The Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) is a non-refundable federal tax credit that reduces the income taxes you owe on eligible out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses. For the 2026 tax year, you can claim a 15% federal credit on eligible medical expenses that exceed the lower of 3% of your net income or $2,759 — the indexed annual threshold. Most provinces match this with their own credit at the lowest provincial tax rate, making the combined METC worth approximately 20–25% of eligible expenses for most Canadians.
Quick answer: If your out-of-pocket medical costs for 2026 exceeded $2,759 (or 3% of your net income if that is lower), you can claim the excess for the METC. The credit is worth 15 cents per dollar federally, plus a provincial top-up. Prescription drugs, dental work, glasses, hearing aids, and private health insurance premiums all qualify.
2026 Medical Expense Tax Credit — Key Numbers
| Detail | 2026 Figure |
|---|---|
| Federal credit rate | 15% (lowest federal marginal rate) |
| Dollar threshold | $2,759 |
| 3% of net income threshold | Calculated individually |
| Threshold used | Whichever is lower |
| 12-month claim period | Any 12-month period ending in 2026 |
| Provincial credit | Varies by province (typically 5–10% additional) |
How the METC Is Calculated
The METC applies only to eligible expenses above the threshold. The threshold is the lesser of:
- 3% of your net income (Line 23600 on your return), OR
- $2,759 (the indexed dollar amount for 2026)
Worked example:
Ahmed has a net income of $55,000. His eligible medical expenses for the 2026 calendar year:
- Prescription drugs: $1,200
- Dental work: $2,500
- Glasses: $400
- Private health insurance premiums: $1,800
- Total eligible: $5,900
His threshold:
- 3% of $55,000 = $1,650 (this is less than $2,759)
- Threshold = $1,650
METC calculation:
- Expenses above threshold: $5,900 − $1,650 = $4,250
- Federal credit: $4,250 × 15% = $637.50
- Ontario provincial credit (roughly 5.05%): $4,250 × 5.05% ≈ $214.63
- Total METC benefit: ~$852
Eligible Medical Expenses — Common Categories
| Category | Qualifying Examples |
|---|---|
| Prescription drugs | All drugs prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist |
| Dental | Cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, dentures, orthodontics (for medical correction) |
| Vision | Prescription glasses, contact lenses, eye exams, Laser eye surgery |
| Medical devices | Hearing aids and batteries, wheelchairs, insulin pumps, CPAP machines |
| Therapies (prescribed) | Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy |
| Hospital expenses | Hospital stays, licensed private rooms, nursing home costs |
| Ambulance services | Transportation to hospital |
| Private health insurance premiums | Employer group insurance, individual health/dental plans |
| Attendant care | In-home care for people with severe disabilities |
| Special needs education | If the primary purpose is to address a disability |
| Fertility treatments | IVF and related procedures |
| Gender-affirming surgery | When prescribed by a physician |
Common Expenses That Do NOT Qualify
- Over-the-counter medications (unless prescribed)
- Vitamins and nutritional supplements (unless prescribed for a specific medical condition)
- Gym memberships and fitness equipment (even if recommended by a doctor, in most cases)
- Cosmetic surgery (without a medical reason)
- Life insurance premiums
Claiming for Family Members
You can claim eligible medical expenses for:
- Yourself
- Your spouse or common-law partner
- Your dependent children under 18 (all combined on one return)
Adult dependants (over 18): Children, parents, siblings, grandparents, or in-laws who are financially dependent on you are claimed separately using Line 33199. The threshold calculation for adult dependants uses the same formula but based on the dependant’s net income (not yours).
Important strategy — claim on the lower-income spouse’s return:
If your household income is split between two earners, claim all medical expenses on the lower-income spouse’s return. This lowers the 3% threshold, meaning more expenses exceed the threshold and qualify for the credit.
Example: Spouse A earns $80,000 (3% = $2,400). Spouse B earns $35,000 (3% = $1,050). If medical expenses are $4,000, claiming on Spouse B’s return allows a credit on $4,000 − $1,050 = $2,950. Claiming on Spouse A’s return only credits $4,000 − $2,400 = $1,600.
The 12-Month Claim Period
The METC is not restricted to the calendar year — you can choose any 12-month period ending in the tax year for which you claim. This flexibility lets you combine expenses from late one year with early the next.
Example: Your RRSP-funded medical procedure was in November 2025, and you had a large dental bill in January 2026. You can choose the period December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2026 to combine both for your 2026 return.
Note: You cannot claim the same expense in two different tax years.
Provincial Medical Expense Credits
Every province and territory also provides a medical expense credit at the lowest provincial tax rate. The combined federal + provincial METC is worth approximately:
| Province | Combined Federal + Provincial METC Rate |
|---|---|
| Ontario | ~20% |
| British Columbia | ~20.5% |
| Alberta | ~25% (no provincial surtax) |
| Quebec | ~15% federal + ~20% provincial (separate Revenu Québec credit) |
Approximate figures. Check your province’s actual credit rates.
Disability Supplement to the METC
If you are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), you may also qualify for a supplement to the medical expense credit for people under age 18. This supplements the basic METC with an additional amount for caregiving and disability-related expenses. See our Disability Tax Credit guide for DTC eligibility details.
How to Claim the METC
- Keep all receipts — the CRA may request them; keep for 6 years
- Total all eligible expenses for your chosen 12-month period
- Enter on your T1 return: Line 33099 (self, spouse, dependent children under 18) and Line 33199 (adult dependants)
- Choose the lower threshold: tax software calculates this automatically
- Determine if the lower-income spouse should claim: run the numbers both ways in your software
Popular Canadian tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, UFile, SimpleTax/Wealthsimple Tax) all automate the METC calculation once you enter your expenses.
Related Canadian Tax Resources
- Disability Tax Credit Guide — DTC eligibility and application process
- Canada Caregiver Credit — credit for caring for infirm dependants
- Ontario Trillium Benefit — Ontario energy and property tax credits
- CA Taxes Hub — complete Canadian tax guide
The Medical Expense Tax Credit rewards Canadians for bearing significant out-of-pocket health costs. If you had a year with major dental, vision, or prescription expenses, filing a careful METC claim can recover hundreds of dollars in tax credits — especially when you claim all family medical expenses on the lower-income partner’s return.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy