The summer holiday season is in full swing and many employees are treating themselves to a well-deserved break. But sometimes things don't go as planned: illness forces thousands of people to stay in bed instead of enjoying the beach.
This situation raises numerous questions, especially with regard to vacation and how to deal with sick days. The Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) and the unions are currently receiving numerous inquiries from concerned employees. ÖGB labor law expert Michael Trinko provides information and explains the most important regulations.
If you get sick on vacation, you should see a doctor immediately. "Not only to get treatment, but also to be able to provide your employer with a certificate in the event of incapacity to work," explains Michael Trinko. This medical certificate is important to secure your vacation days. It must be presented to your employer when you return from vacation.
According to Trinko, “If you get sick during your vacation and the sick leave lasts more than three calendar days, then no vacation days are used.” This means that the days you were sick are credited back to your vacation account, provided the illness lasts more than three days.
A practical example illustrates the rule: If an employee falls ill during a two-week holiday from Friday to Monday inclusive, this is considered to be four calendar days of illness. In a normal 5-day week (Monday to Friday), Friday and Monday are not counted as holiday days.
No automatic holiday extension
It is also important to know that sick days do not automatically extend vacation time. "You cannot simply add sick days to the end of your vacation. Vacation ends on the originally agreed date," says Trinko. This regulation ensures clarity and prevents misunderstandings between employees and employers.
Illness abroad: special regulations
Anyone who falls ill abroad and is ill for more than three days must present an official confirmation in addition to the medical certificate. This confirms that the medical certificate was issued by a licensed doctor. Such confirmations can be issued, for example, by Austrian consulates or embassies in the holiday country. An exception applies if the treatment was carried out in a public hospital. In this case, no additional official confirmation is necessary.
E-Card and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
An important aspect for travel within Europe is the European Health Insurance Card (EKVG), which is on the back of the e-card. This must be completely filled out and valid. Trinko points out that it is a good idea to check with the Austrian social security before traveling to find out whether and to what extent the costs of doctor's visits abroad are covered. Further information on this is available on the Austrian social security website.
Being ill during your vacation is unpleasant and can reduce the effect of your well-deserved rest. But with the right information and knowledge of the applicable regulations, employees can ensure that their vacation days are not lost. The ÖGB and the unions are on hand to provide advice and support to ensure clarity and protect employees' rights.
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