Tax season is here, and while you’re gathering your paperwork to file your return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), don’t overlook the potential to save money by claiming medical expenses. From fertility treatments to ambulance rides, various medical costs can be deducted, helping you reduce your taxable income and potentially increase your refund.
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Many Canadians fail to take full advantage of medical expense claims, leaving money on the table. These often-overlooked deductions could make a significant difference when it comes time to file your taxes.
Understanding Medical Expense Claims in Canada
The CRA allows you to claim eligible medical expenses on your tax return if they were paid for during any 12-month period ending in 2024, provided they weren’t already claimed in 2023. This means you have a window of opportunity to claim expenses from both 2023 and early 2024, so be sure to keep all receipts and documentation related to these costs.
A wide range of expenses is eligible for tax deduction, which can help offset everything from hospital bills to prescription medications and therapy costs. Here’s a breakdown of common medical expenses you can claim, along with how to properly file for them.
How to Claim Medical Expenses on Your Tax Return
When it’s time to file your taxes, you’ll need to report medical expenses on lines 33099 and 33199 of your tax return, according to the CRA.
Here’s how to break it down:
- Line 33099: Claim the total medical expenses you or your spouse/common-law partner paid for yourself, your spouse/common-law partner, and children under 18.
- Line 33199: Claim the medical expenses for other dependents, such as children or grandchildren aged 18 and older, or relatives like parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nephews, or nieces, as long as they lived in Canada at any point during the tax year and depended on you for support.
It’s important to note that the amount you can claim will be reduced by either 3% of your net income or $2,759 (whichever is less). Only expenses paid out of pocket—those not covered by insurance—are eligible for claims.
Common Medical Expenses You Can Claim
Here are some of the most common medical expenses that can be claimed on your Canadian tax return:
1. Prescription Medications
Prescription drugs prescribed by a doctor and purchased from a licensed pharmacy are eligible for tax claims. This includes medications like insulin, medical cannabis, vaccines, and vitamin B12 therapy. However, over-the-counter drugs are not eligible for claims.
2. Dental Care
Dental treatments such as fillings, root canals, braces, dentures, and routine teeth cleaning are eligible for tax deductions. Note that purely cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, do not qualify for claims.
3. Vision Care
Expenses for maintaining or improving your vision, such as eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and laser eye surgery, can be claimed. Be sure that these services are medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor or optometrist.
4. Medical Devices
Medical devices, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, blood sugar monitors, CPAP machines for sleep apnea, and other prescribed devices, are eligible for claims. These devices must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional.
5. Therapy and Counseling
If you’ve received therapeutic treatments like physiotherapy, psychotherapy, chiropractic care, or occupational therapy, you can claim the costs, as long as the services were performed by a licensed professional.
6. Fertility Services
Expenses related to fertility treatments—such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, sperm donation, and fertility medications—are eligible for tax deductions.
7. Ambulance Services
The cost of ambulance services can be claimed if you needed to be transported to or from a hospital for emergency care. This can include both land and air ambulance services.
8. Special Diets
If your doctor has prescribed a special diet for a medical condition such as diabetes, celiac disease, or another chronic illness, you may be able to claim the extra costs associated with purchasing these foods.
9. Travel Costs for Medical Treatment
If you had to travel for medical treatment that wasn’t available near your home, you might be able to claim transportation expenses.
- For travel at least 40 kilometers (one way), you may claim public transportation costs, including taxis, buses, and trains.
- If you traveled at least 80 kilometers (one way), you may be able to claim additional expenses for accommodation, meals, and parking.
This can also apply if you need to travel outside Canada for medical treatments.
10. Laboratory Tests
Medical laboratory tests, including blood and urine tests, prescribed by a doctor to diagnose or treat a medical condition are eligible for claims. These tests must be necessary for medical treatment and conducted by licensed laboratories.
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Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Tax Savings
Tax season doesn’t just mean gathering your income documents—it’s also the perfect time to maximize your deductions. Keep track of all eligible medical expenses throughout the year, and be sure to claim everything you’re entitled to on your return.
Remember, if you paid for medical expenses out of pocket during the past 12 months, there’s a good chance you can claim them and save money on your taxes. Take the time to review your receipts and consult with a tax professional if needed to ensure you’re not leaving money behind.
By properly claiming your medical expenses, you can reduce your tax burden and potentially increase your refund. So, this tax season, make sure to claim the full value of your medical deductions—your future self will thank you!
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