Skip to content
Browse benefits
Federal (Canada)Tax credits

Medical Expense Tax Credit

A tax credit for out-of-pocket medical costs — prescriptions, dental, glasses, travel for care, and more — above a modest threshold. Claimed on your tax return.

Estimated value
Depends on your expenses above the lesser of 3% of net income or about $2,834

Who qualifies

  • You can claim eligible medical expenses for yourself, your spouse, and dependent children paid in any 12-month period ending in the tax year.
  • Only the amount above the lesser of 3% of net income or about $2,834 (2025) counts.

How to apply

  1. 1

    Keep your receipts

    Save receipts for prescriptions, dental, vision, and other eligible costs for you and your dependants.

  2. 2

    Claim on line 33099

    Total your eligible expenses for a 12-month period and claim them on your tax return.

    Go to application

Documents you will need

  • Receipts for medical expenses
How often it is paid
Annual tax credit

Good to know

  • Eligible costs include prescriptions, dental, vision, many therapies, medical travel, and some home renovations for accessibility.
  • It is usually best for the lower-income spouse to claim, because the 3% threshold is then smaller.

Often applied for together

Official government page
Last verified: September 1, 2026