Sickness benefits: An introduction

Sickness benefits provide income security in case of illness. They promote the realization of the human rights to health and to social security, while supporting public health and the prevention of poverty.

Content also available in: español français
Publication details

14 May 2020

PDF 540.12 KB
This policy brief highlights the importance of sickness benefits to provide income security in case of illness and provides guidelines for its design.

Related content

Sickness benefits during sick leave and quarantine: Country responses and policy considerations in the context of COVID-19

Social Protection Spotlight

Sickness benefits during sick leave and quarantine: Country responses and policy considerations in the context of COVID-19

Plug social protection gaps in developing countries to prevent future crises, ILO says

COVID-19: Social protection coverage

Plug social protection gaps in developing countries to prevent future crises, ILO says