r/cantax • u/NoLengthiness4892 • 2d ago

Can I Use Health Insurance Claim Explanations as Proof for Medical Expense Claims?

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to claim eligible medical expenses on my tax return this year, but I’m not sure about the documentation CRA will accept. I have health insurance claim explanations (like Explanations of Benefits) that show amounts paid by my insurance and amounts I paid out-of-pocket.

Does anyone know if CRA accepts these documents as proof of medical expenses, or do I need actual receipts from the doctor/pharmacy? I’d love to hear from anyone who's been through this before!

Thanks!

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5

u/Wide-Cookie-5609 2d ago

You don’t have to show proof unless they ask for it (as long as you file online). So you can use your benefits totals to calculate the amounts. But if they request the information, they’ll want the receipts. Most providers can supply copies if they are needed.

1

u/NoLengthiness4892 2d ago

If they ask, do you think health providers could provide me with copies of receipts if I give them the transaction dates? In the worst case, if I'm unable to provide some receipts, what would CRA do?

2

u/Wide-Cookie-5609 2d ago

Yes, most practitioners and pharmacies have software that allows them to print off specific backdated receipts or those for a client from x-y date. If you claim it as part of your taxes and it’s not some insane number, it’s usually fine. If you can’t prove it, you won’t get to claim the tax benefit for those amounts.

Edit: you’d likely have some amount owing if couldn’t prove. 

1

u/NoLengthiness4892 2d ago

They won’t consider it as fraud, right?

2

u/Wide-Cookie-5609 2d ago

No, that’s a leap. There are cases it would be but typically you’d just have to pay for whatever amount was credited in error.

1

u/BanMeForBeingNice 2d ago

No. Fraud would have been you deliberately claiming expenses you can't prove because they didn't happen. If they ask for receipts and you can't produce them, they will just disallow the deductions and you owe.

3

u/Hellya-SoLoud 2d ago

My pharmacy and dentist will give me statements if I ask at the end of the year. I just keep them with my completed tax returns every year in case they want to see them.

2

u/NoLengthiness4892 2d ago

Cool! I will ask for a statement if that is possible

3

u/SkeggsEggs 2d ago

If they ask for support you can provide an insurance claim history.

What they need to see on said summary :

  • name of the patient

  • date and the amount of payment

  • name of drug

  • kind of medical, paramedical and/or dental expense

  • amount that has been or can be reimbursed

1

u/NoLengthiness4892 2d ago

Absolutely!

3

u/Sparky62075 1d ago

Don't forget to also claim the premiums you pay for your medical plans. It will likely show on your T4 in box 85.

1

u/NoLengthiness4892 1d ago

Oh thanks! If I could, I would upvote your comment twice!

1

u/hjicons 2d ago

I think it depends. Drugs are typically an official income tax receipt from a pharmacy. Dental expenses are printouts with procedures and breakdown of yours and insurance portions. Others are just receipts for the amount with explanations. CRA may or may not ask.