Naturopathy

Is naturopathy CRA eligible in Canada?

Yes. Naturopaths are listed under subsection 118.4(2) of the Income Tax Act as a recognized category of medical practitioners, meaning their services qualify as METC eligible when they are authorized to practice under the laws of the province or territory where the service is rendered. Qualifying naturopathic services are reimbursable through a Health Spending Account (HSA).

Eligibility depends on the province. Naturopaths are only authorized practitioners in the provinces that have enacted specific legislation recognizing and regulating them.

What Qualifies

• Naturopathic consultations, health assessments, and treatment plans
• Clinical nutrition and botanical medicine treatments by a licensed naturopath
• Acupuncture or other modalities when performed by the licensed naturopath within their scope of practice in a recognized province
• Visits for management of diagnosed chronic conditions

What Does Not Qualify

• Naturopathic services in provinces or territories where naturopaths are not recognized as medical practitioners
• Services by an unregistered or unlicensed natural health provider
• Vitamins, supplements, herbal products, or other goods purchased during a naturopath visit (these require separate eligibility — generally a prescription from an authorized practitioner)

Good to Know

• Provincial recognition: Naturopaths are recognized as authorized medical practitioners in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. They are not recognized in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, or Yukon.
• Products vs. services: The CRA distinguishes between professional fees (eligible) and products purchased at the office (generally not eligible unless separately prescribed). Keep receipts that clearly separate service fees from product costs.
• Documents to keep: Receipts showing the naturopath's name, registration number, province of practice, date of service, and amount paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is naturopathy CRA eligible?

Yes, in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Services by a licensed ND in Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, or Saskatchewan are METC eligible.

Can I claim naturopathy through my HSA?

Yes. If you live in a province that recognizes naturopaths and you receive services from a licensed naturopath, those fees are eligible medical expenses that can be reimbursed through a Health Spending Account.

Are supplements purchased at a naturopath's office eligible?

Not automatically. Supplements and products require separate eligibility — typically a prescription from an authorized practitioner. Professional service fees and product costs should appear separately on your receipt.

Source

Based on the CRA's official eligible medical expenses list and Income Tax Folio S1-F1-C1, "Fees paid to health professionals".