Irish Tax Hub

Irish Tax Relief
on Health Expenses

A Practical Guide to Claiming Irish Tax Relief on Medical Expenses

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How much you get back

Most qualifying medical expenses get 20% relief; qualifying nursing home costs may get relief at your marginal rate (up to 40%).

It must be out-of-pocket

You can claim only out-of-pocket costs (excluding reimbursements), and you can claim for yourself or anyone else if you paid.

Not everything qualifies

You can claim relief on unreimbursed medical costs you paid, including costs for someone else, as long as you paid the bill.

Key Dates for 2026

Key tax and compliance dates for heath expense tax relief in 2026

January 1st

You can claim tax relief on 2025 health expenses by submitting them through myAccount (or ROS, if you file there).

31 October

The deadline for filing your 2025 tax return.

Mid-November

Pay and file deadline extended to mid-November if filing a Form 11 via ROS.

Health Expenses Paid for Others

You can often claim tax relief for health expenses incurred on behalf of a someone else.

1

Qualifying Expenses

The criteria

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2

Allowable Amount

Claim net amount paid

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3

Evidence

Receipt plus payment

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4

Apportionment

Claim your share

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Medical Expenses Incurred Abroad

You can usually claim relief for medical costs abroad if they’d qualify in Ireland and you have clear proof of what you paid.

Eligibility Rule

Medical treatment abroad can qualify if it would be allowable under Irish tax rules.

Supporting Documents

Clear invoices, receipts, and proof of payment are essential for Revenue approval.

Currency Conversion

Convert foreign costs to euro and keep a record of the exchange rate/€ amount paid

Net Cost Claimed

Only the amount you paid yourself, after insurance refunds, can be claimed.

Employer-Paid Medical Insurance (BIK) in Ireland

What Is It?

Employer-paid medical insurance is a benefit where your employer covers some or all of your private health insurance premium.

Is It Taxable?

Yes, it’s treated as a benefit-in-kind, so you pay income tax, USC and PRSI on the value, as part of your taxable pay.

What Can I Claim?

You can’t claim costs covered or reimbursed by the policy, but you may claim eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered.

How Do I Claim It

Claim qualifying medical expenses through revenue MyAccount (PAYE or ROS (form 11), keeping receipts in case they’re requested.

Think you have unreimbursed medical expenses?

Our free 4-year tax review can check your unreimbursed medical expenses and see if you’re due a refund.

Free Tax Review

Related Resources

Explore our health expenses resources to learn what you can claim, how to claim it, and how to maximise your medical tax relief in Ireland.

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Medical Expenses Abroad: What Irish Taxpayers Can Claim

A brief guide to claiming Irish tax relief on medical expenses incurred abroad.
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Medical Expenses & Income Tax – What You Can Claim in Ireland 2026

This blog explains how to claim medical expenses tax relief in Ireland for 2026.
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Tax Credits in Ireland 2026 – Full List

This blog outlines all Irish tax credits for 2026, their updated values, and how much they can reduce your annual income tax bill.
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Stop Leaving Money on the Table

Many Irish taxpayers miss out on health expenses tax relief. We’ll review your receipts and claims to help you get every refund you’re entitled to—so you only pay the tax you owe.

€

Standard Tax Return Package: €49

For €49, we’ll assess your eligibilty for all the relevant tax credits/reliefs and file your return with Revenue.

Common Unclaimed Reliefs

AVCs

Employer paid medical insurance credit

Medical/dental expenses

Remote working relief

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that's not answered here, please email us at in@irishtaxhub.ie

Most qualifying costs include GP/consultant fees, hospital/clinic charges, prescribed medicines, and certain diagnostic tests and treatments. You can also usually claim for dental and optical where eligible.

Relief is generally given at 20% of qualifying expenses (a tax credit effect), not at your higher rate. If you spent €1,000 on eligible costs, the relief is usually €200.

Log in to myAccount → PAYE Services → Manage your tax → Tax credits and reliefs → Health expenses and enter the amounts (keep receipts). Submit, then Revenue issues an updated result.

You can claim after the tax year ends (and often during the year for some items). Typically you can claim back up to 4 years.

Keep invoices/receipts showing the provider name, date, service, and amount paid, plus pharmacy receipts for prescriptions. Revenue may ask for proof even if you don’t upload it.

Yes, if the expense would qualify in Ireland and you have proper documentation (invoice/receipt). Keep proof of payment and, if needed, a short description/translation.

Yes, you can generally claim for qualifying medical expenses you paid for others.

You can only claim on the amount you actually paid after reimbursements. Don’t include anything refunded by an insurer or anyone else.

If your employer pays a medical bill for you, it’s usually treated as a benefit-in-kind, meaning you may pay income tax, USC, and PRSI on the value through payroll.

Often it’s processed quickly once submitted in myAccount and you’ll see an updated Statement of Liability. Timing varies, but many claims are resolved within days to a couple of weeks.