The Complete Guide to FSA Eligible Expenses [2025 List]

What Can You Buy With Your FSA?

A Flexible Spending Account lets you set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses. But what exactly qualifies? The answer might surprise you—FSAs cover much more than just doctor visits.

This guide covers everything you can (and can't) buy with your FSA.

The Basics: How FSA Eligibility Works

For an expense to be FSA-eligible, it must be:

Primarily for medical care - Prevents, treats, or alleviates a physical or mental condition

Not reimbursed elsewhere - Can't also be covered by insurance

Incurred during the plan year - Within your FSA coverage period

For you or eligible dependents - Spouse, children, qualifying relatives

Medical Services & Treatments

Always Eligible

• Doctor visit copays and deductibles
• Specialist appointments
• Urgent care and ER visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgery and procedures
• Lab work and diagnostic tests
• Physical therapy
• Mental health services
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Fertility treatments
• Prenatal care and childbirth
• Vaccinations
• Allergy testing and shots

Sometimes Eligible (with Letter of Medical Necessity)

• Massage therapy (for diagnosed condition)
• Weight loss programs (for obesity diagnosis)
• Exercise programs (for specific condition)
• Nutritional supplements (for specific deficiency)
• Air purifiers (for respiratory condition)

Prescription Medications

Always Eligible

• All prescription drugs
• Prescription vitamins
• Prescription eye drops
• Insulin (no prescription needed)

Over-the-Counter Medications (Now Eligible!)

Thanks to the CARES Act, these OTC medications are now FSA-eligible without a prescription:

• Pain relievers (Advil, Tylenol, Aleve)
• Allergy medications (Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl)
• Cold and flu medicine
• Digestive aids (Pepto-Bismol, Tums)
• Cough suppressants
• Antibiotic ointments
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Sleep aids (Unisom, ZzzQuil)
• Motion sickness pills
• Smoking cessation products
• Menstrual products (pads, tampons, cups)

Vision Care

Always Eligible

• Eye exams
• Prescription glasses
• Prescription sunglasses
• Contact lenses
• Contact lens solution
• LASIK and vision correction surgery
• Reading glasses
• Blue light blocking glasses (prescription)

Sometimes Eligible

• Non-prescription sunglasses (for medical condition)
• Eye drops (many are eligible)

Dental Care

Always Eligible

• Dental exams and cleanings
• Fillings, crowns, bridges
• Root canals
• Tooth extractions
• Dentures
• Braces and orthodontics
• Dental X-rays
• Toothache treatment

Not Typically Eligible

• Teeth whitening (cosmetic)
• Dental veneers (usually cosmetic)
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes (general health)

Medical Equipment & Supplies

Always Eligible

• Blood pressure monitors
• Glucose monitors and test strips
• Thermometers
• First aid kits
• Bandages and wound care
• Crutches, canes, walkers
• Wheelchairs
• Hearing aids and batteries
• Breast pumps
• CPAP machines and supplies
• Nebulizers
• Medical alert systems
• Compression socks (for medical condition)
• Orthopedic shoes (with prescription)

Everyday Items That Qualify

These common items are FSA-eligible:

Sunscreen (SPF 15+)

Yes, really! Sunscreen is considered preventive care.

Hand Sanitizer

Eligible as infection prevention.

Face Masks

PPE for health protection qualifies.

Pregnancy Tests

Including ovulation tests.

Condoms & Contraceptives

Birth control and family planning items.

Baby Care

• Baby monitors (motion/breathing)
• Diaper rash cream
• Teething gel

First Aid

• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze and tape
• Antiseptic wipes
• Cold/hot packs

Mental Health & Wellness

Always Eligible

• Psychotherapy and counseling
• Psychiatric treatment
• Addiction treatment
• Cognitive behavioral therapy

Sometimes Eligible (with Documentation)

• Meditation apps (for diagnosed anxiety/depression)
• Emotional support animal expenses
• Service animal costs

What's NOT FSA Eligible

Cosmetic Procedures

• Teeth whitening
• Botox (unless for medical condition like migraines)
• Liposuction
• Hair transplants

General Health Items

• Gym memberships (usually)
• Personal trainers (usually)
• Regular vitamins and supplements
• Organic food
• Cosmetics and skincare

Non-Medical Services

• Childcare (that's the Dependent Care FSA)
• Elder care (non-medical)
• Teeth whitening

Already Covered

• Insurance premiums
• Items reimbursed by insurance
• Items covered by other accounts

FSA vs HSA: Same Eligible Expenses

Good news: HSA and FSA eligible expenses are virtually identical. The IRS uses the same definition for both accounts. So this list applies to HSAs too.

Tips for Using Your FSA Wisely

Start of Year: Plan Ahead

• List known expenses (prescriptions, appointments)
• Factor in annual physicals and eye exams
• Include kids' expenses

Throughout Year: Track Everything

• Save all receipts
• Use your FSA card for automatic documentation
• Check eligibility before purchasing

End of Year: Use It or Lose It

If you have funds remaining:

• Stock up on eligible supplies
• Schedule postponed appointments
• Buy new glasses or contacts
• Replace medical equipment

Year-End Shopping Ideas

If you have excess FSA funds:

• New prescription glasses/sunglasses
• Contact lens supply
• First aid kit restock
• Sunscreen supply
• OTC medications you use regularly
• Medical equipment (blood pressure monitor, etc.)
• Get a dental cleaning

How to Verify Eligibility

Use the FSA Store

The FSA Store (fsastore.com) only sells eligible items. If it's there, it qualifies.

Check With Your FSA Administrator

When in doubt, ask your FSA administrator before purchasing.

Keep Documentation

For items that require a Letter of Medical Necessity:

• Get written documentation from your doctor
• Include diagnosis and treatment purpose
• Submit with your claim

Make the Most of Your FSA

Understanding eligible expenses helps you maximize your FSA tax savings. The more qualified expenses you run through your FSA, the more you save.

Average tax savings: If you're in the 22% tax bracket and contribute $2,000 to your FSA, you save $440 in federal taxes—plus state taxes and FICA.

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FSA rules can change. This guide reflects 2025 eligibility. Always verify with your FSA administrator or IRS Publication 502 for the most current information.