Money back in your pockets for health and wellness costs this tax season.
February 27, 2026|Updated: March 3, 2026
H&R Block Canada shares known and lesser-known health-related benefits covered provincially and federally
Calgary, AB – February 27, 2026 – Affordability struggles is a day-to-day reality among many Canadians, making it challenging to make ends meet for everyday essentials. Health and wellbeing-related products and services are no exception, and often come with a premium price tag. In 2025, a third of Canadians (33%) said they struggled to make ends meet, with more than half (51%) who said that despite making a good salary found it hard to cover the cost of daily expenses.
“Health and wellness related tax credits and benefits are among the most commonly missed by Canadians when filing their taxes,” said Yannick Lemay, Tax Expert at H&R Block Canada. “Many Canadians are surprised by the extent of wellness related credits they may be eligible for – from eye wear to eye laser surgery; family planning to pregnancy related costs; physiotherapy to mobility aids; therapy or counselling; to long-term disability and as a carer. It’s crucial to ensure you understand what’s available to you and gather your receipts and necessary documents to claim back everything you’re entitled to.”
There are more than multiple medical expenses available on your tax return under the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC), for which the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) maintains a medical-expense guide list. Eligible medical expenses, paid for yourself, spouse, common-law partner and dependents, must exceed the lesser of $2,834 in 2025 - or 3% of your net income.
As Canadians get ready to file their 2025 taxes, H&R Block Canada points to some of the key (and lesser known) health and wellness released tax credits and deductions that Canadians may be eligible for.
Laser eye surgery: LASIK and similar surgeries can be claimed as an eligible medical expense under the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC).
Gluten-free food (celiac disease): You can claim the extra cost (gluten-free price minus the price of the non-gluten-free version), with a medical practitioner’s letter and relevant receipts.
Therapy and counseling services: For eligible Canadians to help cover the cover for therapy, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling.
Medical cannabis: With the required medical documents, and purchased for medical purposes from a licensed seller.
Service animals: Costs related to service animals, such as food and vet care can be eligible as a tax credit.
Prescription sunglasses and prescription swimming goggles: If they’re prescribed to correct eyesight.
Water filter/purifier systems: If prescribed for use for severe chronic respiratory or immune system disorders.
Care-related travel costs: This can include ambulance transportation and reasonable travel costs for medical care.
Travel insurance premiums: For seniors and retirees who are no longer covered by a group insurance plan.
Voice-recognition software: When used for an impairment in physical functions, with the necessary medical certification.
Wigs for certain hair loss conditions: If hair loss is due to disease, accidental or medical treatment, though it must be approved by your healthcare provider.
Family planning: To help offset the eligible costs for fertility treatment, contraception, pregnancy care and childbirth-related medical services.
Refundable Medical Expense Supplement: For Canadians with a lower-income and high medical expenses, there’s also a refundable supplement you may be able to claim (meaning it can pay out even if you don’t owe much tax).
Disability Tax Credit (DTC): A non-refundable credit for people with severe and prolonged impairment.
Disability Supports Deduction: Provides a provision for certain disability-related support costs to be deducted.
Caregiving credits (physical or mental impairment): If you support a spouse, partner or certain dependents with a physical or mental impairment, the Canada Caregiver Credit may apply, if certain criteria are met.
Home renovation credits for health, mobility, and aging: Costs to accommodate certain qualifying accessibility renovations for eligible dwellings can be claimed.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC): A refundable credit for creating a self-contained secondary unit so a senior or an eligible adult can live with family.
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC): For expenses incurred to make your home safer or more accessible for seniors or individuals with disabilities.
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About the survey: These findings are from a survey conducted by H&R Block from February 12-13, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,790 Canadians. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About H&R Block Canada: A trusted partner of Canadians for over 60 years, H&R Block Canada is Canada's tax leader. Serving almost 1,000 locations across Canada, H&R Block's team of Tax Experts use the latest in technological advances combined with real-world expertise to help people file taxes in office, file remotely, or use do-it-yourself Tax Software. H&R Block Canada can support in the preparation of personal, small business, corporate, U.S., rental, and estate taxes. H&R Block's comprehensive education program, Tax Academy, ensures our Tax Experts continually update their skills. Learn more at www.hrblock.ca or 1-800-HRBLOCK.
For more information, contact: H&R Block c/o Ketchum: hrblockmediainquiries@ketchum.com