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Sick on vacation? This is how you secure your vacation days properly!
Find out what employees have to pay attention to if they are sick while on vacation: regulations, deadlines and important information from the ÖGB expert.
Sick on vacation? This is how you secure your vacation days properly!
The contemplative Christmas holidays are a time of relaxation and celebration for many employees, but what happens if illness suddenly intervenes? According to the Austrian Trade Union Confederation (ÖGB), inquiries from concerned employees who find themselves in this unpleasant situation are increasing. Labor law expert Michael Trinko has put together clear guidelines and important information.
Sick on vacation: Important regulations
If you get sick while on vacation and it lasts longer than three calendar days, you do not have to sacrifice any vacation days. These days will be credited back to the vacation account if the employer is informed of the illness within three days. “It is advisable to also visit a doctor to obtain confirmation that can be presented to the employer upon return,” explains Trinko. This is particularly important to secure vacation entitlements.
A practical example clarifies the regulation: If an employee falls ill during a two-week vacation from Friday to Monday inclusive, Friday and Monday are not counted as vacation days. However, the vacation does not automatically end later because the sick days cannot be added to the end of the vacation. Trinko announces that the vacation ends on the originally planned date.
Special considerations in the event of illness abroad
However, anyone who falls ill abroad must observe additional regulations. In addition to the medical certificate, an official certificate is required confirming that the medical certificate was issued by a licensed doctor. If the treatment took place in a public hospital, this confirmation is not necessary. It is also advisable to contact the Austrian social insurance provider before traveling to find out whether treatment costs abroad will be covered. The ÖGB offers support and clear information to ensure that employees are empowered to use their rights and do not lose a day of vacation unnecessarily, as also reported on Aviation Direct.