Tax return: deduct health insurance costs correctly

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Dental appointments, operations, therapies: healthcare costs can put a strain on the budget – but they’re also partly tax deductible. How tax de­duc­tion for health insurance costs works.

Deducting premiums and healthcare costs from your taxes

Every year, the tax return arrives without fail. It’s difficult to imagine anyone who likes filling in the forms. But it’s easier if you know which costs are tax-deductible. When it comes to deducting healthcare and medical expenses there are a few things to note.

Tax deductions are reg­u­lat­ed by canton

Basically, a distinction is made between deductions for insurance premiums and those for healthcare costs such as doctors’ appointments, operations or medication. In Switzerland, these tax deductions are regulated on a cantonal basis. This means that in the canton of Zurich, regulations and options differ from those in Bern or Lausanne.

Not all deductions are regulated on a cantonal basis. For example, the maximum amounts for Pillar 3a are determined by the Federal Social Insurance Office. For 2024, employees who are members of a pension fund can pay in a maximum of CHF 7,056.

Self-paid healthcare costs are de­ductible if they are higher than 5% of your net income. This is the rule in almost all cantons.

Tax statement

At the end of January each year, your health insurance company sends you a tax state­ment. It lists all the premiums and costs you’ve paid in the previous year. The tax statement makes it easier to fill in your tax return and enables healthcare costs to be deducted.

Our recommendation: With myCSS, you receive the tax statement automatically each year – without having to order it.

Deduct expenses from taxes

If you have high dental costs or a high retention fee, you should check to see if a deduction can be made on your tax return.

Can I deduct health insurance premiums from my taxes?

Both basic and supplementary insurance premiums are deducted through the general standard deduction for insurance premiums – which also includes premiums for life and pension insurance. Don’t forget to claim child deduction. The general deduction increases with each child eligible for deduction.

Which general healthcare costs are usually deductible?

The following services or their costs can be deducted from taxes, provided the amounts were invoiced in the tax year:

  • medical treatment by doctors and recognised naturopaths
  • costs for medication prescribed by a doctor
  • vaccinations
  • aids such as glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, prostheses
  • care costs such as Spitex, old people's homes and nursing homes
  • costs for diets, if prescribed by a doctor
  • breast reduction in case of health impairment (e.g. back pain)
  • costs of hormone treatments, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilisation

Can dental costs also be de­ducted?

Yes. You can deduct expenses for dental treatment, dental correction, dental hygiene and dental technology.

Are the costs of complementary and alternative medicine tax-deductible?

Yes. You can deduct natural medical treatments by recognised naturopaths and therapists from your taxes.

What expenses can't be deducted from my taxes?

The following healthcare and insurance costs are generally not tax-deductible:

  • cosmetic surgery
  • teeth bleaching
  • wellness and fitness
  • car, liability, household contents, travel and property insurance

Filling in your tax return

Deduct medical expenses and health insurance premiums correctly. The following tips will help you fill in your tax return.

  • Tax statement for health insurance: order a statement for health insurance premiums and costs handled by the health insurance company (unless it comes automatically).
  • Medical certificate: for physiotherapy, massages, speech therapy et al, be sure to enclose the patient’s medical certificate if the costs were not paid by your health insurance.
  • Vouchers and receipts: collect and submit all receipts – this is tedious but can be worthwhile.
  • Don't forget: deduct dental or optical (glasses) costs as well as expenses for children and submit receipts.

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