united-kingdom england-and-wales medical
Is it possible to be reimbursed by the NHS or government for price difference of gluten-free food?
<p>I've heard years ago that if one with gluten allergy saves receipts then since the diet is their medical treatment then the government reimburses the cost difference between GF and non-GF options. However upon searching all I was able to find were materials about certain basic foods like beads and mixes and previously pizza bases etc. Being &quot;prescribed&quot; by the NHS.</p>

<p>There are prescription basic staple foods that must be in the prescribing formulary with restricted variety, which may be free or reimbursed, depending on your place of residence and circumstances.</p>
<p>If the government did reimburse the cost difference, it would be very likely be on the information section of <a href="https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/once-diagnosed/prescriptions/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Coeliac UK</a>. As no mention of such reimbursements can be found, it is likely what you have heard is false.</p>
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<p>In some countries, but not the United Kingdom, medical expenses are tax deductible. This does not mean the government reimburses the cost of medical expenses, but that medical expenses reduces the <em>taxable income</em> based on which a tax rate is determined and applied.</p>
<p>Some jurisdictions (e.g. <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/lines-33099-33199-eligible-medical-expenses-you-claim-on-your-tax-return/details-medical-expenses.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Canada</a>) do accept the difference between gluten-free food and &quot;normal&quot; food as part of medical expenses, provided that documentations are <em>meticulously</em> available. In other jurisdictions (e.g. Switzerland), a lumpsum deduction is available to compensate.</p>
