Expenses That Are Not Deductible Medical Expenses
The following items are not deductible medical expenses, according to the tax laws and the IRS:
- babysitting or child care to enable you to obtain medical treatment
- bottled water
- contributions for Archer Medical Savings Accounts
- cosmetic surgery including hair transplants, electrolysis, and liposuction, unless necessary to correct a congenital abnormality, an injury, or a disfiguring disease
- cost of diet food
- dancing lessons, swimming lessons, etc., even if they are recommended by a doctor
- diaper service
- funeral, burial, or cremation costs
- health club dues or treatments, unless related to a specific medical condition (not just general health and well-being)
- illegal operations, treatments, and drugs
- insurance premiums for life, disability, or accident insurance; policies that pay a stated amount each week if you are hospitalized; or the portion of your car insurance that covers medical expenses
- maternity clothes
- meals, unless part of inpatient care
- Medicare tax payments
- nonprescription medicines
- prescription drugs you bought or that were shipped from another country (in most cases)
- trips to enhance general health even if taken on advice of a doctor
- vitamins, herbs, etc. to enhance general health, unless recommended by a medical practitioner for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician
- weight loss programs to improve appearance or to promote better health
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