Before I retired I did get paid sick time. There was no specific limit, but if you went three days or more in a row, you needed a doctor's note to return to work and a quick check by the company doctor. Twice I had two weeks off following surgery. Actually that wasn't bad. The surgeon had originally estimated I'd be gone four. We did not have to use personal or vacation days for illness.

I guess I'm also lucky that I get three weeks vacation to start. It's also the first benefit package I've had that covers 100% of basic dentist bills -- cleanings, fillings, etc.