Medical Expense Deduction Calculator (2026)
Unreimbursed medical expenses are deductible only above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income — and only if you itemize. This calculator shows your floor, your deductible amount, and whether it beats the standard deduction.
How to use this calculator
- Enter total qualifying medical expenses.
- Enter adjusted gross income (AGI).
- Your results appear instantly below and update as you change the numbers.
How this calculator works
The calculator applies the 7.5%-of-AGI floor for 2026: your deductible amount is total qualifying expenses minus 7.5% of your AGI. Because the deduction requires itemizing, you should compare the result with your other itemized deductions against the $16,100 (single) or $32,200 (joint) standard deduction — the deduction only helps if itemized totals win.
Frequently asked questions
Which medical expenses count?
Deductible costs include health and dental insurance premiums you pay yourself, doctor and dentist visits, prescriptions, therapy, medical equipment, and the standard medical mileage rate for trips to treatment. Cosmetic procedures and general health items like vitamins usually do not count.
Is the 7.5% threshold new for 2026?
No — the 7.5%-of-AGI floor has been permanent since 2019 and is unchanged for 2026. It applies only to unreimbursed expenses, so any amount your insurance paid does not count toward the total.
Do I have to itemize to use this deduction?
Yes. Medical expenses are an itemized deduction on Schedule A, so they only help if all your itemized deductions together exceed the standard deduction — many people with big medical bills still do not beat it unless they also have mortgage interest, state taxes, or charitable gifts.
Disclaimer: Results are estimates for general information only and do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures reflect 2026 rules and may change. Always confirm current limits and consult a qualified professional before making decisions. Official figures: IRS.gov · 2026 limits per IRS tax inflation adjustments.