In my opinion, one needs to understand their leave rights, no matter if it’s a short illness or something more serious.
In Singapore, medical leave is regulated under the Employment Act, which ensures employees are supported during the periods of illness.
According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), employees who meet eligibility criteria are entitled to paid sick leave, including hospitalisation leave.
What Is Medical Leave in Singapore?
A Medical leave refers to authorised time off work due to illness or injury, supported by a valid medical certificate (MC).
There are two main types of medical leaves:
- Outpatient Sick Leave: This kind of leave is for minor illnesses that do not require hospitalisation.
- Hospitalisation Leave: This one is for more serious conditions that require hospital care or extended rest.
What Does Hospitalisation Leave in Singapore Actually Mean?
A hospitalisation leave does not always mean that you need to be admitted to a hospital to claim it.
You qualify for a hospitalisation leave if:
- You are hospitalised, OR
- A doctor certifies that you need bed rest at home
This is a very critical distinction and often overlooked but now you are aware and hence you can claim it whenever you are in need.
Hospitalisation leave typically applies to:
- Surgery recovery
- Serious illnesses (e.g., dengue, pneumonia)
- Pregnancy-related complications (with MC)
- Any condition requiring prolonged medical rest
How Many Days of Hospitalisation Leave Are Employees Entitled To?
The following hospitalisation leave entitlements apply under the Employment Act as of 2026:
| Length of Service | Outpatient Sick Leave | Hospitalisation Leave | Total Entitlement |
| 3–4 months | Pro-rated | Pro-rated | Pro-rated |
| 5 months | Pro-rated | Pro-rated | Pro-rated |
| 6 months or more | 14 days | 46 days | 60 days |
If you have worked for at least six months, here is what you’re entitled to:
- 60 days of paid hospitalisation leave per year
- Out of the 60 days, 14 days are set aside for outpatient sick leave
So in simple terms, you get:
- 14 days outpatient
- 46 days for hospitalisation
If you have worked for only 3 to 5 months, you won’t get the full 60 days yet, and your leave will be given on a pro-rated basis (based on how long you have been employed)
Who Is Eligible for Paid Hospitalisation Leave in Singapore?
To qualify for paid medical leave in Singapore, here are a few things that you need to keep in your mind:
- You have to be covered under the Employment Act
- Must have worked for your employer for at least three months
- Make sure that you inform your employer within 48 hours
Can an Employer Deny a Hospitalisation Leave Request?
No. Employers cannot refuse a valid hospitalisation leave request that is supported by a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner or dentist.
Employees who meet the eligibility requirements under the Employment Act are entitled to paid hospitalisation leave according to their leave entitlement.
Medical Certificates (MC): What Counts?
Your medical certificate needs to come from the right place, otherwise it may not be accepted. Your MC must be issued by:
- A registered medical practitioner, or
- A registered dentist
That said, some companies might ask you to visit a specific panel doctor, so it is always a good idea to check your company policy beforehand.
Also, if your MC is from an overseas or TCM practitioner, it is not always guaranteed to be accepted and depends on company policy.
Is Hospitalisation Leave Paid at Full Salary?
When it comes to how medical leave is paid, there is a clear distinction between hospitalization leave and outpatient sick leave.
- Hospitalisation Leave: It is paid at full gross rate of pay
- Outpatient Sick Leave: This one is paid at gross rate excluding shift allowances
This means that during hospitalisation leave, you receive your complete salary. However, for outpatient sick leave, your base pay is covered, but additional components like shift allowances are not included in the calculation.
Key Things Employees Often Overlook
Here are a few important things to understand about medical leave other than just the number of days:
Medical Fee Coverage
Employers are required to cover your consultation fees if:
- You visit a public healthcare institution, OR
- You go to a company-approved doctor
Timely Notification
You need to inform your employer within 48 hours. If you don’t, your leave may not be paid
Leave Limits
The total combined entitlement is capped at 60 days per year.
What Special Situations Should Employees Know About?
Here are a few situations people think about when it comes to medical leave:
Sick on a Rest Day or Public Holiday
If you happen to fall sick on a rest day or public holiday, you won’t get extra paid leave for it.
During Notice Period
Even if you are serving your notice period, you are still eligible for medical leave but you also need to meet the usual criteria.
If You Exhaust Your Leave
If you have used up all your medical leave, you still have a few options:
- Unpaid leave
- Flexible work arrangements
- Adjusted duties
What If Your Employer Doesn’t Comply?
If your employer does not comply with medical leave requirements, you can seek assistance from MOM or NTUC.
If you ever run into issues or feel unsure about your medical leave rights, there are places you can turn to for help:
• Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
• NTUC (National Trades Union Congress)
So if something doesn’t feel right or you need clarification, you are not on your own. These organisations are there to guide and support you.
Conclusion
Understanding hospitalisation leave in Singapore helps employees know their rights and entitlements during periods of illness or recovery.
When you are clear about what you are entitled to, you can focus on your health with greater confidence and peace of mind.
PeopleCentral: Simplifying Leave Management
Managing leave manually can get complicated fast, especially with hospitalisation cases.
With PeopleCentral, you can:
- Automate leave tracking
- Ensure MOM compliance
- Reduce HR errors
PeopleCentral is also a PSG pre-approved HRMS, allowing eligible Singapore SMEs to receive government