Slovakia's Social Insurance Saves Millions by Cracking Down on Fake Sick Leaves

Since the stricter rules introduced on 1 January 2025, Slovakia’s Social Insurance (Sociálna poisťovňa) has dramatically reduced the number of fraudulent sick‑leave claims (PN). The share of people on sick leave fell below 3 percent – the lowest level in 25 years. The ministry reported that the crackdown saved the state €144 million in 2025 and nearly €72 million in the first half of 2026, with a projected total saving of about €300 million by the end of 2026.

Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Family Erik Tomáš said the decline amounts to roughly 12 000 fewer fraudulent claims each month and 3.2 million fewer sick‑days compared with the previous year. Over the same period, the number of newly reported sick‑leave cases dropped from about 454 000 to 390 000. The savings also translate into higher tax and social‑insurance revenues for the state. The ministry expects the trend to continue as electronic health‑record integration and expanded powers for assessing physicians further limit abuse.