What expenses can I use my HSA for?

You can use your HSA to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses, dental and vision care, over-the-counter medications, and medical equipment, among other things.

What products are HSA-eligible?

Over-the-counter medications are often HSA-eligible, as are things like crutches, hearing aids, thermometers, eyeglasses, and first aid kits.

What is surprisingly HSA-eligible?

Home and car modifications, mattresses, and weight loss programs could be HSA-eligible if you have a doctor's note stating that these things are necessary to address a medical condition. Certain travel-related costs, like food and lodging, may also be HSA-eligible if the purpose of the travel is to get medical care.

Can I get toilet paper with my HSA?

No. Toilet paper is considered a household product and does not qualify as an HSA-eligible expense.

Can I use my HSA for dental expenses?

Yes. You can use your HSA to cover dental cleanings and checkups, as well as common procedures such as fillings, root canals, bridges, crowns, and orthodontic treatments. You can't use your HSA for everyday items such as toothpaste, dental floss, or over-the-counter mouthwash. Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, also aren't covered.

Can I use my HSA for my spouse or someone else?

Yes. You can use your HSA for your spouse and anyone you claim as a dependent for tax purposes, even if your high-deductible health plan does not cover them.

Can I use my HSA for massage?

Sometimes. If you have a letter from your doctor stating that massage is medically necessary, then you can use your HSA to cover the cost. Your doctor must explain why it's required, how frequently you need treatment, and how long the treatment is expected to last.

Can I use my HSA for vision?

Yes. Vision costs, including eye exams and procedures, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and prescription sunglasses, are HSA-eligible expenses.

Can I use my HSA for Botox?

Typically no. HSA funds can't be used for cosmetic procedures. Unless you're receiving it for medical purposes -- for example, to treat migraine headaches -- you can't use your HSA for Botox.

Can I use my HSA for therapy?

You can use your HSA to cover talk therapy costs if it's to treat a medical or mental condition. Therapy that's used for general mental well-being or stress relief doesn't qualify. Treatment for alcohol or substance misuse is an eligible expense.

Can I use my HSA for physical therapy?

Yes. Physical therapy is an approved medical expense.

Can I use my HSA for a gym membership?

Typically no. Unless you have a letter from your doctor stating that the membership is necessary to treat an injury or underlying health condition, such as obesity, a gym membership isn't a qualifying medical expense.

Can I use my HSA for vitamins?

Vitamins and supplements generally aren't eligible if they're used to maintain general health. If you have a letter from your doctor stating that a vitamin or supplement is necessary to treat a condition, such as a vitamin deficiency, then the expense may be eligible. Prenatal vitamins are HSA-eligible expenses.

Can I use my HSA for LASIK?

Yes. You can use your HSA for laser vision-correcting surgeries, such as LASIK.

HSA-Eligible Expenses in 2025 and 2026 that Qualify for Reimbursement

Learn what counts as an eligible health savings account expense.

By Kailey Hagen – Updated Feb 11, 2026 at 5:55 PM EST | Fact-checked by Parker Hicks

Key Points

HSAs offer tax benefits for saving funds dedicated to healthcare expenses.
To use an HSA, one must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan.
HSA funds cover a wide range of medical expenses including dental and vision care.

One of the biggest financial challenges people face is covering the high costs of healthcare. Especially as you get older, your healthcare costs tend to rise much faster than inflation. Having a nest egg set aside to cover out-of-pocket health expenses is crucial.

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An infographic defining and explaining HSA eligible expenses. — Image source: The Motley Fool

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Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act that passed in March 2020, additional expenses became HSA-eligible. Many of these are over-the-counter (OTC) medications and products that previously were HSA-eligible only with a prescription:

Acid reducers
Acne treatment
Allergy and sinus medications
Anti-allergy medications
Breathing strips
Cough, cold, and flu medications
Eye drops
Feminine hygiene products, such as pads, tampons, and menstrual cups
Heartburn medications
Insect repellent and anti-itch creams
Laxatives
Lip treatments for cold and canker sores
Medicated shampoos and soaps
Nasal sprays
Pain relievers
Skin creams and ointments, including cleansers, toners, and moisturizers
Sleep aids
Sunscreen and OTC remedies (like aloe gel) to treat the effects of sun exposure

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HSA-eligible expenses frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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About the Author

Kailey Hagen, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool retirement analyst covering Social Security, Medicare, and retirement planning. Before The Motley Fool, Kailey was a research analyst for Reviews.com focusing on credit and banking products. She is a Certified Financial Planner® and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

TMFKailey

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

List of HSA-eligible expenses

Here are some common IRS-approved HSA-eligible expenses. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Always check with your plan provider if you have questions about whether an expense is covered.

Abortion

Acne laser treatment

Acupuncture

Ambulance fees and emergency care

Artificial limbs

Birth control pills, injections, and devices, such as IUDs

Blood pressure monitors

Body scans

Breast pumps and lactation supplies

Breast reconstruction surgery following cancer

Canes and walkers

Childbirth expenses, such as care from a midwife or obstetrician

Childbirth classes for the expectant mother

Chiropractic care

Contact lenses and saline solution

Crutches

Dental care, including cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, X-rays, fillings, braces, extractions, and dentures

Diabetes supplies, such as blood sugar test kits and insulin

Diabetes education, including nutrition counseling

Eye exams

Eye surgery, including laser surgery

Eyeglasses, including prescription and reading glasses, and prescription sunglasses

Blue-light-blocking glasses

First-aid kits

Flu shots

Guide dogs to assist with disabilities

Food, grooming, and veterinary care for guide dogs

Hearing aids and batteries

Hospital expenses for both inpatient and outpatient services

Infertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization; egg, sperm, and embryo storage; fertility monitors; and sperm washing

Egg donor expenses related to infertility treatment

Inpatient drug and alcohol treatment

Insulin

Lab fees

Long-term-care premiums, up to a qualifying amount based on your age

Medical alert bracelets

Medical records fees

Medicare premiums if you're 65 or older, excluding Medicare supplemental policies

Night guards to treat teeth grinding

Nursing care, whether provided in your home or a nursing home

Occupational therapy

Oxygen and oxygen equipment

Physical exams

Physical therapy

Prescription medications

Psychiatrist care

Psychologist care

Smoking-cessation programs and drugs, including nicotine patches and gums

Speech therapy

Surgery, excluding elective cosmetic surgery

Thermometers

Tubal ligation (female sterilization) and tubal ligation reversal

Ultrasounds

Vaccines

Vasectomy (male sterilization) and vasectomy reversal

Wheelchairs

X-rays

HSA-Eligible Expenses in 2025 and 2026

Learn what counts as an eligible health savings account expense.

Key Points

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HSA-eligible expenses frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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HSA-eligible expenses frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What expenses can I use my HSA for?

What products are HSA-eligible?

What is surprisingly HSA-eligible?

Can I get toilet paper with my HSA?

Can I use my HSA for dental expenses?

Can I use my HSA for my spouse or someone else?

Can I use my HSA for massage?

Can I use my HSA for vision?

Can I use my HSA for Botox?

Can I use my HSA for therapy?

Can I use my HSA for physical therapy?

Can I use my HSA for a gym membership?

Can I use my HSA for vitamins?

Can I use my HSA for LASIK?

What is an HSA-eligible expense?

List of HSA-eligible expenses

HSA-eligible expenses with a diagnosis

Ineligible expenses for HSAs

Eligible expenses for FSAs vs. HSAs

Related investing topics

Is funding an HSA a good idea?

HSA expenses FAQ