Sick pay in Croatia (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: The employer pays sick pay for the first 42 days, then the health insurance fund (HZZO) pays. Pay is due from day 1 and cannot be lower than 70% of average pay. The chosen doctor issues the report on incapacity.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Who pays sick payBeing ill and unable to work | For illness or injury, the employer pays the sick pay from its own funds for the first 42 days. From day 43 it is paid at the expense of the health insurance fund (HZZO); the employer usually pays it out and claims a refund from HZZO. [1] |
| Sick pay rateBeing ill and unable to work | Sick pay cannot be lower than 70% of the base for the benefit (the average pay of the last six months), and not lower than 80% of the budget base (EUR 353.15) a month for full-time work. It is 100% in listed cases, such as work injury or occupational disease. [1] |
| Maximum durationBeing ill and unable to work | The right at the expense of HZZO lasts at most 18 months for the same diagnosis without a break. After that the insured person still gets 50% of the last benefit, as long as there is a medical indication. [1] |
| Waiting daysBeing ill and unable to work | Sick pay is due from the first day of established incapacity. The employer pays it for the first 42 days, so there are no unpaid waiting days. [1] |
| Medical certificateBeing ill and unable to work | The chosen primary care doctor determines the start and length of the incapacity. The period is proven by the report on temporary incapacity for work issued by that doctor. [1] |
Notes
- The rate can differ by cause of incapacity; the listed 100% cases include work injury and occupational disease.
Sources
- HZZO: Naknada plaće za vrijeme privremene nesposobnosti za rad (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.