Tax benefit 80d

Q 1. Can I claim deduction under section 80D for dependent in-laws?

A. 

No. Section 80 D provides for a deduction of Rs.15000 for mediclaim of Family only (family is defined as self, spouse and dependant children of the assessee).  Further to this an additional Rs.15000 is allowed for mediclaim of parent/s of the Assessee.  The word “in-laws of assessee” is conspicuous by its absence.  Hence, one cannot claim the tax benefit for the mediclaim of “in-laws”. This would effectively mean that, if a woman takes a mediclaim for her family which includes her in-laws, then the premium attributable to the “in-laws” is not allowable and it is advised that the husband pays for the mediclaim if the benefit is to be claimed.