Can Canadians Get Money Back for Bariatric Surgery in Mexico?

Important: The METC is a non-refundable tax credit — meaning it reduces taxes payable, but it doesn’t automatically pay you cash if you owe no tax.

Choosing bariatric surgery is a major health decision — and for many Canadian patients, it can also create a tax-time opportunity.

In Canada, this usually isn’t a “refund program” from the government for surgery abroad. Instead, most patients recover part of the cost through the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC), which can reduce the income tax they owe (and may increase a refund, depending on their situation).

Tax rules can change; always confirm with a Canadian tax professional.

1) Canadian Tax Credits for Bariatric Surgery Abroad (METC Explained)

Does bariatric surgery qualify?

In many cases, yes, if it’s a legitimate medical procedure and you have proper documentation/receipts. Canada’s medical expense rules are based on eligible medical expenses claimed on your tax return (lines 33099 and 33199).

You can claim eligible medical expenses paid for:

2) The Key Rule: You Only Claim the Amount Above the Annual Threshold

You can only claim the portion of eligible medical expenses that exceeds the lesser of:

For example, the federal Budget materials note the threshold amount is $2,834 for 2025.

3) What Bariatric Surgery Costs Are Commonly Claimable?

A) Surgery & Clinic Fees

Your procedure fee (e.g., gastric sleeve, bypass, revision) may be claimable as a medical expense when properly invoiced/received as a medical service. (This falls under CRA-eligible medical expenses rules.)

B) Prescription Medications

Prescription drugs are commonly claimable when documented.

C) Travel & Accommodation Costs

Canada allows medical travel expenses in certain cases (commonly discussed as):

If a medical practitioner certifies you needed an attendant to travel, the attendant’s travel costs may also be claimable.

4) Claiming Surgery Performed Outside Canada (Mexico)

If your receipts are in another currency (USD/MXN), amounts generally need to be converted to Canadian dollars, using an exchange rate acceptable to the CRA (often Bank of Canada rates are acceptable).

Practical tip: Keep:

5) How Canadians Claim Bariatric Surgery on Their Tax Return

6) How Much Money Can Canadians Get Back?

It varies a lot because it depends on:

Also, the METC is applied at the lowest personal income tax rate. The federal government has noted changes to the lowest rate (for example, an effective 14.5% lowest rate in 2025).

7) ALO Bariatrics “Tax-Time” Documentation Checklist (Canada)

To help your accountant (and protect your claim), patients should keep:

✅ Itemized surgery invoice (patient name, date, medical provider, service details)
✅ Proof of payment
✅ Prescription receipts
✅ Transportation receipts (air, taxi/uber, etc.)
✅ Lodging receipts (if eligible under travel rules)
✅ Meal receipts (if eligible under travel rules)
✅ Exchange rate documentation used for conversion to CAD

ALO Bariatrics is experienced in working with Canadian patients and provides clear, itemized invoices suitable for CRA review.

8) Quick Disclaimer

This information is general education, not tax advice. Medical expense eligibility can depend on individual facts, documentation, and CRA interpretation. Patients should confirm details with a Canadian tax professional and use CRA guidance when filing.

Verified Sources (Canada)

CRA: Eligible medical expenses you can claim (Lines 33099 / 33199)
CRA Guide RC4065: Medical Expenses
CRA guidance (travel questions & documentation/attendant certification)
Government of Canada: Budget 2025 – METC threshold and how the credit works
CRA: Federal tax rates (lowest-rate change noted for 2025)
CRA: Acceptable foreign currency conversion (Bank of Canada rates generally acceptable)