Can I buy an ice pack with my HSA?
Asked by: Prof. Raheem Connelly | Last update: December 19, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (25 votes)
Can you use HSA to buy cold medicine?
Earlier this year, the CARES Act was passed, which made over-the-counter medication HSA-eligible medical expenses. These include things like pain relievers, fever reducers, cough meds, antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, nasal rinses, humidifiers, and more.
Are hydration packs HSA-eligible?
If you have an HSA and you want to stock up on Liquid IV, you're allowed to use your HSA funds to buy it. You can purchase Liquid IV or other hydration products from a retailer that accepts HSA/FSA payments, or you can buy it with your personal money and reimburse yourself from your HSA.
Can I buy anything with my HSA?
You can use your HSA to fund big bills, like braces. It can also help cover routine dental needs, like cleanings and fluoride treatments. Your health insurance might not cover a new pair of eyeglasses or your contact lens solution, but those expenses are qualified. Even better: so is laser eye surgery.
Is an ice pack a medical device?
A cold pack is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of a compact fabric envelope containing a specially hydrated pliable silicate gel capable of forming to the contour of the body and that provides cold therapy for body surfaces.
What can I buy with my FSA?
Do I need a prescription for an ice machine?
Here is some helpful information: When you purchase an Active Ice® System or accessory directly from us, please request a priced receipt, which we will be happy to include with your package. We do not need a prescription from your doctor, but it may be required by your insurance company.
What is considered a medical device in the UK?
A medical device includes devices intended to administer a medicinal product or which incorporate as an integral part a substance which, if used separately, would be a medicinal product and which is liable to act upon the body with action ancillary to that of the device.
Can I buy a toothbrush with HSA?
Unfortunately, most products for oral health care are not currently eligible medical expenses for FSA and HSA spending.
What can I not buy with HSA?
For example, nutritional supplements that aren't prescribed by your doctor aren't covered. Health club memberships and lactose intolerance medications typically aren't covered either. Here are some examples of non-qualified HSA expenses: Babysitting or child care (a dependent care FSA can help with child care)
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.)
Are ice packs covered by HSA?
Cold packs are eligible for reimbursement through a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Cold packs are not eligible for reimbursement with a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).
Can you buy toilet paper with HSA?
Toiletries 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).
Can you use HSA to buy makeup?
Even makeup can qualify as FSA/HSA eligible—though typically it's products that contain active ingredients like SPF or hyaluronic acid.
Can I use HSA for Vicks?
Vapor rub is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Vapor rub is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).
Are gym memberships HSA-eligible?
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.
Can you use HSA for massage?
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.
What happens if I accidentally use my HSA card for non-medical expenses?
You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.
Can I use my HSA for skincare?
This means that any skin care costs that count towards your deductible, such as prescription medications or dermatologist visits, can be paid for using HSA funds.
Can I buy vitamins with HSA?
In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition.
Is mouthwash an HSA item?
Currently, FSAs and HSAs cover dental expenses, such as x-rays, tooth extractions, fillings, dentures, caps, crowns, implants and fluoride treatments. However, everyday preventable over-the-counter products have been excluded from these tax-advantaged accounts.
Can I buy tampons with HSA?
Yes! Thanks to the CARES Act, tampons are now considered a “medical expense.” That means you can use pre-tax income to pay for them through your HSA. More questions about tampons?
Is sunscreen covered by HSA?
Sunscreen for adults and for kids is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA) under certain conditions. Only sunscreens with SPF 15+ and "broad spectrum" protection are eligible.
Are condoms a medical device?
Men's latex condoms are Class II “medical devices” subject to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation – which makes importing them into the US a complicated endeavor.
Are glasses a medical device UK?
Spectacle frames are classified as medical devices under UK law. Specifically, they fall under Class I medical devices according to the UK Medical Devices Regulations 2002, which align with the EU Medical Devices Directive. This classification is based on their low risk to patients and users.
What are Type 3 medical devices?
Class III devices are high-risk devices that are very important to health or sustaining life. Examples include pacemakers and deep-brain stimulators.