Can I buy ibuprofen with my HSA?

Asked by: Claud Kreiger  |  Last update: January 22, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (12 votes)

Yes, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to purchase over-the-counter drugs without a prescription from your physician. Use your HSA for all Advil products.

Can you buy pain relievers with HSA?

What can I buy with my HSA or FSA in 2025? The IRS expanded the list* to include OTC products such as pain reliever, face masks and cold and flu medicine. (* Over-the-counter products were added by the CARES Act, March 2020).

What can you spend HSA funds on?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for:
  • Coinsurance. Coinsurance. ...
  • Copayments. Copayment. ...
  • Deductibles. Deductible. ...
  • Qualified medical expenses (includes some dental, drug, and vision expenses) – Find an expenses list on IRS.gov.

Can I use HSA to pay my medical bills?

The funds in an HSA can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses that are not covered by your health plan, and can be saved for future expenses on a pre-tax basis. The funds can also be invested.

How do I know what is HSA eligible?

What's considered an HSA-eligible plan? Under the tax law, HSA-eligible plans must set a minimum deductible and a limit, or maximum, on out-of-pocket costs for both individuals and families. The minimum deductible is the amount you pay for health care items and services per year before your plan starts to pay.

What Can I Buy with My HSA?

25 related questions found

Can you use HSA for Tylenol?

Tylenol is 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).

What is the downside of an HSA?

Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Can HSA pay 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.

Can I cash out my HSA?

Yes, you can withdraw funds from your HSA at any time. But please keep in mind that if you use your HSA funds for any reason other than to pay for a qualified medical expense, those funds will be taxed as ordinary income, and the IRS will impose a 20% penalty.

What can HSA not pay for?

Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.

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.

What if I never use the money in my HSA?

Myth #2: If I don't spend all my funds this year, I lose it. Reality: HSA funds never expire. When it comes to the HSA, there's no use-it-or-lose-it rule. Unlike Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, you keep your HSA dollars forever, even if you change employers, health plans, or retire.

How much should I put in my HSA per paycheck?

You can start small, perhaps setting aside $25 to $50 per paycheck. Consider also trying to cut back on non-essential spending, such as foregoing one of your app subscriptions, reducing meals out or making your morning cup at home versus going to a coffee shop.

Can you buy ibuprofen on HSA?

Yes, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to purchase over-the-counter drugs without a prescription from your physician. Use your HSA for all Advil products.

Can I buy ibuprofen with my FSA?

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

What OTC medications are HSA eligible?

Those types of medications include:
  • Cold, cough, and flu medicine.
  • Heartburn medications.
  • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Allergy and sinus medicine.
  • Digestive aids and laxatives.
  • Baby rash ointments and creams.
  • Baby electrolytes.
  • Sleep aids.

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.

How does HSA know what you buy?

Because HSA administrators don't track the purchases employees make with their HSA, employees should make it a habit to save receipts for all HSA-eligible goods and services, so they can easily reimburse themselves when they are ready, or when they need the money.

Is HSA better than 401k?

Comparing HSAs and 401(k)s

The triple-tax-free aspect of an HSA makes it better for tax management than a 401(k). However, since HSA withdrawals can only be used for healthcare costs, the 401(k) is a more flexible retirement savings tool. The fact that an HSA has no RMD gives it more flexibility than a 401(k).

Is the Apple Watch HSA eligible?

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 HSA for groceries?

No, you can't use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for straight food purchases like meat, produce and dairy. But you can use them for some nutrition-related products and services. To review, tax-advantaged accounts have regulatory restrictions on eligible products and services.

Do I ever lose my HSA money?

Because HSAs allow you to roll on with infinite rollover capabilities. If you have an HSA, and even if you leave your job, you'll never be faced with a “use it or lose it” scenario when it comes to your HSA contributions. The same can't be said for many other tax-advantaged accounts like FSAs.

Can you make too much money for HSA?

What happens if I contribute more than the IRS annual maximum? If your HSA contains excess or ineligible contributions you will generally owe the IRS a 6% excess-contribution penalty tax for each year that the excess contribution remains in your HSA. It is recommended you speak with a tax advisor for guidance.

Is it better to have an HSA or copay?

If you don't have an HDHP, have a family, and require frequent diagnostic medical care, a copay plan may be a better option. Neither an HSA or copay plan is better than the other; you just need to decide which plan meets all of your needs and will benefit you the most.