🩺 Sick Leave Rights and What to Do When You’re Ill in the Netherlands (2025 Guide)
A clear guide for migrant workers on what to do when you’re sick in the Netherlands, what rights you have, and how much pay you can expect while on sick leave.
📘 Sick Leave Rights and What to Do When You’re Ill in the Netherlands
When you live and work in the Netherlands, it’s important to know what happens if you get sick. As a worker, you have rights, responsibilities, and procedures to follow. This article explains everything migrant workers should know about sick leave (ziekteverlof) in the Netherlands.
✅ 1. What to Do If You’re Sick
If you’re unable to work due to illness, notify your employer as soon as possible, preferably before your shift starts.
You should provide:
- Your name
- That you’re sick (no need to say exactly what you have)
- How long you think you might be ill
❗ You are not required to give medical details to your employer. Only a company doctor (bedrijfsarts) may ask for that.
🕐 2. When to Report Sick
- Always inform your employer on the first day of illness.
- Some employers have their own sick leave phone number or app.
- If you’re sick for more than a few days, they may refer you to an occupational health service (arbodienst).
💶 3. Do You Get Paid When You’re Sick?
Yes, but not always 100%. Here’s how it usually works:
| Period | Sick Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First 2 years | At least 70% of your last salary | Many employers pay more (e.g., 90% or 100% in first weeks) |
| Minimum wage guarantee | You must receive at least minimum wage in the first year | |
| After 2 years | Employer may end the contract | You may apply for benefits (WIA) |
🧾 Check your contract or collective agreement (if applicable) – some employers offer more generous sick pay.
👩⚕️ 4. Company Doctor (Bedrijfsarts)
Your employer may send you to the company doctor to assess your situation.
- You must attend the appointment
- The doctor checks whether you can work (fully or partially)
- They may also help with reintegration (return to work)
🔁 5. Re-Integration (Re-integratie)
If you’re sick for more than a few weeks:
- Your employer must work with you to return to work step-by-step
- You may be offered lighter work or fewer hours
- This is called a re-integration plan
If you refuse suitable work without good reason, your sick pay can be stopped.
❌ 6. What Not to Do
- Do not go on vacation while sick without permission
- Do not work elsewhere while on sick leave
- Do not lie about being ill – this can lead to dismissal
📄 7. Documents You Might Need
Keep these ready:
- Your BSN (citizen number)
- Work contract
- Health insurance details
- Letters or emails from your employer or company doctor
❓ 8. What If You’re Sick During a Temporary Contract?
Even with a phase A or B contract, you are entitled to sick pay.
- If your contract ends during your illness, you can apply for Ziektewet (ZW) through UWV.
- This is a government sickness benefit for people without an employer.
🏥 9. Do You Need Health Insurance?
Yes. In the Netherlands, everyone must have basic health insurance. This is not related to sick pay from your employer, but it helps cover:
- Doctor visits
- Medication
- Hospital care
📞 10. Where to Get Help
- HR department at your workplace
- Company doctor / Arbodienst
- UWV if you are no longer employed
- Legal help: free consultation may be available via vakbond (union) or migrant info platforms
