Sick leave (medical leave)

What is sick leave? — Employees are entitled to sick leave if they cannot work due to illness or injury. 

What are the employee's obligations during sick leave? — Employees are required to notify their employer from the first day of absence, either directly or through a third party. They must also submit a medical certificate to both the employer and the National Health Fund (CNS) by the third day of absence. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the sick leave being invalidated and loss of benefits.

Is a medical certificate always required? — A medical certificate is mandatory for absences of three days or more. For shorter absences, it depends on the employer's policy, but employees should be prepared to justify any absence, even if it is only for a few hours. ​

What happens if I fall ill during my vacation? — If an employee becomes ill during their vacation, the sick leave can interrupt the vacation period. The employee must inform their employer immediately and provide a medical certificate confirming their condition. The unused vacation days can then be rescheduled to a later date.

How many days of leave are included in Sick leave? — Employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury and who submit a valid medical certificate can receive continued salary payments for up to 78 weeks over a reference period of 104 weeks.

Initially, the employer continues to pay the employee’s salary for the first 77 days of certified sick leave. After that, the CNS takes over the payment of sickness benefits.

What happens if an employee does not comply with the notification or medical certificate requirements? — Failure to inform the employer on the first day of absence or to submit a medical certificate by the third day can result in the sick leave being considered unjustified, loss of salary continuation during the sick leave period, and potential disciplinary action or dismissal. Employees are advised to adhere strictly to these obligations to ensure their rights are protected.