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Sick abroad: sick note and continued pay

Anyone who falls ill abroad must report sick just as they would at home. A medical certificate issued abroad can be recognized if certain conditions are met. Prompt notification and good documentation are important.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Even if you fall ill abroad, you are entitled to continued pay when your inability to work is proven (§ 5 EFZG). A foreign medical certificate generally has the same evidentiary value if it shows an inability to work.
Report your inability to work and its expected duration to your employer without delay, ideally with your address at your place of stay. The health insurer must also be informed.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. See a doctor

    Have your inability to work medically diagnosed and certified.

  2. 2

    2. Report quickly

    Inform your employer and health insurer without delay about the illness and its duration.

  3. 3

    3. Secure evidence

    Keep the certificate and proof of your stay.

  4. 4

    4. Submit on return

    Submit any required documents to your employer and insurer promptly.

How to spot the scam

  • The sick note is filed late.
  • The medical certificate does not clearly show the inability to work.
  • Your location and how to reach you are not communicated.

Frequently asked questions

Is a foreign sick note valid in Germany?

Generally yes. A medical certificate of inability to work issued abroad usually has the same evidentiary value as a domestic one if it shows the inability to work and its duration. Prompt notification and evidence are important.

Do I get continued pay if I fall ill on vacation?

Yes. If you become unable to work while on vacation, you are entitled to continued pay when your inability to work is proven, and the affected vacation days are not counted (§ 5 EFZG, § 9 BUrlG). A medical certificate is required.

Whom must I inform?

Your employer without delay about the inability to work and its expected duration and, especially when staying abroad, about your address at your place of stay. The health insurer must also be informed. Speed and provability are especially important here.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.