Sick pay in Hungary (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: The employer gives 15 working days of sick leave a year, paid at 70% of the absence fee. After that, health insurance pays sickness benefit (táppénz) of 60% of the base, or 50% with fewer than 730 insured days, for up to one year. A doctor certifies the incapacity, and it can be backdated by up to five days.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Who pays sick payBeing ill and unable to work | The employer gives the employee 15 working days of sick leave per calendar year for incapacity due to illness. Sickness benefit (táppénz) from the health insurance can be claimed at the earliest from the day after the sick leave entitlement ends. [1] |
| Sick pay rateBeing ill and unable to work | Sick leave: 70% of the absence fee (távolléti díj). Sickness benefit (táppénz): 60% of the benefit base if the insured person has at least 730 insured days in the continuous insurance period, otherwise 50%; 50% during inpatient treatment. [2] |
| Maximum durationBeing ill and unable to work | Sick leave is 15 working days per calendar year (proportionate if employment starts during the year). Táppénz is paid for the duration of the incapacity, for at most one year and for no more days than the insured days in the preceding continuous insurance period. [2] |
| Waiting daysBeing ill and unable to work | Sick leave covers the incapacity from its start, up to 15 working days a year. Táppénz is due at the earliest from the day after the sick leave entitlement ends. [2] |
| Medical certificateBeing ill and unable to work | Incapacity for work is assessed by the contracted doctors named in the law. The incapacity can be certified retroactively for up to five days before the day of the examination. [2] |
Sources
- Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (njt.jog.gov.hu): 2012. évi I. törvény - Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (a munka törvénykönyvéről, hatály 2026.10.01.) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (njt.jog.gov.hu): 1997. évi LXXXIII. törvény - Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (a kötelező egészségbiztosítás ellátásairól) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.