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Did you know… that travel medical insurance is tax deductible?

• Category: Advice from our experts , Tour+Med news
• January 10, 2023

You already knew that a travel medical insurance premium could vary from a few dollars to a few thousands of dollars , but many travellers ignore their travel medical insurance premium is tax deductible.

Get a tax credit for medical expenses

That’s right: the premium paid for your travel medical insurance is part of your medical expenses and can give you a tax credit. Travel insurance premiums of “non-medical” protections, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, or baggage insurance, are not tax deductible however. 

Get your documents from the Tour+Med Client Portal

To calculate this in your medical expenses, you must have proper documentation. At Tour+Med, we stopped providing a document entitled “tax receipt” since it was an additional page in an already voluminous document, but mostly because all the necessary information can be found on page 1 of your Travel Insurance Confirmation . You will see a note to that effect beneath the Medical Premium Calculation chart : 

What if your policy was modified after purchase?

By experience, we know a travel insurance policy can be modified many times, due to a change in your medication or to your trip dates, for example. The premium you finally paid could differ from the one presented on your Travel Insurance Confirmation . If that’s your case, you’re invited to use the Client Portal to download the receipt showing the official premium paid for your policy, after modifications.

How to get it:

• Connect to the client portal .
• Click on RECEIPTS on the home page.
• Select the applicable policy number from the dropdown menu to see the receipt. You can dowload it or print it.

You may also get it this way:

• Click on MY POLICY.
• Click on View my confirmation .
• Select the applicable travel medical insurance policy from the dropdown menu.
• Click on Tax receipt at the bottom of the page, beneath Downloadable ressources .

For any question, feel free to speak with your broker or to contact Customer Service.

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Are travel insurance premiums tax deductible.

Can I get a tax deduction for my travel insurance premiums?

Yes, Canadian snowbirds and other travellers may be eligible to recoup some of the cost of their travel medical insurance premium by claiming it as a Medical Expense Tax Credit on their T1 General Income Tax and Benefit Return .

Medical Expense Tax Credits allow you to reduce your income tax liability by claiming travel medical insurance premiums and other eligible medical expenses on your tax return provided certain eligibility requirements have been met.

For example, o nly travel  medical  insurance premiums are eligible to be claimed. Other types of travel insurance such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage insurance are not eligible for the Medical Expense Tax Credits.

For additional information, please refer to our article Are my Travel Insurance Premiums Tax Deductible?

Always make sure you speak to your tax professional to get advice on claiming your Medical Tax Credit.

Disclaimer:  The material provided in the Snowbird Advisor Insurance Learning Centre is for informational purposes only and does NOT constitute insurance, legal, financial or other advice, and should not be relied on as such. If you require such advice, you should speak with a qualified professional to assist you.

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* Certain terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply, see policies for details. Some products may not be available in all provinces.

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Home and Auto insurance is arranged by Canadian Insurance Alliance (2018) Inc. o/a HUB SmartCoverage (all rights reserved) and is underwritten by a number of Canadian insurers.

Home and Auto insurance is only available in Ontario and Alberta at this time.

How to Deduct Your Travel Insurance from Your Taxes

Are you among the many Quebecers that travel every year...

Are you among the many Canadians that travel every year? If this rings true for you, you are probably already aware of the importance of travel insurance during your travels. It protects you in case of an accident or unexpected illness that could occur while you’re outside of your province of residence. That's great, but did you know that you can deduct the cost of your travel insurance from your taxes?

Deducting your travel insurance from your taxes has a number of advantages. In addition to saving you money, it will also lower the amount of your taxable income.

While you should always consult a tax professional before making any major decisions regarding taxes, here are a few things you should know to help you maximize your tax deduction.

A Great Surprise for “Snowbirds”

If you have the habit of traveling several months out of the year, you are probably spending considerable money on travel insurance. Snowbirds are often unaware they can claim a tax deduction for part of these expenses. Don't forget to share this tip with all the snowbirds you know. They will surely appreciate it!

Travelers of all types, even those who travel only occasionally, can benefit from this money-saving tip. Whether you’re leaving for a day or a year, it is in your interest to take advantage of this tax strategy.

It's a double win to have travel insurance. Not only will you be covered while away, but you may also be eligible to receive a tax refund for a percentage of the premiums you paid. The medical portion of your travel insurance is deductible and counts as a recognized medical expense by the provincial and federal governments.

