Can I leave the house during sick leave?
Yes, but you must be available during the home-visit hours. During sick leave, the worker must remain available at home during the set hours for the INPS doctor's home visit: in the private sector from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00; in the public sector from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00, every day, holidays included. Outside these hours you can go out. You can also be absent during the hours for justified reasons (medical visits, tests) you can document. The medical certificate is sent electronically. What matters is not carrying out activities incompatible with the illness that could delay recovery.
📋 The rules
- Availability during the hours: private 10-12 and 17-19
- Public sector: 9-13 and 15-18
- Every day, holidays included
- Outside the hours: you can go out
- Banned: activities incompatible with the illness
🔓 Exceptions
- Medical visits or tests during the hours: justifiable absence
- Serious conditions and life-saving therapies: exemption from availability
- The electronic certificate states diagnosis and prognosis
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Being absent at the home visit without justified reason has consequences: loss of sickness benefit for some days and possible disciplinary sanctions from the employer. Carrying out incompatible activities during illness (a second job, activities delaying recovery) can lead to challenges and, in serious cases, dismissal. To avoid problems, respect the availability hours, keep proof of any outings for medical reasons and follow the doctor's instructions. Recovery and the return to work are determined by the medical certificate.
📎 Official sources
- INPS · Medical checks and availability hours →
- Normattiva · Rules on sickness absences →
- Ministry of Labour · Illness and protections →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I leave the house if I'm on sick leave?
Yes, outside the availability hours. You must be available for the home visit from 10 to 12 and 17 to 19 in the private sector, 9 to 13 and 15 to 18 in the public sector. Outside these hours you can go out, avoiding activities that delay recovery.
What are the availability hours?
In the private sector from 10:00 to 12:00 and 17:00 to 19:00; in the public sector from 9:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 18:00. They apply every day, including holidays and weekends, for the whole duration of the certified illness.
Can I go out during the hours for a medical visit?
Yes, if you have a justified reason like a medical visit or test. It's advisable to keep the documentation (booking, report) to justify the absence in case of a check by the medical inspector during the availability hours.
What's the risk if I'm not home at the visit?
Unjustified absence at the home visit can cause loss of sickness benefit for some days and disciplinary sanctions from the employer. That's why it's important to respect the availability hours or properly justify any absences.
Can I do another job while on sick leave?
No. During illness you can't carry out activities incompatible with your condition, like a second job or activities that delay recovery. Doing so can lead to challenges, loss of the benefit and, in serious cases, even dismissal.
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