The Seafarers’ Pension Fund can pay the costs for a rehabilitation plan drawn up by the regional labour agency or a rehabilitation service provider. In contrast, the Fund cannot pay for any assessments carried out to estimate your work or functioning ability or the need for rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation aimed at restoring or improving one’s functioning ability – also known as medical rehabilitation – is covered either by the health care system or Kela. The health care system is responsible for providing care and treatment in the case of a sickness or illness. Rehabilitation within the earnings-related pension system – or vocational rehabilitation – is implemented in the form of a work trial, work coaching or training for a (new) work or vocation, or by providing support for starting or continuing business activities. In other words, the pension insurance companies do not pay for medical rehabilitation or costs for care and treatment.

As regards sick leaves, the procedure agreed on at the workplace will be followed. Short absences due to an illness, such as a few days because of flu, will not affect the payment of the rehabilitation allowance and there is no need to report them to the Seafarers’ Pension Fund. If, however, the sick leave continues for more than one week, it must be reported without delay and a copy of the sick leave certificate must be submitted to the Fund. Possible suspension or discontinuation of the rehabilitation allowance will be taken under consideration if the sick leave lasts for several weeks

Rehabilitation is a process the aim of which is to enable you to return to work. If the planned rehabilitation programme fails and the set goal is not reached, the attending doctor shall review and revise the care and rehabilitation plan. Upon receiving the necessary care and treatment, the rehabilitation programme may be restarted or other methods of vocational rehabilitation may be taken under consideration.

The Seafarers’ Pension Fund will insure the rehabilitee by taking an occupational accident insurance for the duration of a non-paid work trial. Moreover, the Fund has taken a liability insurance policy, from which any personal injuries or property losses caused as a result of the rehabilitee’s illness will be compensated for in accordance with the insurance terms and conditions. The insurance will, however, not cover losses insofar as they are compensated for on the basis of the employer’s own liability insurance policy.

If you are paid wages or salary during the work trial, the employer is responsible for providing relevant insurance security.

In accordance with the Occupational Accidents, Injuries and Diseases Act, the statutory accident insurance will cover rehabilitation that is required as a result of an occupational accident, injury or illness. In the case of a traffic accident, the rehabilitation is covered by third-party motor liability insurance. If an application for rehabilitation on the basis of motor liability or accident insurance has been rejected, it is possible to apply for support in the form of vocational rehabilitation within the earnings-related pension system.

The applicant for rehabilitation is the employee. Use the form ETK 2136e to apply for vocational rehabilitation within the earnings-related pension system. Read also the related instructions ETK 2136oe that provide you with guidance on completing the form.

As part of the application, you need to attach a medical statement B issued by your occupational health physician or other doctor in charge of your care. The statement is issued to describe your health status and the remaining work and functioning ability.

Your need for rehabilitation will be assessed by an occupational health physician or other doctor in charge of your care. The doctor will issue a statement to give recommendations concerning vocational rehabilitation as well as medical rehabilitation, which is intended to influence your functioning ability. The doctor will also guide you in how to apply for various benefits.

The occupational health physician knows your disease/illness and is familiar with the workplace conditions and requirements of your work, and is, thus, able to evaluate your need for vocational rehabilitation measures. Often, it is necessary to have a meeting during which the employee, supervisor, HR representative and occupational health physician or nurse jointly assess, for example, the possibilities of work arrangements and agree on a work trial as needed.
The occupational health nurse can assist you in completing the application for rehabilitation.