⚠️ Specific Treatment Rules Apply:
You can only claim medical travel expenses if the services were **not available locally** (requiring you to travel to another town/city), the route taken was direct, and it was reasonable for you to seek treatment there.
Travel Cost Deductions Calculator
Input your travel details to estimate your eligible medical tax write-offs:
Understanding the 40km & 80km Thresholds
The CRA evaluates travel eligibility using two distinct distance benchmarks:
- 40 Kilometers (Vehicle Expenses): If you travel at least 40km one-way to a clinic, you can claim your mileage. You can use the **detailed method** (saving all gas receipts) or the **simplified method** (using the CRA provincial flat rate per kilometer, which is usually easier and requires no receipts, only a travel log).
- 80 Kilometers (Meals & Lodging): If you travel at least 80km one-way, you can claim mileage, meals, and accommodations (e.g. hotel stays). For meals, you can use the simplified method, claiming a flat **$23 per meal** (up to a maximum of **$69 per day**) without keeping receipts.
- Accompanying Caregiver: If a medical practitioner certifies in writing that you are unable to travel alone (due to physical/mental restrictions), you can also deduct the travel, meal, and hotel costs of one accompanying caregiver.
Official Government References & Sources
This guide compiles official CRA medical travel deduction rules sourced directly from:
• CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit - Travel Expenses: canada.ca/medical-travel-expenses
Deduction Benchmarks
Min Distance (Mileage)40 km (One-Way)
Min Distance (Meals/Hotel)80 km (One-Way)
Simplified Meal Rate$23/meal ($69/day)
Record Keeping6 Years Logbook