Thus, Revenu Québec and the Canada Revenue Agency consider the medical portion of your travel insurance to be a medical expense that is eligible for a tax credit. A reduction in your taxable income may be possible based on your income and other tax rules relating to medical expenses.

For information on all eligible medical expenses, visit the Revenu Québec website and the Canada Revenue Agency website.

How much can you put on your taxes?

Travelling soon.

Save up to 25% on your travel insurance

You will need to understand your travel insurance policy in order to determine how much money you are entitled to claim on the medical portion. Make it a habit to thoroughly check the terms of your travel insurance. It will be helpful for you to know what is included and what is not included.

Your policy may consist solely of emergency medical coverage, including hospitalization. In this case, you can deduct the total amount from your travel insurance.

In addition to medical insurance, your travel insurance may cover other types of premiums.

Here are the other most common types of premiums that are not deductible from your taxes:

● Trip cancellation and interruption insurance;

● Accidental death and dismemberment insurance;

● Baggage insurance.

Therefore, these premiums are not medical expenses and are not recognized as deductible on your taxes. If your insurance includes premiums other than medical, you can deduct only the medical portion without the additional premiums.

Remember that if your travel insurance includes anything other than medical coverage, you cannot deduct the entire amount.

Get your tax receipt

In any case, asking a soNomad agent to obtain a tax receipt is essential. This receipt will provide you with the amount associated with the medical portion of your travel insurance, so you cannot go wrong.

Keep this receipt or these receipts and give them to your accountant or tax specialist when you file your tax return.

Even though the main reason for purchasing travel insurance is to protect yourself financially in the event of a medical emergency abroad, it is nice to know that you can also benefit from this deduction on your taxes.

What are you waiting for? Get in touch with a soNomad agent to arrange travel insurance before you leave for your next trip . Do not forget to insure your travels and deduct your travel insurance costs from your taxes. It's the best way to protect your health and your wallet!

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Travel Medical Insurance Is Tax-Deductible

Many people may be surprised to learn that travel medical insurance is tax-deductible as a medical expense. This one simple tip could help many people fit their travel insurance expenses into their overall yearly budget. When you receive your travel insurance confirmation documents, don’t just save the wallet cards and throw the rest away! That confirmation document also acts as your income tax receipt.

The Government of Canada lists the following entry as a claimable medical expense: “Premiums paid to private health services plans including medical, dental, and hospitalization plans. They can be claimed as a medical expense, as long as 90% or more of the premiums paid under the plan are for eligible medical expenses.” Source

It’s important to note, while travel medical insurance is tax-deductible, trip cancellation or interruption insurance is not. If you have an all-inclusive policy, only the portion of the policy that covers medical coverage is deductible.

You should also be aware that the Canada Revenue Agency uses a percentage of your overall medical expenses, so your entire premium will not be refunded.

If you purchased your travel insurance from Medi-Quote Insurance Brokers, you can download your confirmation of insurance documents from our MyMediquote.ca client portal. Watch this video for an explanation on how to access those documents online.

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Tax seasons are not a favourite for many. For most, getting assistance from a qualified accountant is the go-to option. However, understanding your tax payments and claims is paramount. If you love to travel, you probably have started exploring travel medical insurance options. And you may already have a ton of quotes from different travel insurance providers. For example, if you like travelling by boat, you can get quotes for boat insurance in Alberta and boat insurance in Red Deer . 

Confused about whether to claim your travel insurance costs when filing your income tax? Well, we will break it all down for you, so be sure to have a copy of your travel insurance documents for the income tax filing. You never know, you could save some money on your travel insurance in the next tax season!

Is travel insurance eligible for tax credits?

Travel insurance is expensive. Whether travelling for a short trip, an extended holiday with the family or are suffering from pre-existing medical conditions, anyone will tell you one thing. NEVER make travel plans without the necessary insurance. Luckily, you can recoup part of the travel medical costs via the CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit. These tax credits pave a way for travellers to cut down on their tax liability. However, one must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a claim. 

What are the travel insurance tax deduction provisions in Canada? 

