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In Singapore, the Employment Act provides guidelines for employee medical benefits, including medical reimbursements and salary during sick leave. It is crucial for both employees and employers to understand these guidelines to ensure that they are following the law.
Medical Reimbursements
According to the Employment Act, employers are required to pay for an employee's medical consultation fee if the employee has worked for at least three months and the medical consultation results in at least one day of paid sick leave. The medical certificate must be issued by a medical practitioner from a public medical institution or appointed by the company.
It is important to note that some employers may provide additional medical benefits beyond what the Employment Act provides. It is recommended that employees check their employment contract for details on these benefits.
If an employee falls sick during public holidays, annual leave, rest days, or non-working days, they will not be eligible for paid sick leave on those days. They also will not be eligible to claim reimbursement for medical consultation fees.
However, many companies in Singapore provide medical benefits schemes that offer reimbursement for medical consultation fees beyond the employees' paid sick leave entitlements under the Employment Act. It is advisable for employees to check with their employer regarding their medical benefits coverage.
Employers are not obligated to grant paid sick leave or reimburse medical consultation fees for cosmetic procedures. The doctor performing the examination will determine whether a procedure is for cosmetic reasons, and company policy may cover this as an employee medical benefit.
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Salary During Sick Leave
If an employee is on paid hospitalization leave, the employer must pay the employee at their gross rate of pay. If an employee is on paid outpatient sick leave, the employer must pay the employee at their gross rate of pay, excluding any shift allowance.
For monthly shift allowances, it is recommended that employees consult with their employer and union to determine whether they can continue to receive the shift allowance during their sick leave period.
List of Public Medical Institutions
The public medical institutions in Singapore include:
- Admiralty Medical Centre
- Alexandra Hospital
- Ang Mo Kio – Thye Hua Kwan Hospital
- Bright Vision Hospital, Changi General Hospital
- Institute of Mental Health/Woodbridge Hospital
- Jurong Community Hospital
- Jurong Medical Centre
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
- National Cancer Centre
- St. Luke's Hospital
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital
- Yishun Community Hospital
FAQ’s
Can your employment be terminated for taking sick leave?
No, employers are not allowed to terminate your employment for taking sick leave. This is protected under the Employment Act in Singapore. However, if your sick leave usage is excessive and affects your job performance or company operations, your employer may take disciplinary action.
Does probation affect your sick leave entitlement?
No, probationary employees are entitled to sick leave under the same conditions as permanent employees. This means that if you are on probation and need to take sick leave, your employer must grant it to you and pay your salary accordingly.
Must your employer reimburse the medical consultation fees if your medical certificate is from a private clinic?
Employers are not required by law to reimburse medical consultation fees if the medical certificate is issued by a private clinic. However, some companies may offer additional medical benefits beyond what is required by law, so you should check your employment contract for details on medical reimbursements.
Can you use sick leave to attend a doctor's appointment?
Yes, you can use sick leave to attend a doctor's appointment if it is related to your illness or medical condition. However, you must obtain a medical certificate from the attending doctor to qualify for sick leave and reimbursement of medical consultation fees. If you need to take time off for a routine check-up or other non-medical reasons, you should request time off from your employer as annual leave or unpaid leave.
It's important to understand your rights and entitlements when it comes to sick leave and employment termination. If you have any questions or concerns, you should consult with your HR department or seek legal advice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding employee medical benefits in Singapore is crucial for both employers and employees. Employers are required to pay for medical consultation fees and offer sick leave benefits according to the Employment Act, and it is recommended that employees check their employment contracts for additional medical benefits coverage.
It is also essential to understand the salary entitlements during sick leave, including shift allowances, and to consult with the employer and union on these matters. Finally, the list of public medical institutions in Singapore is important to note, as it determines the eligibility for medical reimbursements under the Employment Act.
Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/leave/sick-leave/medical-reimbursements-and-salary
