4 weeks sick, then vacation, then sick again?

If you were signed off sick for four weeks, then went on vacation, and subsequently became ill again, several aspects need to be considered. Firstly, the illness phase before the Vacation does not directly affect your Vacation entitlement. Your Vacation entitlement remains, unless you are long-term incapacitated.

However, during the vacation, a crucial regulation comes into effect: if you become ill during your Vacation and can provide a medical certificate, these sick days are not counted as Vacation days. Instead, the Vacation is officially considered interrupted, and the sick days are counted as incapacity days. This means you do not lose any Vacation days, which can be taken later.

After your Vacation and a renewed sick leave, similar principles apply as before. The new sick days are counted normally and may lead to a renewed sick leave, depending on the length and frequency. Specifically, if you become ill again immediately after vacation, you must report yourself incapacitated again and have your illness certified by a doctor.

Another central point is continued payment of wages. Employers are usually required to pay wages for up to six weeks if it is the same illness. If different conditions are diagnosed, the period for wage continuation starts anew. Seamless transitions from illness to Vacation and back to illness can be complex for both you and your employer, as both employment law and insurance regulations must be considered.