Sabbatical Leave - Mandatory benefits by employer

Hi all,

If someone is on Sabbatical leave (unpaid) for higher studies abroad, should company pay for PF, Pension, and provide Medical insurance? If providing Medical insurance is mandatory, how can employees claim for it in other countries ??

Hi,

The question of PF/Pension contribution payment does not arise as the employee is on unpaid leave and hence no contribution to be paid to PF account. The term medical insurance you are referring is Mediclaim insurance I believe (which is offered by the Company). Mediclaim insurance can be used in India only. For International Travel the employee need to take overseas medi claim policy separately.

If the employee is on trip abroad on personal grounds no need for the Company to provide overseas mediclaim for the employee. However if the Employer is deputing the employee to abroad then it is the responsibility of the employer to organise Mediclaim policy along with travel and boarding arrangements.

Normally Employers will not permit employee to go on long leave (without pay also) for higher studies , in the course of employment unless otherwise there is some benefit for them.