pre-existing conditions are not eligible for sharing during the first 24 months of membership.
- After waiting period: Once the waiting period is complete, eligible expenses related to pre-existing conditions may be shared according to program guidelines.
- What qualifies: A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or medical condition for which you received treatment, diagnosis, or advice in the 12 months before joining.
This is standard across most health sharing programs and differs significantly from ACA-compliant insurance, which must cover pre-existing conditions immediately.
Ready to Join United Refuah HealthShare?
Visit their website to see current pricing for your household and get started.
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