Forfeited money due to medical emergency
 

My husband and I had to cancel a major trip to Africa when he had to have emergency surgery. We did not have travel insurance. My question is can any of the loss be deducted on my federal taxes? If so, would this be a medical expense or casualty loss?

Highly unlikely, but you'll want to ask your accountant, not a travel internet forum.

Did you happen to purchase any part of your trip on a credit card? My parents had 2 cruises planned, with 2 days in Lisbon in between. Dad slipped and fell and needed to go home- turns out their trip insurance(s) didn't cover the middle 2 days- good news is, they'd booked on their Amex and got $16k refunded into their account for the second cruise. Would *not* have happened if they hadn't paid with their CC.

I'm sorry about your husband, but why would you risk so much money? Insurance is inexpensive when compared to the cost of your overall trip.

Agree with previous poster that you should look at other avenues for possibly recouping some of your loss.

Yup, I highly doubt the US government is going to 'ok' your 'loss' of a safari trip, especially with the current guy in charge- may have worked 8 years ago ;)

It's an intriguing idea--it's a loss, after al. But of course you need to consult an accountant, no one here will know.

I hope you report back if you get an answer.

Assuming you live and file your taxes in the US your "loss" is NOT tax deductible. It is not considered a casualty loss nor is it considered a medical expense.