Parents in Slovakia and Czechia can claim care allowance during summer kindergarten closures

The Social Insurance institutions of Slovakia and the Czech Republic have clarified that when a kindergarten is closed in July, parents of children attending can apply for a care allowance (ošetrovné) for up to 14 calendar days.

To claim, insured persons must complete a form available on the insurer’s website, have it signed by the kindergarten and, for employees, also by the employer, then submit it to the appropriate branch. The allowance also applies if the child falls ill, with a pediatrician’s certificate required for the request.

Starting 1 August 2026 the procedure will change: pediatricians will no longer need to sign; the need for care will be recorded in the eHealth system, and the insurer will verify the information electronically.