What Are the Most Popular Items I Can Buy with My FSA or HSA?

The most popular things you can buy with an FSA or HSA are practical year-round items, such as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, allergy relief, first-aid supplies, and dental, vision, and skin-care products. Surprisingly, there are also many HSa and FSA-eligible items that are beyond the ordinary, such as fitness memberships, sleep support products, and smart health technology. Eligibility is always plan-dependent and must be tied to a medical purpose. If you’re wondering what you can buy with an HSA or an FSA, start here to learn more about the most popular items to look for.

Maximize your benefits by purchasing FSA- or HSA-eligible items that you use regularly.

Pain relief, throat lozenges, and fever medications are FSA- and HSA-eligible household staples. Seasonal or daily-use allergy and sinus items are also usually eligible. First-aid basics like bandages, wound care, braces, or supports are also popular purchases, as well as eligible supplements for digestive support, nausea, or heartburn. At-home diagnostics, like thermometers and pregnancy tests, are also common items that you can purchase with an FSA or HSA.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are tax-advantaged accounts designated to drive savings on medical expenses.

Some of the most popular FSA/HSA shopping categories include vision, dental and skin care products. Many essentials, like classes, dental care basics, and skincare products with medical intent (not cosmetic) may be eligible depending on your plan’s rules.

If you’re building a health essentials starter kit, check for these popular vision, dental, and skin care items that may be FSA or HSA eligible:

• Acne care
• Contact lens solutions
• Dental care (cleanings, exams, fillings, other procedures)
• Dentures
• Eczema-related products
• Invisalign or braces
• Medicated Shampoo
• Prescription glasses and sunglasses
• Prescription toothpaste
• Retainer cleaning solutions
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)

Always review your plan to confirm an item’s eligibility and any requirements to submit supporting documentation, like a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), which a licensed practitioner would need to complete to confirm that you need the products for a medical purpose and not for general use.

HSAs and FSAs can cover more than doctor visits and prescriptions. Family and everyday health items are often overlooked but are also typically eligible. These essentials include baby and child health items, feminine care products, mobility support items, or home safety items with a medical purpose.

Here’s a quick cart of essential, regular-use items you can typically purchase with an HSA or FSA:

• Allergy relief medication
• Cold and flu remedies
• Contact lenses and solution
• First-aid supplies like bandages
• Heartburn and digestive aids
• Menstrual care products like tampons, pads, and cups
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Personal protective equipment, like masks and hand sanitizer
• Skincare products like sunscreen and acne treatments
• Vitamins and supplements (including prenatal vitamins)

There are plenty of surprising HSA and FSA-eligible items that many don’t realize may qualify. These items can include wearable health tech from Garmin, pillows and mattresses from Sleep Number, gym equipment from REP Fitness, gym memberships with Barry’s, bikes from Canyon and even stationary bikes from Peloton.

It’s important to note that many of these items may not be pre-approved for purchase at checkout. Eligibility will depend on your plan’s rules and require an LMN outlining a medical purpose. But, if you’re trying to use FSA funds before they expire, here are a few fun things to buy with an FSA if you’re eligible:

• Air purifiers
• Bidets
• Cold plunges
• Fitness shoes
• Home gym equipment
• Massage devices
• Oura Rings
• Prescription sunglasses
• Red-light therapy face masks
• Saunas
• Skincare essentials like sunscreen or SPF lip balms
• Smartwatches (Garmin)
• Specialty mattresses and pillows
• Vibration plates
• Water filtration devices
• Weighted blankets
• Yoga mats

To quickly check whether an item is HSA or FSA eligible, start by looking for retailer tags that indicate if the product is eligible. Product descriptions framed around medical-specific use are likely eligible. Refer to your plan explanations for policy-specific guidelines, but keep in mind that some items may require supporting documentation.

These HSA-eligible and FSA-eligible guides provide a quick overview of common allowable purchases. Keep an itemized receipt for all purchases. Avoid mixing eligible and ineligible items, which may result in card declines and rejected requests for reimbursement.

Purchasing popular items with your FSA or HSA card requires a bit of recordkeeping. Keep itemized receipts that list the purchase date, merchant, product name, and cost. Some options to keep your records organized include a physical filing folder, saved email or PDF receipts, and screenshots of product listings and purchases.

Don’t try to get reimbursed for an item that may already be covered under your primary health insurance plan. For multipurpose items, be prepared to substantiate with a prescription or LMN outlining the medical purpose.

Remember that an item’s eligibility is always contingent on the HSA or FSA plan policy. Plan administrators make final decisions on eligibility and reimbursement terms.

Truemed* makes the HSA/FSA purchase process simpler for eligible items and qualifying customers. You may be able to use HSA or FSA funds for certain products if you qualify. With Truemed, you can complete a clinical intake form at checkout, which is then reviewed by an independent licensed practitioner who will issue an LMN to qualifying customers when appropriate. Plan administrators make the final decisions on reimbursement eligibility, so always save your LMN if you’re provided one and itemized receipts for your records.

*Truemed is for qualified customers. See terms at truemed.com/disclosures.