Can you pay for a wig with HSA?

Asked by: Savannah Beahan III  |  Last update: September 30, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (51 votes)

Wigs are eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA) with a Letter of Medical Necessity.

Can I use HSA for hair products?

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.

Are wigs covered by health insurance?

More and more, some health insurers recognize wigs as medically necessary for those with alopecia areata, which means they may reimburse some of the cost. Unlike most medical procedures in the U.S., wig costs must be prepaid.

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 HSA be used for beauty products?

You can spend your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) funds on eligible sunscreen, skincare, acne, and wellness products at Sephora.

What Can the HSA Debit Card Buy? (What Can You Purchase with HSA Funds?)

29 related questions found

Can you 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 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).

Is it illegal to use HSA money for anything?

You generally can't use HSA funds to pay premiums. Once you turn 65, you can use the money in your HSA for anything you want. If you don't use it for qualified medical expenses, it counts as income when you file your taxes.

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…”

Can I use my HSA 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.

Can I use my HSA for a wig?

Wigs are eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA) with a Letter of Medical Necessity.

How to get a wig for free?

These organizations provide free wigs to children and young adults with medically related hair loss such as alopecia areata.
  1. Wigs For Kids.
  2. Locks of Love.
  3. Hair We Share.
  4. Children with Hair Loss.

Is a wig a deductible medical expense?

You may file for a tax deduction if you purchase a wig for a medical reason such as chemo or alopecia. Sales tax for a cosmetic wig is not deductible.

What qualifies for HSA purchases?

General
  • Prescriptions Rx
  • Doctor Fees.
  • Crutches.
  • Flu Shot.
  • Hearing Aids.
  • Motorized Wheelchair.
  • X-Rays.

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 use my HSA for waxing?

Hair removal is a cosmetic medical procedure and are therefore ineligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account. Hair removal may be conducted through a variety of functions including electrolysis, waxing, sugaring, epilation, and threading.

Can I use my HSA to pay for my gym membership?

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.

Can I use HSA to buy 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).

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.

How does IRS know what you spend HSA on?

Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes.

What if I accidentally bought food on my HSA?

Yes, you read that correctly—even if you accidentally paid for a burger with your HSA debit card, you will have to report it on your annual income tax return and pay taxes on it. If you're under 65 and spend the money on unqualified purchases, you must also pay a 20% penalty on top of the income tax.

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 you use your HSA for cosmetic?

You typically can't use an HSA for cosmetic surgery and get the tax benefits if the procedure isn't medically necessary and is done solely for appearance reasons.

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.

Can condoms be bought with HSA?

The answer is yes! HSAs are designed to cover a wide range of qualified medical expenses, and contraceptives such as condoms are no exception. Just like other eligible healthcare expenses, you can use your HSA funds to purchase condoms, whether they are over-the-counter or prescribed by a healthcare provider.