How long is sick leave in Switzerland?

The duration of sick leave in Switzerland varies by Canton.

What are the eligibility rules for sick leave in Switzerland?

To be eligible for sick leave in Switzerland, two primary conditions must be met:

• The employment relationship must have lasted for more than 3 months or be entered into for a fixed period of more than 3 months.
• There is no entitlement to benefits if the incapacity for work is less than 25%.

How is sick leave payment calculated in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, sick leave payment is calculated as follows:

• Waiting Period: There is a waiting period of no more than 2 calendar days.
• From Day 3 to 30: From the 3rd to the 30th day of illness, the employee receives 80% of the daily earnings.
• From Day 31 Onward: Starting from the 31st day of illness and for a period of up to 900 days per case (with a maximum of 730 days of payments), the payment amounts to 80% of the salary that is subject to old age and invalidity insurance (AHV), but it is limited to a maximum of CHF 300,000. For salaries exceeding CHF 250,000, this is subject to a successful health examination.

Furthermore, the insurance covers 80% of the lost wages for up to 730 days. If not, the employer is required to supplement the insurance benefit to ensure the employee receives 80% of their salary.

What is the process for applying for sick leave in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the process for a supported employee to apply for sick leave involves the following steps:

• The supported employee must inform Velocity Global Switzerland without delay if they are unable to work due to sickness or an accident.
• A medical certificate must be submitted starting from the 3rd working day of absence due to illness or accident.
• The supported employee must communicate the estimated length of absence as soon as it is known.
• A valid medical certificate and its recognition by the insurance company are prerequisites for receiving benefits.