1. Section 80D: Health Insurance & Mental Health

Since the Mental Healthcare Act (2017), IRDAI has mandated that all insurance companies treat mental illness on par with physical illness. Your health insurance premium is fully tax-deductible.

• Self, Spouse, and Children: Up to ₹25,000
• Parents (below 60 years): Additional ₹25,000
• Senior Citizen Parents (60+ years): Limit is ₹50,000
• If you are a Senior Citizen: Total claim up to ₹1,00,000

2. Preventive Health Checkups

Early intervention is key. Section 80D allows a deduction of up to ₹5,000 for preventive health checkups.

3. Benefits for Senior Citizens (Without Insurance)

If your parents are senior citizens (60+) and do not have health insurance, you can claim up to ₹50,000 for actual medical expenses, including psychiatrist fees, therapy, and medications.

4. Section 80DDB: Specific Critical Mental Illnesses

For specified neurological/mental disorders (e.g., Dementia or Parkinson’s):

• Age below 60: Up to ₹40,000
• Senior Citizens: Up to ₹1,00,000

*Requires Form 10-I from a government hospital specialist.

5. Section 80DD: Supporting Disabled Dependents

Fixed deduction for certified mental disability (at least 40% impairment):

• 40% to 80% Disability: Fixed ₹75,000
• Severe Disability (80%+): Fixed ₹1,25,000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)