VHIS tax deduction: how much per year and how to claim
Qualifying premiums for a certified VHIS plan are deductible under salaries tax or personal assessment. The current cap is HK$8,000 per insured person per year; you can insure not only yourself but also specified relatives and claim the deduction. Using it well arranges retirement healthcare cover while easing your tax.
How much can VHIS deduct?
The current cap on qualifying VHIS premiums is HK$8,000 per insured person per year. It is counted by the number of insured persons, with no limit on how many you insure — insure several qualifying relatives and claim up to HK$8,000 for each. The actual deduction is your qualifying premiums paid, subject to the IRD.
The cap and arrangements follow the Inland Revenue Department.
Who can you insure and deduct for?
- Yourself: premiums for a certified plan.
- Specified relatives: e.g. spouse, children, parents, grandparents and siblings (per the tax definition).
- Each insured person counts separately: up to HK$8,000 each per year.
The definition of qualifying relatives follows the IRD; premiums must be qualifying premiums for a certified plan.
How to claim
- Keep proof of paymentInsurers generally provide a summary or certificate of qualifying premiums.
- Complete the tax returnEnter each insured person's qualifying premiums in the VHIS premiums section of the individual tax return.
- Deduct up to the capUp to HK$8,000 per insured person; the system or IRD applies the cap.
The exact fields and requirements follow the IRD tax return and guidance.
Beyond the deduction, look at the cover itself
The deduction is an incentive, but the point of health insurance is whether the cover fits your needs. Certified VHIS plans have standard benefits and minimum requirements (e.g. guaranteed renewal, cover for unknown pre-existing conditions); take it out early for easier underwriting and lower premiums. See VHIS and retirement healthcare.
General education only, not personalised tax or insurance advice; amounts follow the IRD and IA.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How much VHIS tax deduction per year?
Currently up to HK$8,000 per insured person per year, based on qualifying premiums paid; there's no limit on the number of insured persons, so you can claim for each qualifying relative. Subject to the IRD.
Can I buy VHIS for my parents and get a deduction?
Yes. You can insure specified relatives (e.g. parents, spouse, children — per the tax definition) under a certified plan and claim up to HK$8,000 per insured person per year.
How do I claim the VHIS deduction?
Keep the insurer's proof of qualifying premiums and enter each insured person's premiums in the relevant section of the individual tax return; the cap of HK$8,000 each applies. Follow IRD guidance.
Is the VHIS cap the same as MPF TVC?
No. VHIS is HK$8,000 per insured person per year; tax-deductible voluntary contributions (TVC) share a separate cap of up to HK$60,000 a year with qualifying deferred annuities (QDAP). They are different deductions.
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