Most people know they can use their FSA or HSA for doctor visits and prescriptions. But these healthcare accounts cover way more than that—including some surprising everyday items you’re probably buying out-of-pocket right now.
If you have funds sitting in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you might be missing out on legitimate ways to use that pre-tax money. This guide covers lesser-known eligible expenses that can help you make the most of your healthcare dollars before the year ends.
How FSA and HSA Eligible Expenses Work
Both FSAs and HSAs can be used for “qualified medical expenses” as defined by the IRS in Publication 502. The basic rule: if it’s primarily used to prevent, diagnose, or treat a medical condition, it’s likely eligible.
Some items require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor—essentially a prescription stating that you need the item for a specific medical condition. Your HSA or FSA administrator can provide a template, and your doctor can fill it out during a regular visit.
Always check with your specific plan administrator before purchasing, as some plans have additional restrictions beyond IRS guidelines. Keep your receipts and any supporting documentation for tax purposes.
Personal Care Items With Medical Benefits
1. Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
Yes, sunscreen is FSA and HSA eligible. According to the FDA, sunscreen is classified as an over-the-counter drug because it prevents skin damage and reduces skin cancer risk. Both mineral and chemical sunscreens qualify, including daily facial moisturizers with SPF.
2. Lip balm with SPF
Regular lip balm doesn’t qualify, but lip balm with SPF 15 or higher does because it provides sun protection. Check the label to ensure it lists an SPF rating and is labeled as a drug product.
3. Acne treatments
Over-the-counter acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur are eligible. This includes cleansers, spot treatments, and medicated pads designed to treat acne.
4. Menstrual products
Thanks to the CARES Act of 2020, tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear are now FSA and HSA eligible without a prescription.
5. Pregnancy and fertility tests
Home pregnancy tests and ovulation predictor kits are both eligible. These are considered diagnostic tools for monitoring reproductive health.
6. Condoms
Condoms qualify as they’re used for disease prevention. Both internal and external condoms are eligible under FSA and HSA rules.
Sleep and Comfort Items
7. Humidifiers and vaporizers
These devices are eligible when used to treat or prevent respiratory conditions like dry sinuses, allergies, or congestion. Keep your receipt showing it’s marketed for medical use—decorative humidifiers may not qualify.
8. Air purifiers (with LMN)
If your doctor diagnoses you with asthma, allergies, or another respiratory condition and prescribes an air purifier as part of your treatment, it’s eligible. You’ll need that Letter of Medical Necessity.
9. White noise machines (with LMN)
For diagnosed sleep disorders, a white noise machine prescribed by your doctor can be covered. The key is documentation that it’s medically necessary for your condition.
10. Ergonomic office furniture (with LMN)
A standing desk, ergonomic chair, or special keyboard can be FSA/HSA eligible if your doctor prescribes it to treat or prevent a specific condition like chronic back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome. According to the IRS, special equipment for medical conditions qualifies as a medical expense.
Unexpected Health Monitoring Tools
11. Smart scales
Body composition scales that measure weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and other health metrics are eligible. These are considered diagnostic tools for monitoring health conditions.
12. Blood pressure monitors
Home blood pressure monitors are fully eligible and useful for anyone monitoring hypertension or cardiovascular health.
13. Pulse oximeters
These small devices measure blood oxygen levels and heart rate. They became more widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain eligible for FSA/HSA purchase.
14. Thermometers
All types—digital, infrared, ear, forehead—are eligible. This includes non-contact thermometers and traditional oral thermometers.
15. Fitness trackers (with LMN)
A basic fitness tracker typically isn’t eligible, but if your doctor prescribes one to monitor a specific condition like heart disease or to track recovery from surgery, it can qualify with proper documentation.
First Aid and Medical Supplies
16. First aid kits
Pre-assembled first aid kits are eligible, as are individual supplies like bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointments.
17. Hot and cold therapy packs
Reusable ice packs, heating pads, and hot water bottles used for pain relief and injury treatment are all eligible.
18. Compression socks and sleeves
Compression garments used to improve circulation, reduce swelling, or manage conditions like varicose veins or lymphedema are eligible. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, these are legitimate medical devices for various conditions.
