Starting from February 1, 2026, the first day of sick leave will no longer be settled. According to the authorities, the measure aims to reduce fictitious sick leave, often used to extend days off. However, there could be an exception, namely patients with chronic diseases who frequently go to the doctor for treatments or investigations.
Until now, the first five days of sick leave were paid by the employer, and from the sixth day the state settlement intervened. The new rule changes the order: the first day will be considered the burden of the state, but it will not be paid, the next five days will be borne by the employer, and from the seventh day the settlement from the budget begins.
The compensation percentages remain unchanged: 55% for the first seven days, 65% between 8 and 14 days and 75% for leaves longer than 15 days, in the case of common illnesses.
The measure generated dissatisfaction among patients, especially those with chronic conditions. Following discussions between patient associations and the Ministry of Health, the authorities announced that they could be exempted from non-payment of the first day of leave, regardless of whether or not they are included in national health programs.
These are cancer patients, people with rare diseases, diabetes, hepatitis and other conditions that require repeated treatments.
“One of the solutions we are thinking about is the fact that these patients who have repetitive leave to go for treatment should not be charged by not paying the first day of leave. The vast majority of these treatments are given through day hospitalization, because they are closed-circuit purchases, we want them to go to pharmacies, we want the patient not to have to stay a day in hospital and take leave, but only to go to the specialized outpatient clinic”. said Radu Gănescu, president of the Coalition of Patient Organizations with Chronic Diseases (COPAC), according to Știrile Pro TV.
For her part, Marinela Debu, president of the Association of Hepatitis Patients from Romania, drew attention to the risk of interruption of treatment for patients with viral hepatitis, in the absence of a national program and continuity of medical insurance.
“On time, on viral hepatitis, I brought up the problem of the fact that we don’t have a national program, and these patients, if they remain discovered with the insurance, are at risk of interrupting your treatments”, she said.
Through the ordinance adopted at the end of 2025, the Government also introduces a medical leave control mechanism. The Health Insurance Companies will verify their granting, and the doctors who issue fictitious leaves risk sanctions, as the respective days will not be settled.
According to the Minister of Health, Alexandru Rogobete, this practice related to medical leave is not unique in the European Union. In countries like France or Belgium, the first or even the first two days of sick leave are unpaid.
“This practice is not only in Romania. It is not an idea that does not have a foundation or a figure behind it. In many countries, the first day of sick leave is not paid. For example in France or Begia, the first two days are not paid. (…)The decision is to reduce the number of short-term medical leaves. It has been shown that they are abused”, said the minister in early January.
