Whether you fall ill or get injured before or during your holiday, it is important to inform your employer as soon as possible. Early and clear communication is essential to ensure that your rights are handled correctly and that your employer can plan the work in the best possible way.
If you fall ill before your holiday
If you are unable to go on your holiday because you fall ill or get injured before it begins, you must inform your employer immediately. As a general rule, you are entitled to replacement holiday, as you cannot commence your holiday from the start of the holiday period.
This requires that your employer is informed in due time and that the illness can be documented in accordance with the applicable rules.
If you fall ill during your holiday
If you fall ill during your holiday, for example after a skiing accident, you must also contact your employer as soon as possible. In this situation, you may be entitled to replacement holiday, but the rules are more complex.
There are specific requirement for documentation and a qualifying period that are relevant. We therefore recommend that you seek advice from our legal department. Our lawyers can help you understand your rights and advise you on what to do next.
The type of injury matters
If you are injured, you are technically required to make your labour available to the extent possible.
Some injuries can be combined with work, especially office-based or remote work, while others make this impossible.
For example, if you break your leg on a ski holiday and have a job that involves a lot of standing or walking, it will be difficult to be available for your employer.
The same applies in cases of severe pain, the need for strong painkillers or concussion. Ultimately, it is a medical assessment whether you are fit to work.
Injuries from high-risk accidents can have consequences
You may lose your right to pay during sickness, in case of injury from high-risk circumstances, . This can be relevant in high-risk situations where you bear a significant share of the responsibility.
The threshold is high and always depends on a specific assessment. However, we have seen cases where injuries sustained while skiing off-piste, despite clear advice against it, have affected the right to pay.
Check your travel insurance
It is one thing if your luggage is delayed or your rental skis break.
It is something entirely different if you or a family member get injured or fall ill. In that case, your holiday can quickly become very expensive. Before departure, you should therefore check whether you are properly insured.
With travel insurance, you protect yourself against unpleasant surprises. Just remember to include cover for active holidays. As a member of Pharmadanmark, you have access to discounted insurance through Tryg.
Tryg’s travel insurance covers:
Illness
Accidents
Medical treatment abroad
Search and rescue, including helicopter transport if, for example, you break your leg on the slope and need to be flown down
Repatriation or medical escort following an accident
In addition, the travel insurance provides financial security through compensation for lost holiday days.
Are you unsure whether you are properly insured? Call Tryg on +45 44 20 55 00.