Medical leave is a critical workplace benefit that enables employees to take time off from work when facing serious health conditions, injuries, or undergoing medical treatments. Unlike short-term sick leave, a medical leave is meant for situations such as surgery, hospitalisation, or chronic illnesses.

It ensures that employees can prioritise their health without the fear of losing their job or facing workplace deductions. Based on the country’s labour laws and company policies, medical leave can be paid, partially paid, or unpaid. Still, it plays a crucial role in developing a supportive and healthy work culture.

For employers, having a clear understanding of the medical leave policy ensures compliance with regulations. It also builds trust and shows a genuine commitment to employee well-being.

• It is granted for serious health conditions that require hospitalisation, intensive treatment, or prolonged recovery.
• It is typically longer than sick leave and ranges from a few weeks to several months.
• Eligibility to apply for a medical leave depends on government regulations and employer policies, which often require a minimum tenure.
• Medical leaves can be paid, partially paid, or unpaid, based on the organisation’s policies.
• The application process needs a formal request specifying expected duration, treatment, and recovery details, supported by a physician’s documentation.
• If an employee is taking an extended leave, regular medical updates or medical certificates from a doctor are necessary.
• Employees can take medical leave for mental health or physical health continuously or with intervals, depending on treatment schedules and medical needs.

Also read: Benefits of Group Health Insurance Policy for Employees

In India, medical leave rules vary based on the regulations of private companies, government organisations, and different labour laws. There are several legislations that define leave entitlements for employees:

Review the Policy

An employee can start by reading their company’s medical leave policy. This helps them understand their rights, eligibility, and the required process.

Notify Early

Inform the manager or HR as soon as possible. Share the nature of the health issue, along with the expected start date and duration.

Submit a Formal Application

Generally, organisations use a leave management system, an online portal, or a standard application mail. In certain smaller companies, an email, a medical leave letter for employees, or even a verbal request can be acceptable.

Provide Medical Documentation

Provide a doctor’s note or medical leave certificate to validate the leave request. For longer leaves, regular updates and certification may be required.

Keep in Touch

Maintain communication with the employer during the leave period. It is especially essential if the recovery time changes. Employees need to provide approximate return dates to the organisation so that they can plan accordingly.

The carry-forward rule allows employees to take unused medical leave days from one period to the next. This is typically done from year to year. When employees do not use all the allocated medical leave in a given year, those unused days are added to the available balance for the next period.

For example, if the company provides 10 medical leave days annually but an employee has only used 6, the remaining 4 days would be carried forward and be available with the new year’s allocation.

Most companies that offer carry-forward benefits have established maximum accumulation limits to prevent buildup. Employees can carry forward a specific number of days, such as 30 or 60 days total or a certain percentage of their annual allocation. Once they reach this maximum limit, any additional unused medical leaves are forfeited.

Minimum Employment Duration

Employees typically need to have worked for a certain period. It can be 90 days, six months, or one year before they qualify for an extended medical leave. This helps balance organisational cost and support long-term staff.

Medical Certification

A doctor’s note confirming the health condition and need for leave is required to prevent misuse of the policy.

Legal Compliance

Policies must align with statutory compliance. Employees covered under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act and earning up to ₹21,000 per month are entitled to sickness benefits.

Government Employees

There is generally a structured leave policy included as paid medical leave for Government Employees.

Medical leave is one of the most important workplace benefits for employees, which allows them to focus on recovery without worrying about job security. Learning the eligibility rules and legal provisions protects employee rights and allows them to make informed decisions about their health and career.

In addition to the medical leave policy, having Corporate Health Insurance coverage for employees is essential. It portrays the organisation’s commitment towards employee welfare and creates a positive working environment. For organisations that want to protect their workforce, TATA AIG Group Health Insurance for Employees offers comprehensive protection, easy claims, and wide coverage.

The Group Health Insurance, an essential Small Business Insurance, ensures peace of mind for both employers and employees. Explore our plans today to build a healthier, more resilient workplace.