What’s Included in a Tax Saver Health Checkup Package?

At the end of the financial year, everyone considers saving taxes by keeping all investment proof and receipts on hand for filing claims. But did you know that you can also save on your taxes by getting a basic health checkup? You can monitor your health and claim deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act of 1961 with a tax-saver health checkup.¹

Read on to know more about what should be included in a Tax Saver Health Checkup Package.

What is a Tax Saver Health Checkup?

A tax saver health examination is a comprehensive preventive test aimed at evaluating your overall health, including important parameters like blood sugar, cholesterol, liver and kidney function, thyroid profile, and more. It is one of the best financial and health choices you can make because the amount you spend on it is eligible for a tax deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Understanding Section 80D

The Income Tax Act's Section 80D offers tax deductions for both preventive health checks and health insurance premiums. Individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) are eligible for this deduction for themselves, their spouse, dependent children, and parents.

Here is a quick breakdown of the deduction limits:

• Up to ₹25,000 annually for those younger than 60
• For senior citizens 60 years of age and older, up to ₹50,000 annually
• If you are also paying for your parents' health insurance, an extra ₹25,000 (or ₹50,000 for parents who are elderly)
• Within the overall Section 80D limit, a specific sub-limit of up to ₹5,000 annually for preventive health examinations

It is important to note that this deduction is available only under the old tax regime and is completely separate from deductions under Section 80C.

What is Covered Under the Preventive Health Checkup Deduction?

For preventive health checks, the government allows a deduction of up to ₹5,000 per fiscal year. This includes health tests for your parents, dependent children, spouse, and yourself. Unlike health insurance premium payments, payments for preventive health checkups can be made in cash and still be eligible for the deduction, which is one of this provision's most tax-friendly features.

But it's crucial to keep in mind that this ₹5,000 is within the overall 80D limit, not an extra deduction. So if you have already exhausted your ₹25,000 on health insurance premiums, you will not be able to claim a further deduction on a preventive health checkup.

What Should a Good Tax Saver Health Checkup Package Include?

Are you sure that every health checkup package includes important parameters? Your tax saver health checkup should include all the important parameters and reveal the complete picture of what’s going inside your body. Look for these tests:  ²

• CBC (Complete Blood Count) - checks overall blood health and help detect anaemia, infections
• Blood Sugar (HbA1c & Fasting Glucose) - helps screen for diabetes & pre-diabetes
• Lipid Profile - measures cholesterol levels and check for cardiovascular risk
• Liver Function Test (LFT) - checks liver functioning and reports if you have any early liver disorders
• Kidney Function Test (KFT) - reports your renal functioning and detects any kidney disease at an early stage
• Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4) - helps screen for thyroid disorders. (Elderly people are increasingly getting thyroid disorders these days in India)
• Vitamin D & B12 – Reports deficiencies of vitamin D and B12 that causes weak bones, fatigue and low immunity.
• Iron Studies - Reports iron deficiency anaemia

Regular health checkups covering all the above parameters help detect if you are at risk of hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes or developing thyroid disorders. Report these in the early stage and get treated timely to avoid future problems.

How to Claim the Tax Deduction

Claiming the tax deduction is a straightforward process:

1. Salaried: Can give a health checkup invoice to the employer while declaring investment
2. Freelancer: Can directly claim health expenses while filing ITR under Chapter VI-A Section 80D.
3. Note – You don’t need to send your receipts to the IT department; keep your bills yourself.

Documents required for claiming the deduction:

• Original payment receipt
• Invoice from the diagnostic centre
• Proof of payment (cash payments up to ₹5,000 are accepted)
• Health checkup report

LifeCell Diagnostics - Ayushman Tax Saver Health Checkup

The Ayushman Tax Saver Health Checkup from LifeCell Diagnostics covers 92 parameters across metabolic, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, and hormonal health. Samples are collected at your doorstep by certified phlebotomists, with smart digital reports delivered within 18 hours. It is conveniently priced to fit within your tax-deductible bracket - making it one of the most comprehensive and pocket-friendly health investments you can make this financial year.

Wrapping Up

Healthcare costs are creeping up in India every year. An illness that goes unnoticed can cost you a fortune. Prevention always pays, and is much cheaper - getting a health checkup to prevent a serious illness in the future costs much less than visiting the hospital for treatment - and with Section 80D, it’s easier than ever to do this regularly.

So this year, instead of treating a health checkup as an expense, treat it as what it really is - an investment in your health and a smart move for your taxes.