topic Re: If my medical insurance did not cover the full cost of a surgery, doctor visit, or prescription cost can I write those expenses off as a deduction? in Deductions & credits

If my medical insurance did not cover the full cost of a surgery, doctor visit, or prescription cost can I write those expenses off as a deduction?

edwarkly — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:39:22 GMT

My husband had surgery and insurance only covered a portion of it. Is the amount we paid a deductible?

Re: If my medical insurance did not cover the full cost of a surgery, doctor visit, or prescripti...

CatinaT1 — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:43:52 GMT

Yes. You can deduct the amounts not covered by insurance and paid out of pocket.

The medical expense deduction has to meet a rather large threshold before it can affect your return. The amount of medical (including dental, vision, etc.)  expenses that will count toward itemization is the amount that is OVER 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. You should only enter the amount you paid in 2023—do not include any amounts covered by insurance or still outstanding. 

Of course, your medical expenses plus your other itemized deductions still have to exceed your standard deduction before you see a difference in your tax due or refund.

To enter your medical expenses, go to Federal>Deductions and Credits>Medical>Medical Expenses

Re: If my medical insurance did not cover the full cost of a surgery, doctor visit, or prescription cost can I write those expenses off as a deduction?

Mike9241 — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:44:49 GMT

yes it's deductible as a medical expense on schedule A in the year you paid.