How to Claim 20% Back on Weight Management Medical Expenses
A Guide to Claiming Revenue Tax Credits for Private Healthcare and Prescriptions
In Ireland, the tax system provides a practical way to reduce the cost of private medical care. If you are using a weight management service that includes clinical consultations and prescription medication (such as GLP-1 treatments), you're likely eligible to claim back 20% of these costs from the Revenue Commissioners.
This guide outlines the specific rules for weight loss treatments, international costs, and how you'll need to manage your claim.
Claiming for Weight Loss Treatment
When you're on a weight management programme, your expenses typically fall into two categories: GP consultations and prescription medication. Both are qualifying health expenses for tax relief, if provided by a licensed medical practitioner for therapeutic purposes.
1. Clinical Consultations
Fees paid for a consultation with a doctor or a consultant are eligible for 20% relief. For telehealth services, this includes the video or phone appointments where your suitability for treatment is assessed.
2. Prescribed Medication
The cost of GLP-1 medications or other weight loss drugs can be claimed back, provided they have been prescribed by a registered medical practitioner. You can't claim for over-the-counter supplements or weight loss shakes, as these aren't considered "drugs or medicines" by Revenue.
Why the "Licensed Professional" Rule Matters
To qualify for tax relief, the healthcare you receive has to be carried out by a registered practitioner. In Ireland, this means the doctor must be on the Irish Medical Council Register.
Revenue is strict on this because:
- Medical Necessity: It ensures the treatment is for a medical condition rather than purely for aesthetic reasons.
- Safety: It confirms the treatment is overseen by someone with the appropriate clinical qualifications.
- Audit Trail: If Revenue decides to check your claim, you'll need to show that your prescription came from a licensed doctor.
Our clinical partners are fully registered, ensuring that the fees you pay for consultations and the resulting prescriptions meet Revenue's criteria for "qualifying health care."
Claiming for Costs in Northern Ireland or Abroad
Many people in Ireland choose to access treatment or purchase medication across the border or elsewhere in the EU. The good news is that you can still claim tax relief on these international costs.
Medical Treatment Outside Ireland
You can claim relief for treatment received outside of the Republic of Ireland, provided:
- Equivalent Qualification: The doctor or specialist is registered with the equivalent of the Irish Medical Council in that country (for example, the GMC in the UK).
- Qualifying Nature: The treatment would have qualified for relief if it had been carried out in Ireland.
Medication from Northern Ireland
If you have a prescription from your doctor and choose to have it dispensed at a pharmacy in Northern Ireland (or anywhere else outside the state), you're still entitled to the 20% relief. You'll need to keep the itemised receipt from the pharmacy and ensure the cost is converted into Euro for your claim.
How much can I claim back?
The savings can be significant over a full year of treatment. Here is a breakdown of how the 20% relief usually applies:
| Expense Type | Annual Spend (Example) | Tax Relief (20%) | Your Final Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| GP Consultations | €300 | €60 | €240 |
| Prescribed Medication | €1,200 | €240 | €960 |
| Total | €1,500 | €300 | €1,200 |
Common Questions & Answers
How much can I get back from a Revenue claim?
Tax relief is given at the standard rate of 20%. If you spend €2,000 in a year on consultations and medication, you'll get €400 back. This is paid as a refund or an adjustment to your tax credits.
Can I claim 20% back if I have health insurance?
You can only claim relief on the net cost to you. If your insurance provider covers part of the GP fee, you'll need to deduct that amount before claiming the 20% relief from Revenue on the balance.
Do I need to send my receipts to Revenue?
You don't always have to send them in when you make the claim, but it's best to have them accessible at all times. You'll need to keep all itemised receipts (not just the card machine slips) for six years, as Revenue may ask to see them during a routine check.
Is there a time limit for claiming health expenses from Revenue?
Yes, you can claim for expenses incurred in the current year and the previous four tax years. If you haven't claimed for treatment you had in 2022, you can still do that today.
Official Revenue Resources
For more detail or to start your claim, you'll need to visit the official Revenue website: