Holidays are meant to be relaxing, but what if you get sick while you are off? It can happen. In that case, there are rules and steps you can follow to prevent problems. Here you can read what to do and what you are entitled to.
What should you do if you get sick while on holiday?
If you fall ill during your holiday, it is important to report this immediately to your employer. Follow the usual absence procedure, which you can find in your employment contract or personnel guide. This usually means that you:
- report your illness by telephone or email;
- keep any medical statements or documents that substantiate your situation. You are not obliged to provide medical information to your employer;
- remains available for contact from your employer.
Once your employer has received your sick leave notification, the sick days are in principle not counted as vacation days.
What does the law say about being sick during a holiday?
The law protects employees who fall ill during their vacation. This means that the days you are ill may not be deducted from your statutory vacation days. Here are some conditions:
- The disease must be demonstrable, for example by means of a doctor's certificate.
- You must inform your employer of your situation in a timely manner.
Always check whether your collective labor agreement or employment contract contains specific agreements about reporting sick during vacation.
Can you make up vacation days?
Yes, if you get sick during your vacation, you can take the unused vacation days at a later time. Please note:
- This only applies to statutory holidays and not automatically to days taken in excess of the statutory holiday (unless otherwise agreed).
- Discuss with your employer when you can make up the days off.
Sick abroad
Did you get sick abroad? Then the same rules apply. Make sure you can provide a doctor's note in English or Dutch, so that your employer can assess it. It is also wise to contact your health insurer to check whether medical expenses are reimbursed.
More information
Do you have questions about illness during vacation or other employment law issues? Contact us. Our Service Center is available on workdays from 8:30 to 17:00 via sc@unie.nl or 0345 851 963.
