Here is an essential guide to handling sick leave in Hungary as an expatriate.

What Qualifies as Sick Leave?

In Hungary, sick leave applies when a health-related condition temporarily renders you unfit to work (keresőképtelen). This includes common illnesses (flu or cold), sudden injuries, recovery from surgery, or flare-ups of chronic conditions.

If you are sick, you are expected to rest and recover. Working while ill not only delays recovery but also risks infecting colleagues.

Working from Home (WFH): If you are mildly ill (e.g., a loss of voice) but feel well enough to perform duties remotely, you may discuss WFH options with your supervisor. Working remotely counts as regular work and is compensated at 100% of your salary.

Sick Leave:

If you are too ill to work at all, you must officially go on sick leave, which is a form of paid time off provided at a reduced percentage of your regular salary.

The Two Stages: Betegszabadság vs. Táppénz

Hungary splits paid medical leave into two distinct phases depending on the duration of your illness:

Phase 1: Sick Leave (Betegszabadság)

Duration: Up to 15 working days per calendar year.
Payer: Paid directly by your employer.Compensation: 70% of your absentee pay (távolléti díj).
Coverage: Applies to your own illness or incapacity.

Phase 2: Sick Pay / Sick Leave Allowance (Táppénz)

Duration: From the 16th working day onwards (up to 1 year, depending on continuous social security coverage).
Payer: Funded by the Hungarian State Health Insurance (NEAK), though processed through your employer’s payroll.

Compensation:

* 60% of your average daily earnings (if you have at least 2 years of continuous social security coverage).
* 50% if you have less than 2 years of coverage or if you are hospitalized during treatment.

Note: Subject to a statutory daily cap tied to the minimum wage.

Special Circumstances

In specific cases — such as workplace accidents, occupational diseases, or taking leave to care for a sick child (gyermekápolási táppénz) — Táppénz applies from day one without using your 15 days of betegszabadság.

Step-by-Step Procedure When You Fall Ill

To ensure your absence is properly documented and paid, follow these key steps:

Step 1: Notify Your Employer Immediately

Inform your manager or HR department on the first day of your absence, ideally before or at the start of your usual working hours. Clear communication allows your team to manage workloads effectively.

Step 2: Contact Your General Practitioner (GP / Háziorvos)

To take official sick leave, you must obtain an official medical certificate (orvosi igazolás) from a GP registered in the Hungarian public healthcare system.

Make sure you are registered with a local GP near your residence before you get sick.

Contact your doctor’s clinic on the first day of illness. GPs can generally backdate sick leave by a maximum of 5 days under specific medical circumstances, but prompt reporting is strongly advised.

Step 3: Collect and Submit Your Medical Certificate

Your doctor will issue a standard paper certificate confirming the start and end dates of your medical incapacity, as well as the category code for your illness.

Submit this original document to your company’s HR or payroll department promptly at the end of your sick period (or monthly if on extended leave).

Payroll cannot process sick pay without this official document.

Key Takeaways for Expats

TAJ Card Essential: Ensure your Hungarian Social Security Card (TAJ card) and health insurance status are up to date so you can access your local GP without friction.

Private vs. Public Doctors: While private clinics are convenient for consultations, only doctors authorized within the public framework (or specific private providers with social security contracts) can issue official sick leave certificates for statutory betegszabadság and táppénz.

Pro-rated Leave: If you join a company mid-year, your 15 days of employer-paid betegszabadság are calculated on a pro-rata basis for that calendar year.

Photo: Pixabay

​​​​​​​Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881.

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