• You can only claim travel medical costs. This eliminates other travel insurance-related claims such as travel interruption, cancellation or even baggage insurance. You may have travel insurance that provides coverage for all travel-related perils. However, the only amount that can be claimed for a refund is that which is related to the medical costs that will be incurred during the travel period. This also applies to other eligible uninsured medical expenses that a traveller incurs when travelling outside Canada. 
• Travellers can claim medical expenses incurred outside and inside Canada. However, you MUST NOT have received reimbursement for the expenses. For instance, if you have an insurance policy, your insurer must not have reimbursed the extra medical expenses incurred. 
• Employed persons cannot make claims on health benefits received by the employer which are reimbursed to the said person. However, if the insured incurred travel medical costs out of pocket, then they can file a tax claim. 
• Medical costs paid to a private health services plan for a spouse, self or anyone connected by blood can be claimed on the income tax. 
• You will be required to provide documents that show proof of your medical travel insurance to CRA. This will show the cost of the premium and the eligibility of the policy for a tax credit. As such, you should ensure you safely store the travel medical insurance receipt if you plan on making a claim. 
• You will not receive the medical travel expenses in full in the tax credit. The Canadian government only reimburses part of the travel medical expenses. 
• The Canadian government only offers tax credits for medical expenses up to a minimum dollar value threshold. 
• If an employer makes contributions for the employees to a private health services plan, the employees will not be granted any taxable benefit, meaning that they can not make a claim. However, if an employee pays medical premiums to a private health services plan, the costs qualify as medical expenses. As such, the employee can claim the travel costs and reap the tax deduction benefits. 

Want to have a stress-free travel experience? Here are some common travel insurance mistakes to avoid. 

• Not disclosing your true health status - Most travel insurers do not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you receive treatment for a pre-existing condition that was not declared, your insurer may decline your claim or even cancel your policy. This may also make it difficult to claim a tax refund on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses incurred. 
• Purchasing a travel insurance policy based on price as opposed to coverage - Travel insurance can be expensive. Most travellers often make the mistake of purchasing a policy based on the pricing and ignore the coverage. Given that cheaper insurance plans may not provide sufficient coverage, always be on the lookout for the deductible amounts and reimbursement amounts. 
• Failure to scrutinize the policy’s exclusions and limitations - Insurance policies have coverage exclusions and limitations. For instance, your travel insurance may not provide coverage for some sporting activities such as parachuting. To avoid getting unpleasant surprises when making claims, ensure you discuss your travel plans with your insurer and get clarification on the coverage provided. 
• Failure to purchase coverage for the entire duration of the trip - Travel insurance should provide coverage for the entire trip. While it is not wrong to extend the duration of your trip, ensure you contact your insurer and inform them of the travel dates changes. 
• Travelling to a different province in Canada without travel insurance - Most Canadian residents ignore the fact that provincial health insurance does not provide coverage for all emergency medical care costs when outside your province. For instance, ambulance and prescription drugs are not covered under the provincial health insurance plan, meaning that you will be required to pay out of pocket if need be. 
• Relying only on free travel insurance coverages - You may have travel insurance included in your credit card, bank account or even your group insurance. However, take time to understand the coverage provided. Most free insurance plans provide the least coverage and are, in most cases, not suitable for travel plans, especially without another travel insurance plan. 
• Purchasing travel insurance too late - Travel insurance is often forgotten when making travel plans. Buying travel insurance too late may limit a traveller from comparing quotes from other insurance. When purchased late, you are most likely to pay exorbitant rates. 

While you will not receive the full travel expenses incurred when you make a tax claim, you can still save some money on your medical travel expenses. Tax claims can be uncertain. However, remember it is always wise to claim and receive no reimbursement than not to claim at all and miss out on a refund. If you are planning on making a claim, always ensure you have your papers, receipts and any other vital information that may be required.   

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Medical and Dental Expenses

Easily overlooked medical and dental expenses, the bottom line.

• Health Insurance

20 Medical Expenses You Didn’t Know You Could Deduct

If you itemize, you can deduct expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI

Medical expenses add up quickly. If you, your spouse, or your dependents have had costly medical bills, hang on to those receipts—they could save you money at tax time.

If you itemize your deductions at tax time instead of claiming the standard deduction, you can deduct various healthcare and medical expenses. But you can’t take them all—as of tax year 2022, you can deduct out-of-pocket expenses that total more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) .

