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Healthcare

How to get sick leave from work in Luxembourg

It happens to all of us, one day we get sick and can't go to work, but what are the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers in the case of work-related absences? Read on as we will cover the specifics of sick leave in Luxembourg in detail.

Last time updated
12.08.24

Sick leave in Luxembourg allows employees to take time off work due to health issues while receiving salary compensation. However, this process involves specific duties and obligations that both the employee and employer must fulfill.

Employer's and employees rights and obligations

In Luxembourg, employees who are unable to work due to illness or accident are entitled to a certain number of sick leave days. Before diving into the detailed paperwork involved in these absences, let's briefly outline the rights and obligations of both employees and employers.

Employee
Employer
How to get compensation for medical expenses in Luxembourg?

In addition to the right to sick leave, Luxembourgers are also entitled to compensation for medical expenses, as they are covered by the Social Security. If you want to know more about this topic we recommend our related article.

Medicine
Compensation
Luxembourg

How to get compensation for medical expenses in Luxembourg

How to apply for sick leave: step-by-step

Applying for sick leave in Luxembourg doesn't involve asking for permission in the traditional sense. Instead, it is essential to follow specific notification and documentation procedures. Here's a detailed look at the steps involved.

Notification about illness
Extension of sick leave
Gradual return to work

What is prohibited during sick leave?

Sick leave days are not the same as holidays; there are strict restrictions regarding leaving the house and engaging in certain activities, with control measures enforced by the CNS.  Here we will review the key prohibitions and control measures during your sick leave in Luxembourg.

Can't leave the house
Can't have activities
No abroad travel

The CNS can also grant a stay abroad for up to one working week in the following cases, based on a recommendation from the treating physician:

  • In the case of a stabilized illness within the framework of a disability procedure.
  • Death abroad of a parent, first-degree relative, or partner.
  • Birth of a child abroad.
Deadlines

Requests for authorization to stay abroad must be submitted to the CNS at least three weeks before departure, except in cases of death or birth.

Control measures implemented by CNS

The CNS can conduct checks to verify the presence or absence of the patient at home. These checks can take place between 8:00 and 21:00 from the first day of incapacity.

During an administrative check, a record of presence or infraction is made. If an absence is detected, the inspector leaves a notice of the visit at the control location. The person on sick leave must justify their absence within three working days from the date of the check.

Monetary compensation during sick leave from work

During sick leave in Luxembourg, employees are entitled to economic compensation. However, the specifics can vary depending on the type of employment and the employer.

Private sector employees
Private sector employees are entitled to continued remuneration from their employer until the end of the month in which the 77th day of incapacity occurs within an 18-month reference period. After this period, employees are still entitled to benefits, but these are provided by the CNS.
Self-employed people
For self-employed individuals, the concept of continued salary does not apply, as they do not receive a traditional salary. However, they are entitled to compensation from the CNS. This compensation is suspended until the end of the month in which the 77th day of incapacity occurs within a consecutive 12-month reference period.
Public sector employees
Public sector employees have the right to continued remuneration throughout the entire period of their sick leave.

How to apply for sick leave to take care of a child?

If you fall ill, you can take sick leave, but what if your child gets sick and you need to stay home to care for them? You can apply for child sick leave in Luxembourg, it’s known as leave for family reasons. As always, this type of leave is regulated and requires adherence to specific rules and procedures.

Any employee can request leave for family reasons if they have a child under 18 years old who requires parental presence. If only one parent is employed, only that parent can take the leave. If both parents are employed, both are entitled to take leave, but not simultaneously.

The duration of leave for family reasons depends on the age of the child.
0 to 4 years old
12 days
4 to 13 years old
18 days
13 to 18 years old
5 days (in case of hospitalization)
Special cases

The leave period can be extended for children suffering from exceptionally severe illnesses or disabilities, such as progressive cancer or conditions requiring hospitalization for more than two consecutive weeks. In such cases, the extension is determined on a case-by-case basis and is limited to a total of 52 weeks within a 104-week reference period.

Notification of illness
Compensation during family leave

Medical leave in the case of burning out

Burn-out, also known as professional exhaustion syndrome, is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic workplace stress. It is dangerous because it can lead to severe health problems such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, heart diseases, and poor work performance.

In some countries like Belgium or France, burn-out is recognized as a disease. However, this is not the case in Luxembourg, where burn-out is not officially recognized as an illness. Therefore, the best approach is to prevent it, or if you are nearing burnout, seek professional help. Below are some tips to prevent burn-out and some organizations where you can seek assistance.

Organizations providing support and help for mental well being

There are several associations in Luxembourg, aiming to prevent and help employees facing problems at work due to stress.

Association Luxembourg et Grande Région de Prévention et de Gestion du Stress

The APGS aims to prevent and manage stress-related illnesses. Individuals suffering from depression or exhaustion can participate in physical and psycho-corporal activities, tailored to participants and supervised by health professionals specialized in therapeutic education.

Wellbeing at Work

Wellbeing at Work is a private organization dedicated to promoting health and well-being in the workplace. It offers support, action plans, conferences, coaching sessions, and awareness campaigns.

Navigating the rules and procedures for sick leave in Luxembourg can be complex, but understanding your rights and obligations helps. No matter if you are dealing with a personal illness, a child's health or the serious effects of burnout, knowing how to properly apply for leave and the restrictions that come with it ensures you receive the support and compensation you deserve. Always remember, your health is paramount, and taking the necessary steps to protect it benefits both you and your workplace.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to provide a medical certificate for my sick leave?

Can I leave my house during my sick leave period?

Can I take sick leave to care for a sick child?

Can I travel abroad during my sick leave?

Is burnout considered a valid reason for sick leave in Luxembourg?

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We took photos from these sources: Kelly Sikkema, Unsplash

Authors: Luz
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