When tax season rolls around, many Americans begin to wonder: What medical expenses are tax-deductible? With the ever-rising costs of healthcare, finding legitimate ways to reduce your tax bill is more important than ever. Understanding how to claim tax-deductible medical expenses could mean significant savings for individuals and families facing high out-of-pocket medical costs.
What Counts as a Tax-Deductible Medical Expense?
Tax-deductible medical expenses are costs paid for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or care of a physical or mental illness. According to the IRS, this includes doctor visits, surgeries, prescription medications, and other treatments that primarily address a medical condition. These expenses must be necessary to alleviate or prevent a specific health issue, not for general well-being.
Common deductible medical expenses include:
- Fees for doctors, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners
- Prescription medications and insulin
- Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and hearing aids
- Hospital and nursing services
- Laboratory fees
- Addiction and mental health treatment programs
- Transportation to and from medical care (mileage, bus fare, taxi, or ambulance)
Which Medical Expenses Are NOT Deductible?
Not all health-related purchases count toward a deduction. The IRS excludes certain items that are considered non-essential or primarily for general well-being.
Non-deductible medical expenses include:
- Cosmetic procedures (e.g., facelifts, hair transplants) unless medically necessary
- Over-the-counter medications (except insulin)
- General health items like vitamins, herbal supplements, or diet foods
- Health club dues or gym memberships (unless prescribed for a specific medical condition)
- Non-prescription eyewear (e.g., sunglasses)
If you’re unsure whether a cost qualifies, refer to IRS Publication 502 or consult a tax professional.
Who Can You Claim Medical Expenses For?
Medical expenses can be claimed not only for yourself but also for others under your financial care.
You can deduct medical expenses for:
- Yourself
- Your spouse
- Your dependents (including children and other qualifying relatives)
- A person you could have claimed as a dependent but didn’t due to income or filing status requirements
Be sure to keep documentation of the relationship and financial support if you are claiming expenses for someone else.
How Much Can You Deduct?
There is a threshold for medical expense deductions. You can only deduct the portion of your unreimbursed allowable medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
Example:
Let’s say your AGI is $60,000. Seven and a half percent of that is $4,500. If you had $7,000 in qualified medical expenses, you can only deduct $2,500 ($7,000 – $4,500).
The higher your medical expenses relative to your income, the more you benefit from this deduction.
How to Claim Medical Expense Deductions on Your Taxes
To claim these deductions, you must itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040).
- Calculate your total medical expenses for the year.
- Subtract 7.5% of your AGI to find the deductible portion.
- Complete Schedule A and list the deductible portion of your expenses.
- File this with your regular tax return.
If your total itemized deductions don’t exceed the standard deduction, it may not be worth itemizing. In 2024, the standard deduction is $13,850 for single filers and $27,700 for married couples filing jointly.
Tips to Maximize Your Medical Deductions
There are strategic ways to make the most out of your deductions.
1. Bunch medical expenses into one year
If you’re close to the 7.5% AGI threshold, try to schedule non-urgent procedures, checkups, or dental work in the same tax year.
2. Track every penny
Save receipts, mileage logs, and payment confirmations. Apps or spreadsheets can help you stay organized.
3. Use tax-advantaged accounts
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow you to pay for qualified medical expenses tax-free.
4. Time elective procedures strategically
If you’re anticipating higher medical costs, schedule elective surgeries or treatments accordingly to consolidate expenses into one year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls that could cost you your deduction or trigger an audit.
Mistake #1: Double-dipping with HSAs or FSAs
You can’t deduct expenses paid with tax-free HSA or FSA funds.
Mistake #2: Claiming non-qualified expenses
Always confirm that an expense qualifies using IRS Publication 502.
Mistake #3: Not itemizing when beneficial
Many people miss out on deductions by defaulting to the standard deduction without running the numbers.
Final Thoughts: Get the Tax Relief You Deserve
Understanding what medical expenses are tax-deductible can make a big difference come tax time. With proper planning, diligent recordkeeping, and a strategic approach to bunching expenses or using HSAs, you can reduce your taxable income and keep more of your hard-earned money.
If you’re unsure how to claim these deductions or want to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table, it’s wise to consult a tax expert.
For more tax-saving tips, visit our Tax Relief Blog and get the expert help you need to file with confidence.
FAQs About Medical Expense Deductions
Can I deduct travel costs for medical care?
Yes, travel to and from appointments is deductible, including mileage, tolls, parking, and even airfare and lodging (subject to IRS limits).
What about insurance premiums?
Premiums for long-term care insurance, COBRA, and other post-tax insurance may be deductible if not reimbursed.
Are dental and vision expenses deductible?
Yes, most necessary dental and vision care (e.g., cleanings, glasses, eye exams, fillings) are deductible.
Written by: Thomas Brooks
Published: September 15, 2025