Tax law defines medical expenses as costs for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for treatments affecting any part or function of the body.

This definition covers costs for health insurance premiums (if they aren’t deducted in pretax dollars from your paycheck), doctors, dentists, hospital stays, diagnostic testing, prescription drugs, and medical equipment. But the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also allows for a wide range of costs that may not fit neatly into any of these categories.

Key Takeaways

• If you incurred substantial medical expenses not covered by insurance, you might be able to claim them as deductions on your tax return.
• These costs include health insurance premiums, hospital stays, doctor appointments, and prescriptions.
• Other eligible costs that are frequently overlooked include alternative treatments like acupuncture, well-child care for newborns, hotel stays for medical visits, and special diets.
• The deduction for tax year 2022 covers expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

You can deduct unreimbursed, qualified medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI. Say you have an AGI of $50,000, and your family has $10,000 in medical bills for the tax year. You could deduct any expenses over $3,750 ($50,000 × 7.5%), or $6,250 in this example ($10,000 - $3,750).

The medical expenses don’t have to be your own: You can also deduct expenses that you paid for your spouse or your dependents, including a qualifying child or a qualifying relative .

Remember that you have to itemize on Schedule A Form 1040 or 1040-SR to deduct medical and dental expenses—which means that you can’t take the standard deduction. For itemizing to make financial sense, your medical expenses (and other itemized deductions) should be greater than the standard deduction. Here’s a look at the standard deductions for 2022 and 2023:

Investopedia / Nez Riaz

Some deductible medical and dental expenses are more obvious than others. For example, doctor visits, hospital stays, and diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays) count as qualified expenses. However, some deductible expenses are easy to miss. Here are 20 medical expenses to keep in mind if you’re itemizing your family’s medical bills (check out IRS Publication 502 for a complete list).

1. Alternative treatments

Acupuncture is definitely deductible. So are trips to the chiropractor and nontraditional medical practitioners, including Christian Science practitioners. Other alternative treatments may be deductible, too, especially if a doctor orders them.

2. Adaptive equipment

The costs of wheelchairs, bath chairs, bedside commodes, and other items needed for a disability or condition are deductible. So are special hand controls and other special equipment installed in cars for people with disabilities. Likewise, you can deduct the amount that you pay for an artificial limb (i.e., a prosthetic device) or artificial teeth. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability can deduct the cost of special telephone equipment, such as teletypewriter (TTY) and telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) equipment.

3. Costs for newborns

No, we don’t mean diapers or babysitters. But breast pumps and other nursing supplies that assist lactation are deductible. If your baby formula requires a prescription, the cost in excess of the cost of the regular formula may be allowed.

4. Diabetes-related costs

Blood-testing kits, including blood strips and batteries, are deductible. So is insulin, even though it is not technically viewed as a prescription drug.

5. Eye- and ear-related conditions

The cost of eye exams, contact lenses, lens solution and cleaner, and prescription eyeglasses (including sunglasses) is deductible, assuming your insurance doesn’t have a vision plan. So is eye surgery such as LASIK and radial keratotomy to treat vision problems. Braille books are also deductible. Those with hearing issues can deduct the costs of exams and hearing aids (including batteries). You can also deduct the cost of programs that teach Braille or lip reading or give language training to correct a condition caused by a congenital disability.

6. Home improvements (aka ‘capital expenses’)

If you install permanent features or renovate your home to accommodate a disability, the cost may be fully deductible. Examples include constructing ramps, widening doorways, lowering or modifying kitchen cabinets, and adding support bars. However, the expense is deductible only for costs above any increase made to the home’s value.

For example, putting in a swimming pool or steam room that costs $25,000 isn’t deductible if it adds $30,000 to your home’s value. If the improvement doesn’t increase the value of your home, then the entire cost can be included as a medical expense.

Only reasonable costs to accommodate a home for a person with a disability are considered medical care. Additional costs for personal motives—such as architectural or aesthetic purposes—don’t count as medical expenses and can’t be deducted.

