Written by Howard Yeh
Co-Founder, Chief Revenue Officer, Founding CEO at HealthCare.com
We want to help you make educated healthcare decisions. While this post may have links to lead generation forms, this won’t influence our writing. We adhere to strict editorial standards to provide the most accurate and unbiased information.
Most people know they can pay for doctor visits, prescription medication, and hospital bills with an HSA. But that’s only scratching the surface.
HSAs are one of the most flexible healthcare spending tools available. Many HSA holders are surprised to learn just how many products and services qualify as eligible medical expenses.
In fact, some items you may already be buying with after-tax dollars could be paid for with pre-tax HSA dollars instead.
Understanding what qualifies can help you get more value from your HSA and avoid paying for eligible expenses with after-tax dollars.
Today, we’re highlighting some of the surprising items and underrated things you can buy with your HSA.
Sunscreen
Not all sunscreen qualifies, but sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher that provide broad-spectrum protection are generally eligible medical expenses because they help prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Acne Treatment Products
Over-the-counter acne treatments, including creams, cleansers, and medications, are generally HSA-eligible. Under changes made by the CARES Act in 2020, many OTC products no longer require a prescription to qualify. As long as the product is intended to treat acne, a medical condition, rather than provide purely cosmetic benefits, it will generally qualify as an eligible HSA expense.
Menstrual Care Products
Tampons, pads, liners, menstrual cups, and other feminine hygiene products are now generally eligible HSA expenses.
Contact Lens Solution
Many people know that contact lenses count as an HSA expense. However, many forget that contact lens solution and related supplies are also typically eligible.
First Aid Kits
Buying a first aid kit for your car? For travel? For general emergencies around the house? Most first aid kits containing eligible medical supplies such as bandages, gauze, antiseptics, and wound care products generally qualify as a medical expense because they contain supplies used to treat injuries and illnesses.
Ice Packs & Heating Pads
Reusable cold therapy products are often eligible when used to treat injuries or medical conditions. Similarly, heating pads used to relieve pain, stiffness, or muscle discomfort may qualify as medical expenses.
Fertility Monitors & Pregnancy Tests
Certain fertility tracking devices and ovulation monitoring products may qualify under HSA rules. Similarly, home pregnancy tests are generally considered qualified medical expenses.
Breast Pumps & Accessories
Breast pumps and accessories are eligible expenses. If you’re a new parent who recently purchased a pump and accessories, like flanges, you could use HSA funds.
Quit Smoking Products
Nicotine patches, gum, and similar products are generally eligible medical expenses when used as part of a smoking cessation program.
Blood Pressure Monitors
If you’re managing hypertension or tracking heart health at home, a home blood pressure monitor is generally considered an eligible medical expense.
Thermometers
Digital thermometers, infrared thermometers, and similar devices used to monitor health are generally HSA-eligible.
Sleep Apnea Equipment
Sleep apnea is a medical condition, and equipment prescribed or used to treat sleep apnea, including CPAP machines, replacement masks, tubing, and related supplies, is generally HSA-eligible.
Mental Health Counseling
Therapy, counseling, and many mental health services are typically qualified medical expenses and can be paid for using HSA funds.
Chiropractic Care
Many people are surprised to learn that chiropractic treatment is generally considered an eligible medical expense.
Dental Treatments
Cosmetic dental procedures aren’t considered HSA-eligible. However, most dental expenses do qualify. Cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, and dentures can all be paid using your HSA.
Medical Expenses for Yourself, Spouses, & Dependents
HSA funds can generally be used for qualified medical expenses incurred by your spouse and tax dependents, even if they are covered by a different health insurance plan. Be sure to check IRS dependency rules, as not every family member automatically qualifies.
Reading Glasses
Reading glasses purchased to correct vision issues are generally considered eligible medical expenses.
Hearing Aid Batteries & Accessories
Similarly, most people know hearing aids are valid HSA-eligible expenses, but not as many people know hearing aid batteries and other accessories are also covered.
What Doesn’t Qualify?
We’ve talked about surprising things that do qualify as HSA-eligible expenses. What about the things that don’t qualify?
In general, products and services used to diagnose, treat, mitigate, or prevent a medical condition are more likely to qualify under IRS rules than those purchased primarily for cosmetic or general wellness purposes.
Things that don’t qualify include:
- Cosmetic surgery
- Teeth whitening
- Cosmetic skincare products
- Vitamins and supplements (assuming you’re taking them for general wellness and not for a diagnosed medical condition)
Are you buying a product or service to treat, diagnose, or prevent a medical condition? It may be considered an HSA-eligible expense. Otherwise, it’s generally not.
Final Word
The trick with maximizing the value of your HSA is understanding what the IRS considers to be a qualified medical expense.
Eligibility rules have changed over time, but many common health-related products and services qualify.
Don’t leave hard-earned money on the table. Check the list above today to ensure you’re maximizing the value of your Health Savings Account.
Disclaimer: HSA eligibility rules can change over time, and some expenses may require additional documentation. If you’re unsure whether an expense qualifies, consult your HSA administrator, tax professional, or IRS Publication 502.
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