Can I use HSA to pay for genetic testing?

Asked by: Dr. Lionel Schiller I  |  Last update: December 7, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (70 votes)

Getting reimbursed for these tests through your FSA or HSA isn't easy. These accounts only cover genetic testing when you have a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), which administrators require to prove that the DNA test is being used for medical reasons.

Can I pay for genetic testing with HSA?

Genetic testing related to the diagnosis of a medical condition is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and some health reimbursement accounts (HRA).

How much does a full genetic test cost?

Single-gene tests

They typically range from $100 to $2,000. These tests are typically used when a person has a family history of a certain genetic disorder, or when an individual has specific symptoms that suggest a genetic condition.

Can I use my HSA to pay for 23andMe?

Is my 23andMe+ Total Health annual membership fee FSA/HSA eligible? In general the annual fee for the 23andMe+ Total Health Annual Membership should be eligible as medical care covered by your FSA/HSA benefit during the year the purchase was made.

Will my health insurance cover genetic testing?

Most health insurance plans will cover the cost of genetic testing when recommended by a physician.

Can HSA funds be used to pay for The Practice membership?

16 related questions found

Why would insurance deny genetic testing?

Regarding genetic testing, the most likely reason for a denial would be that the insurer does not consider the testing to be medically necessary.

Can I pay for genetic testing?

You can pay for genetic testing. But you need to think about this carefully. You can find out more about private genetic testing at the bottom of this page. Find out about inherited genes and specific cancer types.

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.

Are fitness apps HSA eligible?

In most cases, fitness expenses require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN) to qualify for HSA/FSA spending. This means that the fitness app must be considered essential for treating, monitoring, or preventing a specific health condition and the expense would not have been incurred but for the condition.

Can I use my HSA for lab tests?

Use FSA/HSA funds for general health tests

The good news is that lab tests investigating a wide range of issues, including Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D levels, diabetes risk, heart health, liver health, fertility and food allergies, can be purchased using an FSA or HSA card without a doctor's referral.

Why is genetic testing so expensive?

According to Bernard Steinbacher, CPC, MS, MD, senior medical director at Lyric, the process demands significant expertise, especially when specialized analysis is required. If carriers lack in-house specialists, independent medical examiner (IME) reviews become necessary, further escalating overhead costs.

Can you get genetic testing without a referral?

This type of test, called a direct-to-consumer genetic test, can be taken without having a prescription from a doctor. It can tell you about your ancestry and genetic traits, including limited information about your risk for diseases like hereditary cancer.

Is genetic testing 100% accurate?

But it often depends on the type of test and the reason for the test. Also, genetic testing doesn't provide information about all possible genetic conditions and not all of them are 100% accurate. And they don't necessarily tell you about how severe symptoms may be or when a certain genetic condition may develop.

What can I spend HSA money 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 my FSA card for genetic testing?

FSAs and HSAs only cover the health-related portion of genetic testing when you have a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), which administrators require to prove that the DNA test is being used for medical reasons.

How much is genetic testing without insurance?

The cost of genetic testing can range from under $100 to more than $2,000, depending on the nature and complexity of the test. The cost increases if more than one test is necessary or if multiple family members must be tested to obtain a meaningful result.

Can I put my gym membership on my HSA?

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.

Are Apple watches HSA eligible?

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.

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…”

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 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 I use HSA for Peloton membership?

Yes. You can pay with a credit or debit card through Truemed and submit a reimbursement request to your HSA/FSA plan administrator for up to the amount you have available in your HSA/FSA account. You cannot split payments between HSA/FSA card and credit/debit card.

How do you get genetic testing covered?

Most private health insurers cover genetic counseling and testing with low- or no out-of-pocket costs for people who meet certain personal or family cancer history criteria. The cost of genetic counseling and testing varies based on several factors, including: Your gender. Type of health insurance.

How much does genetic testing cost?

The costs of genetic testing differ largely depending on factors like the type of genetic test, the purpose of the test, sample size, etc. It usually starts from INR 13,000 to INR 25,000 and can cost up to several thousand. We recommend you ask your doctor about your genetic testing cost at your location.

How to get a DNA test done for free?

You have to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to get it done. But you can get a DNA test for free if you volunteer for a research project. For paternity-related disputes, you can contact your local Child Support Enforcement, and they can arrange a free DNA test.