7. Lodging to receive medical treatment

You can deduct the cost of meals and lodging at a hospital or similar institution if you’re there to receive medical care. In other settings, you can deduct the cost of lodging while away from home if you meet all of the following requirements:

• The lodging is primarily for and essential to medical care
• The medical care is provided by a doctor in a licensed medical care facility
• The lodging isn’t lavish or extravagant under the circumstances
• The stay isn’t for personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation

The most you can deduct for lodging is $50 per night for each person (you can include lodging for someone traveling with the person receiving the medical care). For example, if a parent travels with a sick child, the family could deduct up to $100 per night for lodging. However, meals are not included.

8. Attending medical conferences

You can deduct the cost of admission and transportation to a medical conference if the event is related to your, your spouse’s, or your dependent’s chronic illness. Most of the time that you spend at the conference must be for attending sessions on medical information. Note that meals and lodging expenses are not deductible.

9. Organ transplants

Medical expenses for the care you received as a donor or a possible donor of a kidney or other organ are deductible. Similarly, you can include any expenses that you pay for the medical care of a donor in connection with the donation of an organ to you, your spouse, or your dependent. Transportation costs related to the transplant are included.

10. Home care

For someone unable to manage activities of daily living (ADL) , the cost of a personal attendant is deductible. Generally, the deductible portion is limited to personal assistance with daily routines. It does not include the cost of housecleaning and other chores—although this may be hard to separate, realistically speaking. You can also include the cost of the caregiver’s meals and additional amounts that you paid for related household upkeep, such as extra utilities or rent (e.g., for a larger apartment to provide space for the person).

11. Substance use disorder treatment

The cost of inpatient treatment programs for people with substance use disorders is deductible. This includes the cost of meals and lodging that the facility provides during treatment. You also may be able to include the cost of transportation to and from support organization meetings (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous) in your community.

12. Reproductive health

You can deduct the cost of birth control pills, pregnancy test kits, legal abortions, vasectomies , and fertility treatments , including in vitro fertilization, lab fees, and the temporary storage of eggs or sperm. You can also deduct surgery costs for reversing a prior procedure to prevent pregnancy.

13. Service animals

You can deduct the cost of buying, training, and maintaining a guide dog or other service animal that helps someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, visually impaired, or someone with other physical disabilities. This generally includes any amounts that you pay to maintain the health and vitality of the service animal—such as food, grooming, and veterinary care—so it can perform its duties.

14. Dental treatment

The costs that you incur to prevent or alleviate dental disease are deductible. This includes payments to dental hygienists and dentists for teeth cleaning, sealants, fluoride treatments, X-rays, fillings, braces, extractions, dentures, and other dental ailments. Teeth whitening is specifically excluded.

15. Smoking cessation programs

If you are trying to quit smoking, you can deduct the amounts that you pay for smoking cessation programs and other doctor-prescribed treatments. However, you can’t deduct nonprescription drugs, like nicotine gum and patches, designed to help you quit smoking.

16. Condition-specific foods

If you have a medical condition such as celiac disease, obesity, or hypertension, you may be able to deduct the cost of special food. The food must not satisfy your regular nutritional needs and must alleviate or treat the illness. The need for the special food must be substantiated by a physician. Only the cost that exceeds the cost of regular foods is deductible.

17. Children with learning disabilities

Fees that you pay for tutoring to help a child with learning disabilities are deductible. The tutoring must be recommended by a doctor and conducted by a teacher who is trained and qualified to work with children with learning disabilities caused by mental or physical impairments (including nervous system disorders). You can include the cost (tuition, meals, and lodging) of attending a school that offers programs to help children with learning disabilities.

18. Travel to doctors, pharmacies, and therapy sessions

You can deduct the cost of bus, taxi, train, plane tickets, and ambulance transportation. If you use your vehicle, you can use the IRS-set mileage rate and include your out-of-pocket expenses, such as the cost of gas and oil. In 2022, the mileage rate is 18 cents through 1/1-6/30 and 22 cents through 7/1-12/31. These are much lower than the allowable rates for business use of a vehicle.)

19. Weight loss programs

If a doctor can confirm that your current weight is a threat to your health, any prescribed weight loss program is deductible. However, programs for maintaining general good health are not deductible. For example, you can’t include membership dues for gyms, health clubs, or spas—but you can include separate fees charged by those facilities for weight loss activities.

20. Wigs for cancer patients

People with hair loss due to a medical condition like alopecia or cancer treatments like chemotherapy can deduct the cost of a wig. The wig must be purchased on the advice of a physician for the patient’s mental health.

Are Medical Expenses Tax Deductible?

Yes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows you to deduct certain unreimbursed medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). To claim the deduction, you must itemize when filing your income tax return.

Which Medical Expenses Are Not Deductible?

You can only deduct unreimbursed medical expenses. So, if your insurance covered the expense or your employer reimbursed you for it, then you can’t take the deduction. Additionally, the IRS generally disallows the deduction for most cosmetic procedures, nonprescription drugs (except insulin), nonprescription nicotine gum and patches, general toiletries (e.g., toothpaste and cosmetics), trips and programs to improve your general health, and funeral and burial expenses.

How Do I Claim the Medical Expense Deduction?

You must itemize your deductions on Schedule A Form 1040 or 1040-SR when filing your federal income tax return. Keep in mind that if you itemize your deductions, you won’t be able to take the standard deduction. Run the numbers both ways—itemizing vs. taking the standard deduction—to ensure that you receive the most favorable outcome on your taxes.

How Much Can I Deduct for Medical Expenses?

The IRS lets you deduct 100% of your unreimbursed, qualified medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). So, for example, if your AGI is $50,000, you could deduct expenses that exceed $3,750 ($50,000 × 7.5%). If you had $8,000 in qualified expenses in this example, you would be able to deduct $4,250 ($8,000 - $3,750). Remember that you must itemize your deductions on Schedule A Form 1040 or 1040-SR to take the deduction.

It’s worth tallying up your health-related expenses that are not covered by insurance or other reimbursement methods to see if you meet the percentage-of-AGI threshold. That 7.5% threshold, which was set by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, was made permanent at the end of 2020 and will not likely rise back to 10% anytime soon.

Internal Revenue Service. “ Topic No. 502 Medical and Dental Expenses .”

Internal Revenue Service. " Publication 502 (2021), Medical and Dental Expenses ."

Internal Revenue Service. " IRS Provides Tax Inflation Adjustments for Tax Year 2023 ."

Internal Revenue Service. “ IRS Provides Tax Inflation Adjustments for Tax Year 2022 .”

Internal Revenue Service. " Lactation Expenses as Medical Expenses ," Page 1.

Internal Revenue Service. " Part I Section 213—Medical, Dental, etc., Expenses ," Page 1.

Internal Revenue Service. " Publication 970 (2021), Tax Benefits for Education ."

Internal Revenue Service. " IRS Increases Mileage Rate for Remainder of 2022 ."

Internal Revenue Service. " Topic No. 551 Standard Deduction ."

Congressional Research Service. " Temporary Individual Tax Provisions (“Tax Extenders”) ," Page 1.

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Are Travel Expenses Tax Deductible?

• TATA AIG Team
• Published on :

Salaried employees are eligible for several tax exemptions under the Income-tax Act of 1961. One of these exemptions is a leave travel allowance or LTA. Travel benefits are among the most common benefits private and public sector companies offer their employees.

Employees get a leave travel allowance for travel expenses and get a tax exemption up to a certain limit under Section 10(5) of the Income Tax Act. That only reimburses an employee's commuting expenses. This is not the same as the transport allowance exemption limit for salaried employees, which is ₹1,600 per month or ₹19,200 per annum (as on March 2023).

So if you are wondering, "Is travel allowance taxable?", the answer is that you can deduct LTA from your taxable income as an exemption. However, only the amount of travel expenses you spend can be claimed under an exemption and not the amount you receive from your organisation/employer.

What Is Leave Travel Allowance?

Employees get a leave travel allowance as a benefit from their employers. It covers any expenses related to travel. However, only the expenses incurred when travelling anywhere within India are covered as tax deductibles.

Your travelling allowance exemption is the allowance paid by your employer to cover your travelling expenses while travelling during your leave, with or without your family. Your LTA is included as a part of your CTC and is given as a yearly benefit, but it can also be used monthly.

You can use your LTA from your employer or ex-employer (if you're retired) to

• Cover the expenses incurred while travelling during your leave from work.
• Cover the costs incurred when travelling after your retirement or termination of services.

Furthermore, combining your LTA exemption in income tax and the benefits of a travel insurance plan can save you money in the long run. In contrast, when travelling overseas, an international travel insurance plan can help cover any emergency medical expenses that may arise during your trip.

