Tax return: Self-payers can deduct these costs at the doctor's office
Whether a faster appointment or individual health services (IGeL) - statutory health insurance patients sometimes pay a few things in addition out of their own pocket when visiting a doctor. When does the taxman contribute?
A recent survey of insured individuals in 2024 found that those with statutory insurance must wait between 36 and 42 days for a specialist appointment. Certain specialists like neurologists, dermatologists, and cardiologists have particularly long wait times, according to appointment booking portals like Doctolib. Self-paying patients can get appointments much faster, but the cost varies depending on the doctor's services.
The costs of self-paying for medical services can be deducted from taxable income if they qualify as "sickness-related expenses" and are related to diagnosing or treating a medical condition. According to Jana Bauer, managing director of the Federal Association of Tax Relief Societies (BVL), it does not matter who pays for the doctor's visit.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
