Can I use HSA for cold sore medicine?

Asked by: Prof. Jameson Abernathy  |  Last update: February 25, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (74 votes)

You can also use your health savings account (HSA) to purchase cold sore cream like Abreva® without a prescription.

Does HSA cover cold sore medicine?

Cold sore treatment is an eligible over-the-counter (OTC) medicine with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use my HSA for 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.

Can I use my HSA for lip balm?

Unlike FSAs, the money in your HSA rolls over year after year, so you won't lose any unused money at the end of the year. This means you have the flexibility to use your HSA to buy lip balm and other qualified medical items in the future.

Can I use my HSA card to buy NyQuil?

Q: Can I use my HSA to purchase over-the-counter medications? A: Yes, you can.

How to get rid of a cold sore fast and treatment remedies

32 related questions found

Can I use HSA 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.

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.

Can you use HSA on deodorant?

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 I use HSA for toothbrush?

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

Are tampons FSA eligible?

Feminine hygiene products: Pads, liners, and tampons all qualify as FSA-eligible expenses. The end of the year is a good chance to stock up if you need to. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as Aleve, Tylenol, and generic versions of the drugs are available for purchase through FSA funds.

What happens if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

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.

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 tampons?

With the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, tampons and other menstrual care products are now fully FSA-/HSA-eligible.

Is Abreva covered by HSA?

FSA and HSA Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can purchase Abreva® Cream products with your FSA account funds. Can I use my HSA card for OTC creams for cold sores? Yes, you can use your HSA card to buy Abreva® Cream.

Can I put tiger balm on a cold sore?

To use Tiger Balm, rub it into the skin in the area where you feel stiffness or pain. Be careful not to get it in your eyes, mouth, or other sensitive areas, and don't use it on open sores or wounds.

Does insurance cover cold sore medication?

Generic valacyclovir is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.

Is ChapStick HSA eligible?

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

Can I use my HSA for teeth whitening?

Unfortunately, you can not use money from your HSA to cover teeth whitening services. While there are many benefits to white teeth, it is ultimately considered a cosmetic procedure. Any service designed to improve a patient's appearance as opposed to their bodily functions is not an eligible expense.

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 for 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 mouthwash HSA eligible?

You can use your HSA to pay for dental cleanings and checkups, along with common procedures such as fillings, root canals, bridges, crowns, and orthodontics. You can't use your HSA for common items such as toothpaste, dental floss, or over-the-counter mouthwash.

Can I use HSA on diapers?

As previously mentioned, diapers are not considered qualified medical expenses under the current IRS guidelines. Therefore, attempting to use HSA funds for diapers may result in penalties or tax liabilities.

Are gym memberships HSA eligible?

Health club dues 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 I buy bandaids with HSA?

OTC items include, but are not limited to band aids, bandages and wraps, braces and supports, catheters, contact lens solutions and supplies, contraceptives and family planning items, denture adhesives, diagnostic tests and monitors, diabetic supplies and testing, first aid supplies, peroxide, and rubbing alcohol.

Can you buy shampoo with HSA?

While some exceptions may vary, shampoo is generally 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).