Is surgery in another country an accepted deduction by the IRS?

[jss]

The best I can tell, IRS Publication 502 (2009), "Medical and Dental Expenses", is silent on this question. The only related information it contains concerns drugs;

"Medicines and Drugs From Other Countries In general, you cannot include in your medical expenses the cost of a prescribed drug brought in (or ordered shipped) from another country. You can only include the cost of a drug that was imported legally. For example, you can include the cost of a prescribed drug the Food and Drug Administration announces can be legally imported by individuals.
You can include the cost of a prescribed drug you purchase and consume in another country if the drug is legal in both the other country and the United States."


The question addressed by that spasm is not the one I'm concerned with. Can I deduct the $27533 that I paid for the surgery?


Has anyone else had the experience of deducting, or being told by a tax professional that they cannot deduct the expense of a surgery done in another country?


Thanks, Jeff

[Dave]

Jeff,

According to a family member, who is a regional director for HR Block, these expenses are deductible under the current codes.

[Justin]

Jeff,

According to a family member, who is a regional director for HR Block, these expenses are deductible under the current codes.

I was able to deduct my surgery overseas for my current taxes. Good luck.

[jss]

Thanks for the information gentlemen. I will proceed with less fear and trepidation.

[Cindylou]

Medical expenses are deductible under the current code, but not your travel expenses. Hope that helps.