Can you buy over-the-counter products with HSA?
Asked by: Elinor Goodwin | Last update: November 26, 2025Score: 5/5 (35 votes)
Can I use my HSA for OTC items?
Yes. You can buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with your FSA or HSA. But this hasn't always been the case. OTC medications previously did not count as qualified medical expenses for HSAs unless you had a prescription.
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 you buy over-the-counter vitamins with HSA?
Most vitamins and supplements are still not covered by HSAs and FSAs.
Can you buy skincare with an HSA?
Over-the-counter acne and skincare products are now HSA eligible with out the need for a prescription.
DWYM: Last two days to buy over the counter meds with HSA
Can I buy shampoo with HSA?
Over-the-counter toiletries or personal hygiene items which may include, but are not limited to shampoo, toothpaste, conditioners, hand creams, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, dental floss, body powders, hair gels/sprays, make-up, nail polish accessories, soap, mouthwash, etc., are not reimbursable.
Can I use my HSA for massages?
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.
Can I buy bandaids with HSA?
Bandages: HSA Eligibility. Bandages are over-the-counter (OTC) items that are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
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.
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…”
Is the Apple Watch 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.
What lotion is HSA eligible?
Shaving cream or lotion are never eligible for reimbursement as they are personal health products.
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.
Can I buy toothpaste with HSA?
Toothpaste is 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).
What household items can I buy with my OTC card?
- Nicotine replacement therapy items.
- Band aids and first aid supplies.
- Food scales.
- Oral hygiene care products.
- OTC antibiotic creams/ointments.
- OTC antihistamines and allergy sprays.
- OTC cold/cough/flu drugs.
- OTC pain relievers.
What can I not buy 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 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 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.
Can you use HSA at Planet fitness?
In most cases, gym memberships are not considered eligible medical expenses by the IRS. This means you typically cannot use your HSA funds to pay for a gym membership directly. You might need to explore getting an LMN from your doctor.
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 skincare can I use my HSA for?
Eligible products may include sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, acne cleansers and medicated ointments, eczema treatments, scar and wound care products, and anti-itch creams. Basic skincare and cosmetic treatments are typically not covered.
Are massages HSA eligible?
Massage Therapy may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).
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.
Is a chiropractor covered by HSA?
It also will help lower your overall health care costs because you are using pre-tax dollars, thus reducing your taxable income by the amount of money you put into your HSA. You can use the funds in an HSA at any time to pay for qualified medical expenses, including chiropractic care.
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.