Bigger Refund: Know Which Medical Expenses Are Deductible on Your Federal Income Tax Return
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Bigger Refund: Know Which Medical Expenses Are Deductible on Your Federal Income Tax Return

Quite a few medical expenses are tax deductible, but many taxpayers are still confused by the exceptions

April 2, 2025

If you want a larger refund this tax season, consider itemizing deductions to include qualifying medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. Changes in law and evolving health practices mean some costs that used to qualify no longer do, while new categories have become deductible.

Basic Requirements

You must pay expenses in the tax year you claim them. A January 2025 bill for December 2024 care won’t count on your 2024 return. Keep proof, cancelled checks, credit-card statements, receipts—and remember you can deduct expenses for yourself, your spouse and any dependents for whom you provide substantial support.

What You Can Deduct

The IRS broadly allows deductions for:

  • Doctor and hospital fees
  • Prescription medications, insulin and medical supplies
  • Preventive screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, vaccinations)
  • Dental and vision care, including glasses, contacts and LASIK
  • Telehealth visits and remote monitoring equipment
  • Travel costs: 22 cents per mile driven for medical care, plus parking and tolls
  • Long-term care insurance premiums (age-based limits apply)
  • Home modifications prescribed for disability (ramps, widened doorways)
  • Guide dogs, hearing aids and batteries

What You Cannot Deduct

Non-deductible items include:

  • Over-the-counter medicines (except insulin)
  • Health club dues, spa treatments and general fitness equipment
  • Cosmetic surgery unless it corrects a deformity from disease or injury
  • Vitamins and supplements taken for general health
  • Household help or child care while you seek treatment
  • Pet vaccinations or veterinary care (unless for a certified service animal)

Tips for Maximizing Your Deduction

  • Prepay bills due in January if you’re close to the 7.5 percent threshold.
  • Bundle elective procedures into a single year when possible.
  • Keep a running total of unreimbursed costs, every receipt adds up.
  • Use IRS Form 5329 to report long-term care premiums correctly.
  • Consult Publication 502 for detailed eligibility rules.

Itemizing may take extra effort, but deducting even a few thousand dollars in medical costs can increase your refund significantly. Review your 2024 expenses now before you file.