How Does Tax Credit Work on Health Insurance?

Understanding the Role of Tax Credits in Health Insurance Coverage

The Indian government provides tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961 that incentivize investments in health insurance. This allows taxpayers to claim deductions from the payable premiums of their insurance policies, which means lower taxable income and, therefore, less tax liability.

Here's a breakdown of how tax credits work for health insurance in India.

Tax Benefits Under Section 80D

According to Section 80D, health insurance premiums for the self, family, and parents are applicable for tax deductions. What’s more, it is available for both individual and family floater plans. Check out an overview of the benefits below:

1. Tax Benefits for Self and Family

• Premium Paid for Self and Family: Health insurance premiums paid for self, spouse, children, and parents if less than 60 years of age are deductible up to ₹25,000 per financial year.
• Senior Citizens (60 years and above): If the policyholder is a senior citizen, i.e., yourself or family members, the maximum deduction is increased to ₹50,000 per financial year. 

For example, if you pay health insurance premiums for yourself, your spouse, and your children, all of whom are below 60 years of age, you can claim a deduction up to ₹25,000. However, if you are above 60, the tax benefits rise to ₹50,000.

2. Tax Benefits for Parents

• Premiums Paid for Parents: Section 80D offers additional deductions for health insurance premiums paid by parents, regardless of age. For parents under 60, the deduction is ₹25,000, while for senior citizens aged 60 or above, it can reach ₹50,000 per financial year.

For example, if you pay ₹10,000 in premiums for yourself, ₹15,000 for your spouse and children, and ₹50,000 for your senior citizen parents, you can claim a total deduction of ₹75,000 (₹25,000 for yourself and your family, and ₹50,000 for senior citizen parents).

3. Preventive Health Check-ups

• Section 80D also offers tax relief on preventive health check-ups. The available deduction is ₹5,000 per annum for preventive health check-ups for self, spouse, children, and parents. This deduction falls within the overall limit for health insurance, so it is not an additional benefit.

For example, you and your family visit a hospital for a preventive health check-up, and it costs ₹4,000. Then, you can add this amount towards the tax benefit. However, based on your age, you can claim it as a deduction within the maximum limits.

Key Considerations for Maximizing Tax Benefits Under Section 80D

While Section 80D can help save considerable amounts in taxes, it is also important to know a couple of factors to reap the maximum benefits:

1. Policyholder’s Age: The amount of deduction is determined by the insured person's age, with a limit of ₹25,000 for people below 60 years and ₹50,000 for senior citizens. This increases tax benefits for insuring elderly parents or senior citizens.
2. Health Insurance for Parents: Section 80D offers the exclusive advantage of distinguishing the health insurance premium payments for parents from the individual and his/her family. This creates a scope for additional deduction, which can be availed within the age-related limits.
3. Payment Methods The premium should be paid in cash or by cheque, credit card, or electronic transfer to avail of the tax benefits. Also, the deductions are available only on the premiums paid in the relevant financial year.
4. Combination with Other Deductions:The deductions under Section 80D do not conflict with any other tax-saving options under the Income Tax Act, such as those available under Section 80C. This implies that you can claim the full benefits under both sections.

By planning and ensuring the purchase of health insurance policies for all eligible family members and senior citizens, you can take full advantage of these tax-saving opportunities while safeguarding your health.

Also read:-

→ What are the top 10 health insurance in India

→ What are the top 10 things to consider before buying health insurance

→ Understanding How Health Insurance Works

→ What Does Health Insurance Cover

→ What Happens If Your Health Insurance Expires