Are teeth whitening strips covered by HSA?

Asked by: Chaim Bergstrom  |  Last update: October 2, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (35 votes)

Whitening strips are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Is teeth whitening HSA-eligible expenses?

Because teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not considered an HSA-eligible expense. If you take out money to cover teeth whitening, you will have to pay taxes and a penalty. If you want to handle stains caused by fluoride or tetracycline, an option that is covered by HSA is a veneer.

Are crest white strips FSA eligible?

Funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) cannot be used for teeth whitening expenses. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) specifically excludes various medical expenses spent on unnecessary cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, in IRS Publication 502.

Can you use HSA for teeth cleaning?

Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.

Can I use my HSA to buy a toothbrush?

Unfortunately, most products for oral health care are not currently eligible medical expenses for FSA and HSA spending.

The Right and Wrong Way to use Teeth Whitening Strips - A Dentist Explains

23 related questions found

Can I buy deodorant with HSA?

Deodorant reimbursement is not eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Can HSA be used for gym membership?

Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.

Are tampons HSA eligible?

With the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, tampons and other menstrual care products are now fully FSA-/HSA-eligible. According to the text of the bill, menstrual care products include, “tampon, pad, liner, cup, sponge, or similar product used by individuals with respect to menstruation…”

Can I use HSA for glasses?

Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)

What dental expenses are not HSA eligible?

For instance, cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening or veneers are generally not covered by HSAs or medical FSAs.

Is teeth whitening covered under FSA?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) gives you the opportunity to pay for a variety of out-of-pocket medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. Dental care can certainly be a part of those expenses, but teeth whitening is not considered to be an FSA eligible expense.

Do dentists approve of crest white strips?

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs Acceptance of Crest 3D White Whitestrips is based on its finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in whitening natural teeth when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Is Amazon HSA legit?

Yes. Amazon does separate FSA and HSA eligible items and payment within a single order. If you have ineligible items in your cart or choose to have your eligible items gift-wrapped, you can choose to add another payment method and Amazon will charge the correct amount to each card or payment method.

Does HSA pay for Botox?

Can you use HSA funds to pay for Botox? If you're using Botox for cosmetic purposes like reducing wrinkles or fine lines, it's not considered an HSA-eligible expense. However, Botox may be HSA eligible if it's used to treat a medical condition like chronic migraines, severe muscle spasms, or overactive bladder.

Can I use HSA for Waterpik?

If a dentist has diagnosed a medical condition and recommended a Waterpik™ Water Flosser or a Waterpik™ Sonic-Fusion™ as treatment or mitigation for the medical condition, under IRS guidelines it should qualify for reimbursement through an FSA/HRA and for tax-preferred treatment for an HSA.

Does HSA cover Invisalign?

Your personal HSA can apply to any type of orthodontic treatment deemed medically necessary. So, yes – your HSA funds can be put toward any type of braces, including BRIUS, metal self-ligating (tie-less) braces, clear self-ligating braces, or Invisalign clear aligners for you or your child!

Can I use my HSA for massages?

Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.

Are vitamins HSA eligible?

In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition. For example, if your doctor prescribes prenatal vitamins during pregnancy or recommends vitamin D supplements to treat a deficiency, those could be eligible expenses under your HSA.

Are condoms HSA eligible?

Condoms are eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA). They are not eligible for reimbursement with dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA).

Can I use my HSA to pay for my gym membership?

Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.

Can I use HSA to buy lube?

Lubricants may be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Is ChapStick HSA eligible?

You can use your health savings account (HSA) to purchase OTC products including ChapStick® without a prescription.

Can I use HSA to buy Apple Watch?

Why other fitness trackers don't qualify. Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

Can I use my HSA for chiropractor?

HSAs can be used for large and small qualified medical expenses. You can use your HSA for ongoing medical services and treatments, like chiropractic care, acupuncture, or physical exams. Medical copays, deductibles, and coinsurance can also be covered under an HSA.

Can you use HSA for vet bills?

The short answer is yes, you can use your HSA for veterinary expenses. Under current IRS guidelines, eligible medical expenses include those that are primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness.