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Section 80D of Income Tax Act: Deductions Under Medical Insurance, Limit, Eligibility And Policies

By Ektha Surana

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Updated on: Mar 13th, 2024

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14 min read

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Health insurance provides coverage for unforeseen medical costs and hospital bills when you most require it. Health insurance is one of the best ways to overcome such financial crises. 

In India, most people don't have health insurance and rely on their own savings or borrow money when they have medical emergencies. To encourage people to purchase health insurance policies, the government introduced tax benefits on medical insurance under Section 80D.

What is Section 80D?

Every individual or HUF can claim a deduction for medical insurance premiums paid in the financial year under Section 80D. This deduction is also available for top-up health plans and critical illness plans.

The best part is that it is over and above the Rs 1.5 lakh limit deductions claimed under Section 80C.

Note: This deduction can be claimed if an individual or HUF chooses to pay taxes under the old tax regime.

Who is eligible for deduction under Section 80D? 

No other entity can claim this deduction. For example, a company or a firm cannot claim a deduction under this section.

What deduction is allowed under Section 80D?

The following expenses are allowed as deduction under Section 80D:

  • Medical insurance premiums paid for self and family
  • Medical expenses incurred for senior citizens 

Individual or HUF taxpayers can claim deduction for the insurance premium payments made for:

  • Self 
  • Spouse 
  • Dependent children 
  • Parents

Payments eligible as deduction under Section 80D

An individual or HUF can claim a deduction under Section 80D for the payments mentioned below:

  • Health insurance premiums paid in any mode other than cash:
    • Up to ₹25,000 paid for self, spouse, dependent children or parents
    • Up to ₹50,000 if family or your parents are senior citizens (60 years and above)

  • Preventive health checkups (Cash payment allowed):
    • Up to ₹5,000 for self, spouse, dependent children or parents 
       
  • Medical expenses
    • Senior citizens (resident aged 60 years or above) who do not have any health insurance can claim a deduction up to Rs 50,000 on the medical expenses incurred. 
      Note: While the Income Tax Act doesn't explicitly define "medical expenditure," it typically means costs like medical consultations, impairment aids, medicines, etc.
       
  • Contribution to CGHS/notified scheme
    • Individuals can claim a tax deduction of up to ₹25,000 for contributions made to the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or any other notified scheme. However, any contribution made on behalf of parents is not eligible for this deduction.

Deduction available under Section 80D

The deduction allowed under Section 80D is Rs 25,000 in a financial year. In the case of senior citizens, the deduction limit allowed is Rs 50,000.

The table below captures the amount of deduction available to an individual taxpayer under various scenarios:

Policy for?Deduction for 
self & family
Deduction for parentsPreventive Health check-upMaximum Deduction
Self & Family
(below 60 years)
25,000-5,00025,000
Self & Family + Parents
(all of them below 60 years)
25,00025,0005,00050,000
Self & Family (below 60 years) 
+ Parents (above 60 years)
25,00050,0005,00075,000
Self & Family + Parents
(above 60 years)
50,00050,0005,0001,00,000
Members of HUF 
(below 60 years)
25,00025,0005,00025,000
Members of HUF 
(a member is above 60 years)
50,00050,0005,00050,000

*The deduction for preventive check-up of up to Rs 5,000 will be within the overall limit of Rs 25,000/50,000. Please note that 'family' under this section includes only the spouse and dependent children.

Example: 

Rohan is aged 45 years, and his father is aged 75 years. Rohan has taken medical cover for himself and his father, for which he pays insurance premiums of Rs 30,000 and Rs 35,000, respectively. What would be the maximum amount he can claim by way of a deduction under Section 80D? 

Ans: Rohan can claim up to Rs 25,000 for the premium paid on his policy. As for the policy taken for his father, a senior citizen, Rohan can claim up to Rs 50,000. In the given case, the deduction allowed is Rs 25,000 and Rs 35,000. Therefore, the total deduction he can claim for the year is Rs 60,000.

Mode of Payment under Section 80D

For claiming such deduction under section 80D, the payment has to be made in the specified mode:

Payment PurposePayment Mode
Preventive health check-upAny mode (including cash)
- Medical Insurance Premium
- Medical Expenses
Any mode other than cash
Cash payments not allowed as deduction

What is a preventive health check-up under 80D?

The government introduced preventive health check-up deduction in 2013-14 to encourage citizens to be more proactive towards health. Preventive health check-ups aim to identify any illness and mitigate risk factors at an early stage through frequent health check-ups.

Section 80D includes a deduction of Rs 5,000 for any payments made towards preventive health check-ups. This deduction will be within the overall limit of Rs 25,000/Rs 50,000, as the case may be.

This deduction can also be claimed by the individual for himself, his spouse, dependent children, or parents. The payment for preventive health check-ups can be made in cash.

For Example:
Rahul has paid a health insurance premium of Rs 23,000 for the health insurance of his wife and dependent children in the financial year 2023-24. He also had a health check-up done for himself and was paid Rs 5,000.

Rahul can claim a maximum deduction of Rs 25,000 under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. Rs 23,000 has been allowed towards the insurance premium paid, and Rs 2,000 has been allowed for a health check-up. The deduction towards preventive health check-ups has been restricted to Rs 2,000 as the overall deduction cannot exceed Rs 25,000 in this case.

Deduction of Medical Expenses for Senior Citizens (Section 80D)

For the welfare of senior citizens (Resident + aged 60 or above) who don't have health insurance, a deduction up to Rs. 50,000 can be claimed on the medical expenses incurred for them. However, if they already have health insurance and have made payments to keep it active, they won't be eligible for this deduction.
Example: If you incurred Rs 65,000 for the medical expenses of your senior parents, you may claim Rs 50,000 as deduction although they don't have a health insurance policy.

Multi-year Health Insurance premium paid in lump-sum (Section 80D)

Sometimes, people buy multi-year health insurance plans because of the discounts offered. In this case, they pay the premium amount upfront. In that case, deduction is allowed proportionately under section 80D. However, this would again be subject to the limits of Rs 25,000 of Rs 50,000 as discussed above.
Example: Mr. A bought 2-year health insurance policy and paid Rs 30,000 upfront. In this case, Mr. A can claim Rs 15,000 as deduction under Section 80D in each of the two years. 

How to buy medical insurance?

There are many factors to be considered before purchasing health insurance. Here are some points to be considered from the standpoint of claiming a deduction under Section 80D and other general clauses before buying any medical insurance:

  • Contribution towards health insurance should be made to schemes specified by the Central Government or any other insurer and approved by IRDA, i.e. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority.
  • Please ensure that insurance premium payment is made by any mode other than cash. Also, it will be very convenient if the policy offers a cashless claim settlement process with sufficient network hospitals covered in your city. One should check the list of the network hospitals which have tie-up with your insurer for processing cashless claims.
  • Hospital room rent and other expenditures are allowed on a fixed percentage of the sum insured. Hence, choosing a sufficient sum insured is important before purchasing health insurance.
  • Please carefully consider the clause relating to pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. Many policies cover all the expenses incurred before 30 days and after 90 days of hospitalisation.
  • Many insurance providers have started including alternative therapies like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (abbreviated as AYUSH). This can be important to many and should be duly considered.
  • Many other expenses get incurred, like lab tests, specialised doctor's visits, etc. Many policies now provide daily cash limits as reimbursement for such additional expenses. Check the details of the daily cash limit offered, as this help to meet the extra expenses which are not otherwise covered for settlement of the claim.
  • Many insurance companies provide yearly health check-ups as added benefits. Health check-ups include various tests and health evaluation, which is essential and helpful in the early diagnosis of any illness.
  • Please consider the clause of a no-claim guaranteed bonus every year. Many insurance providers offer a no-claim bonus added to your sum insured for all those years for which the policyholder made no claim. This increases the sum that can be claimed, giving additional security. However, it should be noted that all allowed expenditures, like the choice of hospital room, are linked to the original sum assured, excluding the no-claim bonus.
  • Post-pandemic, most of the insurance providers are offering COVID coverage. However, details like coverage of COVID, the cap on expenses, daily cash benefits, and miscellaneous charges like PPE kits, if covered or not, should be known before purchasing the insurance. Read more.

Points to be remembered at the time of purchase of medical insurance for claiming 80D deduction

  • A medical insurance premium paid for a brother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles or any other relative cannot be claimed as a deduction for taking tax benefits.
  • Premium paid on behalf of working children cannot be taken for tax benefit.
  • In the case of part payment by you and a parent, both of you can claim a deduction to the extent paid by each.
  • The deduction must be taken without showing the service tax and cess portion from the premium amount.
  • Group health insurance premium provided by the company is not eligible for deduction.
  • Premium paid by any mode other than cash is allowed for deduction. Hence premium paid by credit card or other online mode is also allowed for deduction.

Related Articles

Who can claim a deduction under section 80DD?
Section 80DDB
Chapter VI A deductions- 80C to 80TTB under the Income Tax Act
Income Tax Allowances and Deductions Allowed to Salaried Individuals
Budget 2024 Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 80D deduction in income tax?

As per section 80D, a taxpayer can claim a tax deduction on premiums paid towards medical insurance for self, spouse, parents, and dependent children. Individuals and HUF can claim this deduction. This also covers the medical expenditure incurred by senior citizens.

