Sick on vacation: How to secure your vacation days properly!

Sick on vacation: How to secure your vacation days properly!

In the midst of the current summer vacation wave, which affects many employees, questions often arise about the legal situation in the event of illnesses during vacation. The Austrian Trade Union Confederation (ÖGB) clarifies key aspects regarding this topic in a current communication. According to ots, numerous employees fall ill during their free time and seek support from the unions.

Verena Weilharter, labor law expert at the ÖGB, emphasizes that there are legal regulations for cases of illness while on vacation. Accordingly, vacation days remain unaffected if the illness lasts longer than three calendar days. A medical certificate is required in these cases and should be presented to the employer upon return.

Medical evidence requirement and employer information

In order to get vacation days back, days lost due to illness must be proven accordingly. For example, if an illness occurs during a two-week vacation, no day will be counted as a vacation day if the illness affects the days Friday and Monday. This is done in accordance with the Federal Holiday Act (§9 BUrlG), according to fachanwalt.de.

It is important that employees inform their employer immediately about the illness, especially if they are abroad. Information about the start and expected duration of the illness as well as the location and contact number should be provided. Timely information is also important for the statutory health insurance company in order to ensure that the continued payment of wages runs smoothly.

Continued payment of wages and vacation entitlements

The continued payment of wages during the illness phase is guaranteed in accordance with Section 3 of the Continued Payment of Wages Act (EFZG), whereby clear rules apply to the return and consideration of vacation days. With a valid medical certificate, employees can benefit from their vacation days without these being counted towards their annual entitlements, according to tk.de.

However, it should be noted that vacation days cannot be easily extended. If employees are no longer unable to work at the end of the approved vacation period, the days may not be added to the vacation. This also applies in the event that employees become ill again after their vacation; The reporting requirements must also be fulfilled here.

Special regulations abroad

If you are hospitalized abroad, there is no need for additional official confirmation of the medical certificate. The ÖGB points out that the costs covered by social insurance depend on the respective holiday country. Employees should therefore find out about the Austrian social security conditions in advance and ensure that they have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EKVG).

Overall, the situation illustrates how important good communication between employees and employers is in order to avoid misunderstandings and to clearly define the legal framework in the event of illness.