Can I leave the house while on sick leave?
Yes, if it doesn't harm your recovery. Unlike other countries, in Spain sick leave (temporary disability) doesn't set mandatory hours of presence at home: you can go out if it's compatible with your condition and doesn't delay your recovery. What you can't do is work (in your job or another) or carry out activities incompatible with the illness that justified the leave, as that can mean losing the benefit and even repaying it. The mutua or the INSS can summon you for a medical check: if you don't attend without justification, they suspend the benefit. The discharge is decided by the doctor.
📋 The rules
- Going out is allowed if compatible with recovery
- Banned to work during the leave
- Banned activities incompatible with the condition
- The mutua/INSS can summon you for a check
- Not attending the check: benefit suspended
🔓 Exceptions
- Trips for doctor visits, rehab or errands: justified
- Each condition sets which activities are compatible (the doctor assesses)
- Travelling may be compatible or not depending on the reason for leave
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Doing an incompatible activity with the leave, or working while on leave, can mean losing the benefit, repaying it and even disciplinary dismissal for breach of good faith. Not attending a mutua or INSS check without justification also suspends the benefit. So follow medical guidance and keep proof of any outings related to treatment.
📎 Official sources
- Social Security · Temporary disability →
- INSS · Duties during sick leave →
- Administración · Temporary disability →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I go out while on sick leave?
Yes, if it's compatible with your condition and doesn't harm your recovery. Sick leave doesn't impose hours of presence at home, but you can't work or do activities incompatible with the illness that justified it.
What can't I do on sick leave?
You can't work (in your job or another) or carry out activities incompatible with your condition. Doing so can mean losing and repaying the benefit, and even a disciplinary dismissal for breach of good faith.
Can I be summoned for a medical check?
Yes. The mutua or INSS can summon you for a check to verify your condition. If you don't attend without a justified reason, they suspend the benefit. Always keep the summons and the medical documents.
Can I travel on sick leave?
It depends on the reason for the leave. If the trip is compatible with your condition and doesn't harm recovery, it's in principle possible, but you must be able to attend any check you're summoned to. In doubt, ask your doctor.
Who gives me the discharge?
The medical discharge is decided by the doctor (GP, mutua or INSS, by case), not the company or you. Until there's a discharge, the leave stands. You can appeal a discharge you disagree with, by the set procedure.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “go out while sick leave”
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- “mutua check sick leave”
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- “temporary disability duties”