Medical Leave in Colombia (2026): Who Pays, How to File, and How Long It Takes

Getting sick in Colombia is enough of a headache without adding the stress of not knowing if you're going to get your full biweekly paycheck. With the reduction of the workweek to 42 hours by July 2026 and recent regulatory adjustments, understanding how medical leaves work has become vital, whether you are an employee, an employer, or an independent contractor.

Honestly, I have seen too many professionals lose money or take on paperwork that isn't theirs simply because they don't know the law. So, let's clarify exactly who pays you, how much they should deposit, and what the filing process looks like this year.

1. What is medical leave and who assumes the payment? (Common vs. Work-Related Origin)

In Colombia, the origin of your illness or accident dictates the rules of the game. If you break a bone playing soccer on the weekend or catch a bad flu, we are talking about a medical leave of common origin. This is where the famous payment ladder comes in: your company covers the first two days, and then the EPS takes over starting from the third day.

But be careful with this: if the accident happens in your workplace or the illness is a direct result of your duties (for example, carpal tunnel syndrome from typing all day), it is of work-related origin. In this scenario, the Occupational Risk Administrator (ARL) steps in to cover 100% of your Base Contribution Income (IBC) from the very first day of your absence. No deductions whatsoever.

2. The 2026 Minimum Wage and your guaranteed daily payment

The math for medical leaves changed this year. According to Decree 0159 of February 2026, the current legal monthly minimum wage (SMMLV) was temporarily established at $1,750,905 COP (plus the transport subsidy of $249,095 COP, for a total of $2,000,000 COP).

Why does this matter if you earn more than the minimum? Because Colombian law, supported by Sentence C-543/07, prohibits the daily payment of a medical leave from being lower than the daily minimum wage. This means that in 2026, no medical leave payment can be less than $58,364 COP per day.

If you earn the minimum wage, your employer and the EPS are obligated to pay you 100% of your base salary during your leave, since applying the 66.67% deduction would put you below the legal minimum threshold. Keep in mind that the transport subsidy is deducted proportionally for the days you do not travel to the workplace.

3. The harsh reality for independent workers

If you are a contractor under a service provision agreement or a freelancer, the rules are much less friendly. Since you do not have a legal "employer", no one pays you for the first two days of a medical leave of common origin. Your coverage with the EPS officially starts on day 3.

I would skip the idea of relying solely on EPS payments if you are independent. It is essential to have an emergency fund to cover those gaps. And speaking of opportunities for independents: according to active listings on Colombia Move (July 2026), there are currently 0 vacancies or active profiles in the technology category. If you are healthy and looking for projects, you can offer your services there.

Remember that for the EPS to pay you, you must have contributed continuously for at least 4 weeks (28 days) before the start of the leave.

To keep your contributions on track, check our guide on electronic invoicing for independent workers in Colombia.

4. How to file and transcribe a medical leave without trouble

This is where companies often take advantage of a worker's lack of knowledge. According to Decree Law 019 of 2012 (Anti-Bureaucracy Law), it is strictly prohibited for an employer to force an employee to file their own medical leave with the EPS. Your only responsibility is to hand the medical certificate to Human Resources; they are responsible for the process and the reimbursement claim.

Now, if you went to a private doctor (outside of your EPS network), you need to request a transcription. You have a maximum period of 15 calendar days from the issuance of the certificate to request it. And a key privacy tip: the EPS cannot demand your full medical history. The epicrisis or a summary of care is sufficient to validate the rest period.

If you just returned to the country and need to get your paperwork in order, we explain how to activate your EPS upon returning to Colombia.

5. Legal waiting times: How long do they take to pay?

Patience is a virtue when it comes to the Colombian health system, but the law sets clear limits. Once the medical leave is filed, the EPS has exactly 15 business days to review and settle the request.

If approved, the payment must be made within a maximum period of 5 business days after authorization. If the EPS plays ignorant, your employer (or you, if you are independent) can escalate the case to the Superintendence of Health or the Labor Inspectorate.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Who pays for the first two days of medical leave in Colombia?

The employer covers the first 2 days at 66.67% of the salary (or 100% if the worker earns the minimum wage). Independent workers do not receive payment for these first two days.

❓ What is the minimum I can be paid for a day of medical leave in 2026?

The daily payment cannot be less than the current legal daily minimum wage, which for the year 2026 is equivalent to exactly $58,364 COP per day.

❓ Can my company force me to transcribe a medical leave with the EPS?

No, according to Decree Law 019 of 2012, the employer is solely responsible for processing and filing medical leaves for their dependent employees with the EPS.

❓ How many days do I have to transcribe a medical leave issued by a private doctor?

You have a period of 15 calendar days following the date of its issuance to present the certificate and the epicrisis to the EPS for validation.

❓ What happens to my payment if my medical leave exceeds 180 continuous days?

Starting from day 181, the payment obligation shifts from the EPS to the Pension Fund (AFP), provided that a favorable rehabilitation prognosis was issued before day 120.

❓ Is it safe to post my professional services online if I am on temporary medical leave?

Once you have recovered and are medically cleared, you can post your profile or search for independent projects for free and directly on the Colombia Move job channel.