Sick Leave in Austria (Krankenstand): What to Know in 2026

If you work in Austria, you may eventually need to deal with sick leave (Krankenstand): whom to notify, who pays and what happens if your illness continues for a longer period. This guide summarises the most important points for 2026. It also covers paid absences for important personal reasons and where to turn if health problems put your job at risk.

What does sick leave in Austria include?

The subject of sick leave covers several areas:

• general information about sick leave,
• reporting an illness (Krankmeldung),
• continued payment of wages during illness (Entgeltfortzahlung),
• gradual, part-time return to work after a longer illness (Wiedereingliederungsteilzeit),
• sickness benefit (Krankengeld),
• the e-card and the European Health Insurance Card.

Online advice and a calculator are also available. Up-to-date information is provided on how to report an illness, how long wages continue to be paid and the amount of Krankengeld.

Who pays during illness: the employer or Krankengeld?

The system distinguishes between two different forms of payment. The first is continued payment of wages by the employer (Entgeltfortzahlung); the second is sickness benefit (Krankengeld). These are not the same, so they must be considered separately.

It is important to know that entitlement to Krankengeld does not continue indefinitely. People who have been “signed off” Krankengeld (vom Krankengeld ausgesteuert) have reached the end of their entitlement. fit2work offers them additional, longer-term support.

Paid absence for reasons other than illness

You may also be entitled to continued pay when you cannot work because of an important personal reason. This usually applies for a relatively short period, generally no more than one week.

• Your own wedding or the birth of a child: short absence with continued pay.
• The wedding or death of a close relative: short absence with continued pay.
• Moving home: short absence with continued pay.
• Medical appointment (Arztbesuch): short absence with continued pay.
• Official summons (behördliche Vorladung): paid time off is generally available.
• Other official business: only where it must be handled during working hours and cannot be resolved another way, such as by telephone.

The specific situations and periods are generally set out in the applicable collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag). Collective agreements for different industries are available from the Economic Chamber (Wirtschaftskammer, WKO). If the collective agreement contains narrower provisions, an employee may be able to rely on statutory rules in an individual case: the Employees Act (Angestelltengesetz, AngG, Section 8) or the General Civil Code (ABGB, Section 1154b).

What is fit2work and who is it for?

fit2work is a state prevention programme that helps when health problems threaten a person’s job. Its advice is free, and every person of working age can use it.

The programme is primarily intended for people who:

1. are frequently or continuously on sick leave and this is causing problems at work,
2. live with physical or mental limitations,
3. fear losing their job for health reasons,
4. are unemployed for health reasons.

If you are already unemployed, you also have important tasks with the employment service. Information is available in the guide to registering unemployment with AMS.

What support does fit2work provide?

The programme has two main aims: preventing people from losing their jobs for health reasons and supporting their return to work after a longer illness. Services include:

• an assessment of the current situation,
• occupational health or occupational psychology assessments with individual recommendations,
• free clinical psychological treatment where necessary and where the health insurer (ÖGK) cannot provide suitable free treatment in time,
• longer-term case management (Case Management Plus) for people whose Krankengeld entitlement has ended,
• developing new or alternative professional opportunities,
• information about benefits and support, as well as help communicating with institutions.

fit2work can also help prepare and implement an action plan. Employers can receive advice too, for example on organising a gradual return to work after a longer illness (WIETZ).

How can you contact fit2work?

Regional advice offices operate throughout Austria. You must arrange an appointment in advance. You can do this in either of two ways:

• call the 0800/500 118 hotline, which is free from anywhere in Austria,
• contact the fit2work office in your federal province directly.

Frequently asked questions

How much paid time off is available for moving or getting married?

A relatively short period is available on each occasion, generally no more than one week. The exact period is usually determined by the collective agreement.

Is time spent at a medical appointment paid?

Yes. A medical appointment is among the personal reasons for which continued pay is available.

What happens when my Krankengeld entitlement ends?

fit2work also supports people whose entitlement to Krankengeld has ended through a longer-term support service called Case Management Plus.

Do I have to pay for fit2work advice?

No. Advice is free for every person of working age.

Practical steps

1. Notify your employer promptly when you are ill and ask which Krankmeldung procedure applies at your workplace.
2. Check whether your absence falls under Entgeltfortzahlung or whether Krankengeld may apply.
3. Review the relevant Kollektivvertrag for paid absences connected with weddings, a birth, moving, medical appointments or official matters.
4. If your illness is frequent or prolonged, contact fit2work on 0800/500 118 or arrange an appointment with your regional office.
5. If your Krankengeld entitlement has ended, ask fit2work about Case Management Plus and support for returning to work.

Note: This article is based on information available online and does not constitute professional advice. Use of the information is at your own risk. For specific guidance, contact a lawyer, legal professional, healthcare professional, employment-law or employment-services specialist, or another relevant professional.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at