Sick leave and sickness benefit
When you fall ill, the doctor opens an electronic sick-leave certificate that flows to Tervisekassa automatically. The first three days are your own liability, days 4–8 are paid by the employer at 70% of your 6-month average wage, and from day 9 Tervisekassa pays 70% based on last year's social-taxed income. The benefit is paid within 30 days after the employer forwards the data.
Who this applies to
Step by step
See the doctor
The doctor opens the e-certificate; tell your employer as soon as possible. Track the certificate in the health portal.
The employer confirms the data
After the certificate closes, the employer forwards their data via eesti.ee. The employer pays the day 4–8 benefit on payday.
Tervisekassa pays the benefit
From day 9 the benefit is calculated from last year's social-taxed income and paid to your account within 30 days of the data arriving.
Common mistakes
Frequently asked questions
How large is the sickness benefit?
70% — from the employer for days 4–8 based on your 6-month average, from Tervisekassa from day 9 based on last year's taxed income. The 2026 daily cap is 126.87 euros.
How long can sick leave last?
Up to 182 consecutive calendar days (240 for tuberculosis). If needed, the doctor refers you to a work-ability assessment.