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Canadians enjoy universal health care, but some procedures, medications and therapies bring out-of-pocket expenses that can add up, especially if you don’t he private insurance – and even those can come with co-payments and extra costs.
The good news is that many medical expenses can be deducted from your tax return, says Stefanie Ricchio, CPA, tax expert and spokesperson for TurboTax Canada.
Many medical expenses qualify as tax-deductible under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), she says, including hospital services, nursing care, private health premiums, physiotherapy, naturopathy and prescription drugs. Eligible medical aids range from hearing aids and glasses to heart-monitoring devices and electrotherapy equipment.
There are also lesser-known deductions ailable, such as tutoring services, that can be claimed in addition to the primary education of a person with a learning disability.
“A medical practitioner must certify in writing that these services are needed,” Ms. Ricchio says.
Before claiming these types of expenses, ensure they hen’t been reimbursed by provincial or private plans and use the CRA search tool to check for all possible deductions, she says.
“And make sure you always keep receipts, as they may be required for verification.”
The Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) allows you, your spouse or common-law partner, children under 18, and any dependents to claim eligible medical expenses on your tax return that exceed the lesser of 3 per cent of your net income or $2,759 for the 2024 tax year.
Some provinces and territories offer medical expense credits with their own thresholds, so you may be able to claim even more depending on where you live, Ms. Ricchio says. She notes that people with private insurance and employee health plans can’t claim an amount they’ve been reimbursed for, but any portion not covered can be included in a medical-expense deduction.
Not all medical expenses qualify for a tax deduction. Common exceptions include cosmetic procedures like Botox, teeth-whitening and liposuction, unless medically necessary. However, certain cosmetic procedures may be eligible if they were done for reconstructive or medical reasons.
Over-the-counter medications, even with a prescription, are ineligible. Gym memberships, fitness programs and general health-related items such as vitamins and supplements also don’t qualify. Finally, if you missed an appointment and were charged by a doctor or specialist, you can’t deduct that fee.
There are many eligible medical expenses that people often overlook, Ms. Ricchio says. One is the cost of trel if you need to go at least 40 kilometres one way for medical treatment that’s not ailable in your area. Training, veterinary care and other expenses for some service animals can also qualify, and modifications you make to your home for mobility or accessibility needs, like wheelchair ramps or lifts, can be claimed.
“If you’re considering starting a family and are struggling with fertility, you can receive a tax break on in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technologies,” Ms. Ricchio says, adding that some surrogacy-related expenses are also eligible. If you need speech-language support or occupational and mental health therapy, some of those costs can also be claimed.
“Many of these deductions require receipts and documentation so make sure to keep detailed records,” Ms. Ricchio adds.
She recommends checking the CRA’s medical expenses list for what you can claim and what’s needed to qualify.
Tax solutions, like TurboTax, can help ensure you take advantage of every deduction you deserve. With TurboTax Assist & Review, you can ask unlimited questions and receive guidance as you prepare your return; you can also get a final review before you file. If you prefer to hand off your taxes, you can use TurboTax Full Service to let an expert prepare and file for you. What’s more, the software’s medical expenses profile tool allows you to enter your medical expenses individually or as a pre-tallied total amount. If you file in TurboTax with your spouse, it will also recommend who should claim the deduction.
Self-employed people can deduct medical expenses through the METC or a Private Health Services Plan. Seniors with high medical expenses such as prescriptions, treatments and assistive devices may be able to claim those on their taxes by taking advantage of the METC, Ms. Ricchio says. The fact that seniors are often living off modest pensions or set sings can make it easier to meet the 3 per cent threshold to qualify for deductions.
Attendant and facility care can be claimed as a medical expense for dependents.
“You can claim expenses for a nursing home – a facility that gives full-time care to individuals who are unable to take care of themselves – but not a retirement home,” she says.
Canadians should also be aware of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, or their supporting family members, reduce their payable income tax. You may be eligible for the DTC if a medical practitioner certifies you he a severe and prolonged impairment related to categories like walking, hearing, vision or mental function.
You apply to the DTC by filling out a form yourself or hing your qualified medical professional or legal representative do it.
“Your application will need to be approved by the CRA before you can claim this amount on your tax return, so you may file and ensure you check the box to reassess prior year returns to obtain a retroactive adjustment if you are eligible to oid delays,” Ms. Ricchio says. People approved to claim the DTC can also start a registered disability sings plan (RDSP) to se for their long-term financial security.
“By taking advantage of ailable tax deductions and credits, Canadians can ease the financial burden of medical expenses,” Ms. Ricchio concludes. She advises that staying informed, keeping detailed records, and using tax solutions like TurboTax can help you claim every eligible expense and get your biggest possible refund.
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with TurboTax Canada. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.