Medical Transportation Expense

[upsgator]

I have Crohn's.  While on vacation in Brussels, I had an attack the night before I was to come home to the US.  When I get these attacks I need to be near a bathroom at all times.  Because of this, I had to cancel my flight home and stay an additional day in Brussels.  I incurred an extra day of hotel and had to pay for a new airline ticket home (very expensive last minute, also only business class was available).  The insurance would not cover, since I did not go to the doctor or hospital (didn't need to, because it just has to run its course).  I was in contact with my doctor at home and he did write a letter.  I want to know if this additional cost to get home due to my illness is deductible as a medical transportation expense?  I know I have to exceed 7.5% of my AGI to get any medical deduction.  I would love to get an answer from a tax expert. 

[Leonard · Accepted solution]

No, there is no medical tax deduction that you can claim for the added expense of having to delay your trip home due to being ill.  Medical Transportation and travel costs are generally deductible as a medical expense if they're needed to reach a medical treatment facility. These include travel costs to a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic where you, your spouse, or dependents receive medical care. 

[upsgator]

I knew about the general rule for transportation.  I figured this to be the case.  Thanks for the verification