From Day One: Germany's New Sick-Note Rule Triggers Backlash as Phone Option Is Axed
Published on 07/03/2026 at 18:35 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Germany’s governing coalition has abolished the three-day grace period for doctor’s certificates — employees must now hand in a medical attest from the very first day they miss work. The decision, taken Thursday by the coalition committee, also kills off the telephone sick note that was introduced in late 2023 for mild illnesses.
The changes have drawn sharp criticism from doctors, health insurers and parts of the opposition, who warn of overwhelmed practices and extra bureaucracy. Andreas Gassen, head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), called the move “the opposite of red tape reduction.” The German Medical Association and the Association of General Practitioners echoed the warning, saying the rule will force patients into surgeries just to collect documents.
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Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended the reform, citing Germany’s high sick-leave rate. According to the DAK health insurance fund, the average stood at 19.5 sick days per person in 2025. Jens Spahn, floor leader of the Union parliamentary group, put the current figure at around 18 days annually. “This is a significant competitive disadvantage for the business location,” Merz said.
The telephone sick note — available only to patients known to their practice — will be phased out. Yet it played a negligible role in practice. DAK and the Hartmannbund doctors’ association estimate it accounted for just 0.8 to 1.2 percent of all sickness notifications. Health Minister Warken wants patients to use video consultations instead, which will remain an option.
AOK data highlight another pattern: roughly 37 percent of all medical certificates are issued on Mondays. Critics argue there is no scientific evidence that the telephone rule was exploited, and the pushback extends inside the government. SPD leader Lars Klingbeil demanded a “reasonable implementation” so that no one seriously ill is forced to visit a practice. Labour Minister Bas also announced a review of the plans.
Government spokesman Kornelius clarified that the day-one requirement does not necessarily mean a same-day visit. Patients can go to the doctor later. Labour law experts note that backdating sick notes is already possible for up to three days. The coalition also plans to introduce a partial sick note, with reductions in work capacity of 25, 50 or 75 percent, and to stiffen penalties for false certificates.
Employers and collective-bargaining partners may negotiate exceptions from the strict attest rule at the company or industry level. A formal bill has not yet been presented.
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