19. Reading glasses
Over-the-counter reading glasses are FSA and HSA eligible, along with prescription glasses and contact lenses. Even blue light blocking glasses qualify if they have a prescription or magnification.
20. Contact lens solution and cases
All supplies needed to maintain contact lenses are eligible, including cleaning solution, disinfecting solution, and storage cases.
Baby and Child Health Items
21. Baby monitors (with LMN)
Standard baby monitors typically aren’t eligible, but medical-grade monitors that track breathing, heart rate, or oxygen levels for infants with medical conditions can be covered with a doctor’s prescription.
22. Breast pumps and supplies
Breast pumps (manual and electric), replacement parts, milk storage bags, and nursing pads are all eligible. The IRS clarified this in 2011, recognizing breastfeeding supplies as eligible medical expenses.
23. Baby rash creams
Diaper rash creams and ointments that contain active ingredients to treat or prevent rash are eligible. This includes zinc oxide products and medicated creams.
Wellness Items That Qualify
24. Smoking cessation products
Nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, and prescription medications like Chantix are all eligible. Programs and counseling for smoking cessation can also qualify under certain circumstances.
Items That Require Extra Documentation
Some items fall into a gray area and typically need a Letter of Medical Necessity. These include:
- Exercise equipment for treating specific diagnosed conditions
- Weight loss programs prescribed for obesity or related conditions
- Special mattresses for back conditions or sleep disorders
- TENS units for chronic pain management
- Light therapy lamps for Seasonal Affective Disorder
For these items, your doctor needs to document that you have a specific diagnosis and that the item is part of your treatment plan. Generic “wellness” doesn’t count—there needs to be a medical condition being addressed.
What Definitely Doesn’t Qualify
To save you time and potential headaches with your FSA/HSA administrator, here are common items that don’t qualify:
- Vitamins and supplements (unless prescribed for a specific deficiency)
- Toiletries like toothpaste, soap, or shampoo (even if marketed as “therapeutic”)
- Cosmetic procedures or products
- Gym memberships (without an LMN for a specific condition)
- General wellness apps or programs
- CBD products (still not FDA-approved as medicine)
The IRS is clear that expenses must be primarily for medical care, not general health or appearance.
How to Shop for Eligible Items
Use FSA/HSA-specific retailers
Sites like FSA Store and HSA Store only sell eligible items, making shopping easier. They also indicate which items require an LMN.
Check your card’s purchasing power
Many FSA and HSA debit cards work at major retailers and automatically approve eligible items at checkout through merchant category codes. However, you may need to submit receipts for verification later.
Save all documentation
Keep receipts showing the item name, date of purchase, amount, and that it’s marketed for medical use. For items requiring an LMN, keep that letter with your tax records.
Review your plan’s specific rules
Some plans have additional restrictions or require pre-approval for certain purchases. Check your plan documents or contact your administrator before buying big-ticket items.
Making the Most of Year-End Funds
If you have an FSA with a use-it-or-lose-it deadline approaching, consider stocking up on eligible items you’ll use throughout the year:
- Stock your medicine cabinet with first aid supplies
- Buy a year’s supply of contact lens solution
- Replace old or expired items like thermometers and blood pressure monitors
- Purchase seasonal items like allergy medications before you need them
- Get backup items like reading glasses or compression socks
For HSA users, remember that your funds roll over indefinitely, so there’s no pressure to spend. You can let the account grow and use it for future expenses or even save it for retirement healthcare costs.
When in Doubt, Ask First
The rules around FSA and HSA eligible expenses can be nuanced. When you’re unsure about a specific item:
- Check the IRS Publication 502 for general guidance
- Contact your FSA or HSA administrator directly—they can give you a definitive answer for your specific plan
- Ask your doctor if an item might qualify with a Letter of Medical Necessity
- Keep documentation showing why you believed an item was eligible, even if it’s later questioned
Your healthcare dollars can stretch further than you think when you understand what qualifies. These 24 items are just the beginning—there are hundreds of eligible products and services that can help you maximize your FSA or HSA benefits.
