HSA-Eligible Expenses in 2025 and 2026

Learn what counts as an eligible health savings account expense.

By Kailey Hagen – Updated Nov 17, 2025 at 2:21 PM

Key Points

HSAs offer tax benefits and can cover many medical costs not usually paid by insurance.
You must have a high-deductible health plan to contribute to an HSA.
Always check which expenses are eligible before using HSA funds to avoid penalties.

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.

Loading paragraph...

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

Loading image...

Loading paragraph...

Loading pitch...

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

Loading paragraph...

Loading pitch...

Loading paragraph...

Our Guides

Investing Your HSA Money

HDHP vs. PPO: Which Is the Right Choice for You?

HSA Distribution

HRA vs. HSA Accounts: A Comparison

HSA vs. FSA: Key Differences

Smiling older couple sitting on a bench.

HSA Contribution Limits in 2024 and 2025

HSA vs. PPO Plans: Which One Benefits You More?

2024 and 2025 Rules for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

HSA Rollovers: Everything You Need to Know

How to Open an HSA: Everything You Need to Know

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.

View Premium Services

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

Related investing topics

Rules for 403(b) Withdrawals in 2025

Student Loans: Everything You Need to Know

Understanding Treasury Bonds and Other Investments

Investment Guide for Teens & Parents with Teens

About the Author

Our Guides

Premium Investing Services

Rules for 403(b) Withdrawals in 2025

Student Loans: Everything You Need to Know

Understanding Treasury Bonds and Other Investments

Investment Guide for Teens & Parents with Teens

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