Sick leave and pay in Hungary in 2025: general rules

Who qualifies in 2025?

To receive sick pay, all three conditions must be met:

Active insurance relationship (formal employment or equivalent coverage).
Medical certificate confirming incapacity for work (issued by GP or treating physician).
Health insurance contributions are paid on your earnings.

Sick pay starts after the employer-paid 15 days of sick leave are used.

How much is sick pay?

The benefit is based on gross earnings and treatment circumstances:

60% of daily gross income if you have at least 730 days of continuous insurance and recover at home.
50% of daily gross income if hospitalized or if your continuous insurance period is shorter.
Daily cap (2025): HUF 19,387 (one-thirtieth of twice the minimum wage). If the computed amount exceeds this, the cap applies.

Accident sick pay: In work/commuting accidents, the rate can reach 90–100% of gross income, regardless of treatment location.

Formula (simplified): (Monthly gross ÷ 30) × rate, subject to the daily cap.

Worked examples

Home recovery, 730+ days insured — Monthly gross HUF 300,000 → (300,000 ÷ 30) × 0.60 = HUF 6,000/day.
Hospitalized — Monthly gross HUF 500,000 → (500,000 ÷ 30) × 0.50 = HUF 8,333/day.
If the computed daily amount is higher than HUF 19,387, the cap applies.

How to apply

Employee actions

Obtain the medical certificate of incapacity for work.
Send it to your employer (electronically or in person).

Employer actions

Handle payroll processing and forward data to social insurance.
If the employer has a paying office, it processes the benefit; otherwise it forwards to NEAK/Treasury for assessment and payment.

Payout timeline: typically 8–30 days to the employee’s bank account once complete documentation is processed. Missing/incorrect data can delay payment.

For longer illnesses, submit updated medical certificates continuously; the employer forwards them so payments continue without interruption.

How long can you stay on sick pay?

Up to 1 year per illness, provided insurance continues and medical certification supports incapacity. In justified cases (e.g., long-term illness), the district health insurance department may grant an extension.

Special rules

Work/commuting accidents: up to 100% rate.
High-risk pregnancy: no employer sick leave; sick pay starts immediately.
Child care sick pay (GYÁP): available when caring for a sick child under 12; days depend on age and family status.

Quick facts (2025)

Eligibility: Employment + contributions + medical certificate.
Rates: 60% (home, 730+ days insured) or 50% (hospital/shorter history).
Cap: HUF 19,387 per day.
Employer sick leave: First 15 days at 70% of absence pay; then state sick pay applies.
Payment window: usually within 8–30 days.
Changes vs. 2024: framework unchanged; maximum daily amount rose with the minimum wage.

FAQs

Can I work elsewhere while on sick pay?

No. Sick pay requires incapacity for work. Working during this period can lead to suspension, repayment obligations, and legal consequences.

What is the difference between employer sick leave and sick pay?

Employer sick leave covers the first 15 working days each year at 70% of absence pay. After that, state sick pay (50–60% of gross, capped daily) begins.

Do I qualify during probation?

Yes, if you have an active insurance relationship and contributions are paid, with proper medical certification.

What about the self-employed?

Eligible if they pay the required cash health insurance contributions and have valid insurance—calculation rules mirror those for employees.

What if one year passes and I’m still unfit for work?

Possible options include a discretionary extension and, in some cases, transition to rehabilitation or disability benefits after assessment.

Is part-time treated differently?

Eligibility rules are the same. The benefit amount is proportionate to gross earnings, so part-time workers receive lower absolute amounts.

Can I claim sick pay retroactively?

Yes, typically within a 6-month window, provided medical certificates and documentation are submitted on time.

Official source

For rules and official guidance, consult the Hungarian State Treasury: Magyar Államkincstár – Táppénz és betegszabadság .

Disclaimer

This overview summarizes current rules for 2025 based on publicly available guidance. It is not legal advice. Individual cases may vary; always verify details with your employer’s paying office or NEAK.