This deduction is over and above the deductions you can claim under Section 80C, making it a beneficial way to save on taxes while ensuring health insurance coverage. The limit of the deduction varies with age. 

Individual: 

∙         up to Rs. 25,000 for self & family (under 60).

∙         up to Rs. 50,000 for parents or self/spouse (60+)

HUF:

∙         HUFs can claim Rs. 25,000 for members (under 60) and Rs. 50,000 for members (60+)

What is the maximum deduction under section 80D?

Maximum deduction varies based on who you're paying for:

  • Self, spouse and dependent children: Rs 25,000
  • Self, spouse, dependent children and parents below 60: Rs 50,000
  • Self, spouse, dependent children and parents above 60: Rs 75,000
  • Self, spouse, dependent children (senior citizens) and parents above 60: Rs 1,00,000

Additional deduction for medical expenses:

  • Senior citizens: Up to Rs 50,000 (subject to conditions)
How to claim a deduction under section 80D?

If you are salaried, you may claim the 80D deduction by submitting insurance premium receipts or medical bills to your employer or you may also claim it while filing your income tax return (ITR).

Who can claim an 80D deduction?

Only individuals and HUFs can claim deduction under Section 80D. However, the higher limit of deduction is available to resident senior citizens and not available for non-resident senior citizens. 

  • Covered members: Self, spouse, dependent children, parents.
  • Siblings not eligible for deduction.
  • Premiums paid online or offline, except through cash.
Which document is needed for preventive health check-up tax deduction under Section 80D?

  • Salaried: You may submit the health check-up invoice to your employer at the time of investment declaration. 
  • Self-employed: The income tax department does not require submitting any document/receipt for claiming the deduction while filing ITR. However, as a matter of record and proof, it is advisable to retain the proof of payment/receipt of insurance premium in your tax file. 
Which expenses are not allowed as deductions under Section 80D?

  • Health Insurance premium paid in cash
  • Payment made on behalf of working children, siblings, grandparents or any other relative
  • Group health insurance premium made by a company on behalf of an employee
Can I claim a deduction for medical expenses incurred for my parents during the financial year?

Yes. You can claim deduction for medical expenses incurred for parents up to Rs 50,000:

  • if they do not have a medical insurance policy
  • Parents are 60 years or above
  • Payment made through modes other than cash
  • Have valid bills and receipts for the expenses paid by you
What are Single-premium health insurance policies?

Budget 2018 introduced a new provision for claiming a deduction regarding single premium health insurance policies. This means you can pay a lump sum for a multi-year policy and claim a deduction on your tax return.

Here's how it works:

  • You pay the entire premium for your health insurance upfront.
  • You can claim a deduction on your taxes based on the "appropriate fraction" of the premium.
  • This fraction is calculated by dividing the lump sum premium by the number of years the policy is valid for.
  • However, the deduction amount is still subject to the maximum limits of Rs. 25,000 or Rs. 50,000 (depending on your age).
What types of health insurance plans are eligible for deductions under Section 80D?

Most health insurance plans, including individual health plans, family floater plans, and critical illness plans, are eligible for deductions under Section 80D. However, it's important to ensure that the plan is recognised under the laws and is meant for health insurance or preventive health check-up purposes. Also the deduction can be claimed for any contribution made to the Central Government Health Scheme or such other health scheme as may be notified by the Central Government.

Can I claim a deduction under section 80D for medical insurance premium payments if I pay taxes under the new tax regime?

No, an individual or HUF cannot claim a deduction under sec 80D for payment of insurance premium if you choose to pay tax under the new tax regime. However, the same deduction can be claimed if an individual or HUF chooses to pay tax under the old tax regime.

Can I claim a deduction under section 80D if the employer reimburses the premium paid?

No, it cannot be claimed as a deduction as it will be an expense to the employee if reimbursed by the employer.

Can I claim deduction under section 80D if I get medical treatment from outside the country?

Yes, an individual or HUF can claim deduction under section 80D even if medical treatment is received from outside the country. There is no such restriction mentioned in the law.

I have made contributions to CGHS. Am I eligible for deductions under section 80D?

Yes, Individuals can claim a tax deduction of up to Rs.25,000 for contributions made to the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or any other notified scheme. However, any contribution made on behalf of parents is not eligible for this deduction.

About the Author

Multitasking between pouring myself coffees and poring over the ever-changing tax laws. Here, I've authored 100+ blogs on income tax and simplified complex income tax topics like the intimidating crypto tax rules, old vs new tax regime debate, changes in debt funds taxation, budget analysis and more. Some combinations I like- tax and content, finance & startups, technology & psychology, fitness & neuroscience. Read more

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