Claiming An LTA Exemption In Income Tax

Employees working in public or private sectors can claim a travel allowance income tax exemption under Section 10, 14(i) of the Income Tax Act of 1961.

This section states that "an allowance received by the employee that is given to meet expenses totally and necessary for the performance of official duties (generally called 'Per Diems'), for the expenses that he has already/has to incur, are exempted from taxes."

In simple terms, the exclusion is offered based on the total amount of the allowance and the amount used by the employee during travel.

For example, if the LTA granted by the employer is ₹30,000, and the travel cost incurred is ₹20,000. The exemption would only be for the ₹20,000. The remaining ₹10,000 would be considered taxable salary income.

The procedure itself is specific to the employee's organisation. Every company has its own due dates, and to claim an LTA exemption, the employee may be requested to submit proof of travel. This can include invoices and bills incurred for the trip. Not all organisations will request proof of travel, but it's best to keep and maintain a proper paper trail just in case.

Who Is Eligible To Claim An LTA Exemption In Income Tax?

The travel tax exemption is covered under the Old Tax Regime of the Income Tax Act of 1961. It may sound simple enough, but there are a few things to keep in mind when claiming a deduction:

• The employee must be on leave to qualify for LTA exemption in income tax.
• The exemption does not include the amount spent on hotel accommodation, shopping, or food. It only covers the travelling expenses.
• International travel is not included under the travelling allowance exemption.
• The exemption can be claimed only by the individual employee alone or with their family (spouse, children, parents, and in-laws).
• This exemption is unavailable for employees with more than two children born after 1st October, 1998.
• Employees can only claim the exemption by providing documentary proof of their expenses, such as tickets, boarding passes, etc., and a prescribed declaration form.

How Frequently Can Someone Claim A Travelling Allowance Exemption?

An employee can claim an LTA expense exemption for only two journeys during a block of four calendar years. The government decides the block year (two years starting 1st January of an even year to 31st December of an odd year), and this is different from the financial year.

Here's a closer look at how these exemptions are granted based on the mode of travel:

A leave travel allowance is a benefit afforded to employees by their companies. Employees are eligible for tax exemptions for their travel expenses under Section 10, 14(i) of the Income Tax Act of 1961, provided they fulfil certain conditions.

Lastly, this exemption is only applicable for travel expenses incurred when travelling within the borders of India. A leave travel allowance and transport allowance are not the same. When travelling to another city, you need to have a travel insurance plan with you that will secure you against emergencies. Tata AIG offers a range of domestic as well as international travel insurance plans at reasonable premiums that you can calculate on the official website.

Domestic travel insurance plans allow you to safeguard your trip from unforeseen risks so that you can have a safe journey. When you want to file a travel insurance claim with us from anywhere in India, you can swift assistance with any issues you may face during your travels!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.How do you claim an exemption if you travel to multiple places?

Suppose you travel to different places during a single vacation. In that case, the LTA exemption covers the travel cost from the starting destination to the farthest destination through the shortest available route.

2. Are there LTA exemptions for travel on public holidays?

Most organisations follow the details of the income tax provisions down to the last letter. So, they may reject LTA claims for travel expenses incurred during official holidays or weekends.

3. What happens if an employee does not make use of their LTA?

If an employee does not use their LTA exemption for one or two journeys within the block of four years, they can carry it over to the following year's block, provided they use this benefit within the first year of the next block.

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Disclaimer / TnC

Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.

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2008, Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited, all rights reserved. Registered Office : Peninsula Business Park, Tower A, 15th Floor, G.K.Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013, Maharashtra, India. CINNumber : U85110MH2000PLC128425. Registered with IRDA of India Regn. No. 108. Category of Certificate of Registration: General Insurance. Insurance is the subject matter of the solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure / policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. Toll Free Number : 1800 266 7780 / 1800 22 9966 (only for senior citizen policy holders). Email Id – [email protected] .

2008, Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited, all rights reserved. Registered Office : Peninsula Business Park, Tower A, 15th Floor, G.K.Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013, Maharashtra, India. CINNumber : U85110MH2000PLC128425. Registered with IRDA of India Regn. No. 108. Insurance is the subject matter of the solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure / policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. Toll Free Number : 1800 266 7780 / 1800 22 9966 (only for senior citizen policy holders). Email Id – [email protected] .