Podkarpacie records 514,000 medical leaves in first half of 2026

In the first half of 2026, the Podkarpacie region in Poland recorded over 514,000 medical leaves, totaling more than 6 million days of absence. The most frequent reasons for these leaves include upper respiratory tract infections, back pain, colds, stress-related illnesses, and pregnancy.

Legal guidelines clarify that medical leave is intended for recovery. Insured persons may lose their right to sickness benefits if they perform work or engage in activities inconsistent with the purpose of the leave during their recovery period.

Regarding vacation, a medical certificate stating temporary incapacity for work interrupts a scheduled annual leave by law. In such cases, employers are required to reschedule the unused portion of the leave to a later date. However, certain types of leave, such as maternity, parental, or unpaid leave, are not interrupted by medical certificates, and employees on these leaves are not entitled to sickness or care allowances.