Can leave and sick leave be combined: what the law says

The summer season traditionally brings more sun and vacations, but it also raises a number of questions regarding the use of sick leave certificates. One of the most frequently asked is whether an employee can go on sick leave while actually being on vacation, and where the line lies between a legal right and abuse of the social system.

The topic is becoming increasingly relevant against the backdrop of increased control and reports of improper use of sick leave. Legislation allows employers to submit reports to the National Social Security Institute (NSSI) if they suspect irregularities. Inspections can lead to the suspension of benefits, disciplinary action, and even dismissal.

According to Daniela Asenova, director of the "Insurance and Short-term Payments" department at the NSSI headquarters, a sick leave certificate is an official medical document, issued after an assessment by a doctor or a specialized committee, which certifies temporary incapacity for work.

"The sick leave certificate must contain a clearly defined period, diagnosis, and regimen that the patient is obliged to follow," explained Asenova.

She clarified that the regimen can vary – home, hospital, sanatorium, or other, but it is always determined specifically by a medical professional.

Travel during sick leave – permitted only under conditions

One of the most common questions is whether a person on sick leave can travel. According to the NSSI, this is possible only with explicit permission and documentary confirmation from the attending physician. Otherwise, it is not allowed.

"Bulgarian legislation does not allow for the issuance of a sick leave certificate with a provision for leaving the country, except in specific medical cases," emphasized Asenova.

Control and inspections – how violations are detected

The NSSI points out that control over sick leave is carried out through information systems, automated mechanisms, and analysis of risk profiles – for patients, employers, and medical facilities alike.

Particular attention is paid to cases with an excessive number of sick leave days, as well as to the frequency and duration of absences.

In the last year alone, more than 10,000 sick leave certificates have been challenged, and for some of them, the payment of benefits was temporarily suspended until the completion of the inspections.

Sanctions for established abuses

In cases of proven improper use of a sick leave certificate, the funds paid out are subject to recovery by the state social security system. In certain cases, liability may also be sought from the medical professional who issued the document.

"I do not recommend that people use sick leave for a vacation. This is wrong and has consequences," the NSSI representative stated categorically.

An important detail: working for more than one employer

Special attention is also paid to people who work at more than one job. Violations can arise for them if the sick leave is not correctly processed for all employers or if the person continues to work at one job while receiving benefits from another.