Can I use my health savings account for physical therapy?

Asked by: Mr. Marcel Feest  |  Last update: July 31, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (5 votes)

Yes, you can. Since physical therapy services, like the ones provided at Natural Fit Therapy, fall under a medical expense that treats structures and functions of the body, you are able to use your HSA funds to pay for treatment from a physical therapist for yourself, your spouse, or your dependents.

Can I use HSA money for physical therapy?

HSAs and FSAs can be used for most things related to your health. This ranges from certain items in the store to medications to services, such as physical therapy.

Can I use my HSA funds for therapy?

Can I use my HSA for therapy? Yes. You can use an HSA to cover some mental health expenses, including therapy to treat a diagnosed mental condition. However, therapy that isn't specifically designed for medical or mental health needs — like marriage or family counseling — often won't qualify for HSA coverage.

Can I use my HSA to pay for a 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 use my HSA card for non-medical?

If used for other expenses, the amount withdrawn will be taxable as income but will not be subject to any other penalties. Individuals under age 65 who use their accounts for non-qualified medical expenses must pay income tax and a 20% penalty on the non-qualified withdrawal.

Can I use FSA or HSA to pay for my chiropractic care?

24 related questions found

What triggers an HSA audit?

Does HSA spending trigger an audit? The IRS doesn't monitor how you spend your HSA funds throughout the year, but that doesn't mean they won't ask for proof that your expenses were eligible. And if your tax return contains unrelated IRS audit red flags, your risk for an HSA audit could increase.

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.

Can I use my HSA for a 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 I use HSA for vitamins?

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.

Can I use HSA for dental?

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.

What can you not pay with HSA?

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 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.

Is therapy a qualified medical expense?

Q7: Is the cost of therapy a medical expense that can be paid or reimbursed by an HSA, FSA, Archer MSA or HRA? (added March 17, 2023) A7: Yes, if the therapy is treatment for a disease.

Can you use HSA for therapy sessions?

Start seeing a therapist

The good news is mental health therapy, including virtual appointments, is an HSA eligible expense.

What happens to unused HSA funds?

Unlike many flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), unused HSA funds automatically carry over to the following year. Even if your employer provided the account and made contributions, the account belongs to you — so any remaining funds are carried over every year.

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.)

Can you use HSA for massage?

Generally, HSAs cover treatments that are considered medically necessary, and massages are no exception. If a doctor prescribes massage therapy to treat a specific medical condition–such as chronic pain, injury recovery or other ailments–then the cost of the massage may be a qualified medical expense.

Is deodorant HSA eligible?

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 you 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? Learn the truth behind some of the most common tampon myths.

Can HSA be used for physical therapy?

Yes, you can.

Since physical therapy services, like the ones provided at Natural Fit Therapy, fall under a medical expense that treats structures and functions of the body, you are able to use your HSA funds to pay for treatment from a physical therapist for yourself, your spouse, or your dependents.

Are gym memberships HSA eligible?

Gym memberships are generally not considered qualified medical expenses under IRS guidelines. While physical fitness is important, gym memberships are typically viewed as personal or recreational expenses rather than a medical necessity. So using HSA funds for them could result in taxes and penalties.

Is sunscreen HSA eligible?

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.

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 HSA 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.

Does HSA cover dental?

Yes, you can use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) for dental expenses.