Holidays on L4. ZUS no longer says no – it will check one thing
Sick leave is still not the same as paid leave, but there are circumstances in which ZUS will no longer collect sickness benefit for travel.
From April 13, 2026, significant changes to the rules regarding sick leave (L4) enter into force, which partially liberalize the approach to activity during illness.
Going on a trip (e.g. to the mountains or to the seaside) will not automatically mean losing the right to sickness benefit, unless it is contrary to the doctor’s recommendations and the purpose of the leave. For example, climatic treatment is possible. There will be no problems if the patient reports it as a change of address.
ZUS will look at the sick leave from all sides
The key goal of the reform is to modernize the medical certification system and better adapt it to the realities of the modern labor market. The changes concern both the method of issuing exemptions and the rules for their use. At the same time, ZUS will receive broader control powers, which means more frequent and more detailed verification of the validity of L4.
Please note – home renovations, intensive sports training, or tourist trips that delay the patient’s recovery will still be punished. In the case of sick leave from a psychiatrist, unless the doctor orders bed rest, traveling will be allowed and treatment by changing the environment will even be recommended.
There will also be a new L4 category – the so-called “walking” dismissal. If the doctor does not indicate that the patient should lie down, you will be allowed to leave home for health purposes, for example, to go for a walk to recover.
ZUS will question such holidays
ZUS has abandoned traditional, random inspections in favor of using advanced algorithms that analyze specific data. Such a system allows you to quickly identify people who may abuse L4.
Among others, the following are analyzed: recurring patterns: frequent sick leave around weekends, using the services of doctors far from home, L4 from medics who issue an exceptionally large number of them.
The algorithm is not limited to checking individual dismissals, but combines information about employment history and previous absences. If the system notices that an employee alternately uses child care allowance and sick leave, it will give a signal to carry out an inspection. Photos from your vacation or home renovation will only make things easier.
