Living on statutory sick pay (SSP) for just three months would result in significant financial hardship for the majority of UK workers and could even force some to move home, according to new research.
It found that many people greatly overestimate the level of support available while the majority still believe they will not suffer a long term injury or illness.
Financial concerns were cited as the main reason to get back to work quickly if they are off sick but fears remain over returning to work.
The Aviva study showed that almost a third (30%) would start to feel the pinch after only one month off work with an illness while many would be forced to cut back on their health and heating.
And more than half (52%) would be unable to survive financially for more than three months.
The lack of awareness about SSP was highlighted by a quarter (26%) thinking they would receive considerably more than they would be entitled to, with 16% believing it was over twice as much.
However, 19% of employees know how much SSP they'd be entitled to and a small minority (9%) said they could meet their financial needs for a year or more if claiming it.
To make ends meet, nearly a quarter (23%) would put their health at risk - with 14% saying they would miss important health checks and one in ten (9%) admitting they'd put up with health ailments.
But one in ten (12%) would cut down on cigarettes or alcohol with half (49%) eating cheaper supermarket offers and fast foods, one in five would cut down on family holidays and 19% vowed to use less heating and electricity.
A significant number of people (44%) fear that going back to work could cause a relapse of their condition and a quarter (24%) worry that they won't be able to work to full capacity.
However, the research also identified the simple steps employers can take to help their employees have the confidence to return to work.
Just under a half (47%) of employees said their fears would be allayed if proper support was available and a quarter (24%) would be happier if they knew their boss would work with them to ease their return.
One in ten (15%) added they appreciate flexible working hours.
Employers are aware that finding a solution is important, with 25% agreeing the rehabilitation process is vital, but many are reluctant to introduce new measures; only one in ten bosses would consider how to adapt the worker's responsibilities.
Finally, 80% of respondents thought it was unlikely that they would actually have to deal with long term sickness.
Steve Bridger, head of group risk at Aviva UK Health, said: "It's understandable that 80% of people think long-term sickness is something that happens to other people.
"However in reality you never know what's around the corner and few people have the savings available to support themselves and their families for very long.
"Employment and Support Allowance can come to as little as £67.50 a week - even less than statutory sick pay - which in many cases would hardly cover a family's food shopping, let alone their mortgage and other necessary expenses," he added.
