Arranging sick leave for treatment abroad

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Treatment and travel need separate arrangements

If an operation is medically required and you cannot work, the usual sickness-absence rules apply. Flying, waiting for an appointment or choosing an overseas assessment does not automatically make every day sick leave. Acas guidance on appointments and operations ↗ distinguishes medically required surgery from a purely elective or cosmetic operation.

Before buying tickets, separate travel dates, assessments, surgery and recovery. Agree with HR how each period will be recorded: sick leave, annual leave, special leave or unpaid leave. Obtain written confirmation, particularly if recovery could take longer than expected.

Prepare the evidence

Check the sickness reporting policy in advance: whom to notify, how and by what deadline. The first seven calendar days normally allow self-certification. Longer absence requires medical evidence; weekends count when measuring the period, as GOV.UK explains ↗.

Ask the clinic to record dates, incapacity for work and expected recovery, rather than simply confirming attendance. HMRC's medical-evidence guidance ↗ allows for a non-UK certificate and says an employer can request a translation. Agree the format beforehand. That guidance does not impose a universal requirement to notarise every translation.

Check sick pay separately

Ask about contractual company sick pay and eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay. Under the SSP rules current in October 2026 ↗, weekly payment is the lower of £123.25 and 80% of normal weekly earnings, for up to 28 weeks where the conditions are met.

Do not budget on the assumption that your full salary continues. Request a payroll estimate covering your normal working days. The company scheme may have its own notification and evidence requirements. Treatment costs, travel insurance and sick pay are separate issues.

If plans change

Continue reporting incapacity using the agreed procedure. If your return date changes, send updated medical evidence and discuss a phased return or temporary restrictions on duties. Being fit to fly and being fit to perform your job are separate assessments.

If payment or absence is disputed, ask for the reason in writing. Establish whether the issue concerns evidence, notification, contractual pay or SSP. Then approach HR, Acas for employment matters in Great Britain, or HMRC for SSP disputes. A manager knowing that you intend to obtain treatment abroad is not the same as having the arrangements agreed.