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jaaks6
Returning Member

Can I deduct the meals when I visit my healthcare specialist in another city 200 miles from home?

We usually spend the night in a hotel when we go.
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1 Reply
ColeenD3
Expert Alumni

Can I deduct the meals when I visit my healthcare specialist in another city 200 miles from home?

Meals are not deductible, but lodging may be.

 

Lodging

You can include in medical expenses the cost of meals and lodging at a hospital or similar institution if a principal reason for being there is to receive medical care. 

You may be able to include in medical expenses the cost of lodging not provided in a hospital or similar institution. You can include the cost of such lodging while away from home if all of the following requirements are met.

  1. The lodging is primarily for and essential to medical care.

  2. The medical care is provided by a doctor in a licensed hospital or in a medical care facility related to, or the equivalent of, a licensed hospital.

  3. The lodging isn't lavish or extravagant under the circumstances.

  4. There is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation in the travel away from home.

 

The amount you include in medical expenses for lodging can't be more than $50 for each night for each person. You can include lodging for a person traveling with the person receiving the medical care. For example, if a parent is traveling with a sick child, up to $100 per night can be included as a medical expense for lodging. Meals aren't included.

Don't include the cost of lodging while away from home for medical treatment if that treatment isn't received from a doctor in a licensed hospital or in a medical care facility related to, or the equivalent of, a licensed hospital or if that lodging isn't primarily for or essential to the medical care received.

 

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