Sick Leave Simulator
Calculate sick leave benefit and understand the rules by country
⚠️ Indicative values based on 2026 legislation. Consult Social Security for official information.
Sick Leave Pay and Rights in EU Countries
When illness prevents you from working, understanding sick leave pay (indemnités maladie, Krankengeld, indennità di malattia) and your employment rights is essential. This guide explains sick leave systems across EU member states, including waiting periods, employer obligations, and social security benefits for 2026.
Employer vs Social Security Sick Pay
Most EU countries split sick pay responsibility between employers and social security. In Germany, employers pay 100% of salary for the first 6 weeks (Entgeltfortzahlung), after which Krankengeld from health insurance takes over at 70% of gross salary. France has a 3-day waiting period (délai de carence) before the CPAM pays indemnités journalières at 50% of daily salary. Luxembourg provides full salary continuation by the employer for 77 days via the Mutualité. Belgium pays guaranteed salary (gewaarborgd loon) for 30 days at decreasing rates.
Waiting Periods and Duration Limits
Waiting periods (Karenztage, jours de carence, días de carencia) before benefits begin vary significantly. France applies 3 waiting days, Germany has none, Belgium has 1 day for blue-collar workers, Spain applies 3 days, and Portugal applies no waiting period for hospital stays. Maximum sick leave duration ranges from 12 months (France) to 78 weeks (Germany). Extended illness may transition to long-term disability benefits (invalidité, Erwerbsminderungsrente) with different calculation methods.
Medical Certificate Requirements
Most countries require a medical certificate (arrêt de travail, Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung, certificato medico) to access sick leave benefits. In Germany, the electronic AU certificate (eAU) is sent directly to the employer. France requires the arrêt maladie to be submitted to the CPAM within 48 hours. Luxembourg mandates notifying the employer on the first day and submitting a medical certificate by the third day. Some countries like the Netherlands allow self-certification (eigen verklaring) for shorter absences.
Sick Leave Pay Calculation
Benefit calculations differ by country. Germany's Krankengeld equals 70% of gross salary (capped at 90% of net). France pays 50% of daily salary (up to €53.31/day in 2026), increasing to 66.66% after the 31st day with 3+ children. Spain's incapacidad temporal pays 60% from day 4-20, then 75% thereafter. Portugal pays 55% for the first 30 days, increasing to 75% after 91 days. Luxembourg pays full salary during the employer period, then CNS takes over at approximately 100% of insured salary.
Protection Against Dismissal During Sick Leave
EU workers generally benefit from protection against dismissal during sick leave. In France, dismissal during arrêt maladie is only permitted for reasons unrelated to the illness or in case of organizational necessity. Germany's Kündigungsschutz during Arbeitsunfähigkeit requires strict conditions. Luxembourg protects workers from dismissal for up to 26 weeks of illness. Understanding these protections, along with your rights regarding reduced work schedules (mi-temps thérapeutique, Wiedereingliederung) after illness, is essential for job security.
Sick Leave Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about sick leave and sick pay across EU countries