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Medical Mileage Calculator

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IRS rate, Jul to Dec 2026

$0.235/mile

Miles Driven In

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miles

Who the Medical Mileage Deduction Helps

Medical mileage is an itemized deduction. It only counts if you itemize on Schedule A, and only the part of your total medical expenses above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income is deductible. The mileage is added to your other medical costs, such as doctor bills, prescriptions and premiums you pay yourself, before that test. On its own it rarely clears the bar, but for people with ongoing treatment it can tip the total.

What Counts as a Qualifying Trip

Driving to a doctor, dentist, hospital, lab, physical therapist or pharmacy qualifies when medical care is the main purpose of the trip, and so does driving your dependent to their own appointments. Parking fees and tolls for those trips can be added on top of the mileage. Gym visits and general wellness trips don't qualify. If you drive someone who isn't your dependent, check the rules with a tax professional.

A Worked Example

Two specialist visits a month, each 40 miles round trip, add up to 960 miles a year. In 2026 the 480 miles driven January to June count at 20.5 cents a mile and the 480 driven from July 1 at 23.5 cents: $98.40 plus $112.80, or $211.20 of medical expense before any parking or tolls. Log each trip with its date as it happens; rebuilding a year of appointments from memory in April is where most of this deduction gets lost.

Related Tools

IRS Mileage Rate 2026Reimbursement CalculatorCharitable Mileage CalculatorBusiness Deduction

Frequently Asked Questions

What medical trips qualify for the mileage deduction?
Trips to doctors, dentists, hospitals, pharmacies, physical therapy, and other medical providers. The primary purpose of the trip must be medical care, not general health.
Is the medical mileage deduction worth claiming?
Only if you itemize deductions on Schedule A and your total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. For most people, the standard deduction is larger.
Can I deduct mileage for a caregiver driving a patient?
Yes, if you're the patient or the patient's dependent. The caregiver's own mileage to provide care may also qualify. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Can I deduct mileage to the pharmacy?
Yes, when picking up prescribed medication is the main purpose of the trip. A pharmacy stop tacked onto a grocery run doesn't make the whole trip medical.
What records should I keep?
A log with the date, destination, purpose and round trip miles for each trip, plus parking and toll receipts. Appointment confirmations back the log up if you are ever asked to substantiate the deduction.
What is the 2026 medical mileage rate?
$0.235 per mile for miles driven July 1 to December 31, 2026, and $0.205 for January 1 to June 30. The IRS raised it on July 1 because of higher fuel prices (Announcement 2026-11). The rate reflects the variable costs of operating a vehicle (gas, oil) but not fixed costs like insurance and depreciation.