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If you are new to the world of health savings or you simply want to learn more, keep reading. 

What is an HSA? 

Having medical costs pop up puts a load of extra stress onto both myself and my wallet. However, having a dedicated savings account for medical funds is a great way to create a safety net for certain health costs. 

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a great pot that you can dip into any time that you have an unexpected medical cost, although there’s a bit more to it than that. Essentially, it is a savings account solely dedicated to covering medical costs that your health insurance might not cover. Arguably, however, the best thing about an HSA is that you do not have to pay taxes on any money that you put into the account.

If you are consistently depositing money, this can add up to hundreds of dollars at your disposal each year—some companies and employers also contribute to HSAs, so you could have even more tax-free dollars to spend!

Can you use your HSA card anywhere? 

The short answer to this question: Yes. You can use your HSA to purchase eligible items through most major retailers, like Amazon, Walmart, the online HSA store, and your neighborhood grocery store. The method in which you can use your health savings will vary based on your account. 

For certain HSAs, you will receive a debit card that you can use just like any other card. However, if you were to buy a bottle of Advil, along with a soda from the drug store, your HSA card will only cover the cost of the Advil. You’ll also need to be careful about your spending and tracking when using this card: be sure to save your receipts, make sure to only purchase HSA-approved items, and check your account frequently.

Depending on your healthcare provider and HSA system, you may be able to reimburse yourself with funds from your HSA, which is handy if you purchase something with another form of payment (or forget to use your card) or if you prefer to put all expenses on a single credit card, for example. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you can only reimburse yourself for eligible purchases. You are legally not allowed to pay for a soda with your HSA account—regardless of how medically necessary a fun little drink might feel! 

What can I buy with my HSA?  

The most obvious services and purchases a HSA can cover are doctors appointments and prescription medicine. Instead of paying for your copay out-of-pocket, you can utilize your HSA to cover these fees. Along with these expenses, there are plenty of surprising services and items that are also eligible.

Here’s a lightning quick guide that you can refer back to the next time that you are looking to see if something is HSA eligible. Although these rules may not apply 100% of the time, chances are likely that if it falls on this list, your HSA will cover it! 

• Home improvements that are intended for medical accessibility 

• All doctors visit copays (dental and vision appointments, too!)

• Both over-the-counter and prescription medicine

• Feminine hygiene products

• Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and hand sanitizer

• Therapeutic massages (when recommended by a doctor) and acupuncture

• Medical accessories, such as hearing aids or glasses

Still not sure what to use your HSA for? We’ve compiled a list of some of the best hidden gems you can utilize your HSA for. 

Price Reference (average price):

$ | Under $25
$$ | Between $25-$50
$$$ | More than $50

Image: Amazon

Mighty Patch Original 

Hero Cosmetics

Price: $

Stubborn pimples be gone! These pimple patches are great for blemishes and are 100% covered by your HSA. 

Image: Amazon

Ultra Thin Condoms

Trojan

Price: $

Your HSA will cover the cost of different birth control options, like birth control pills or condoms. Remember, safe sex is great sex. 

Image: Sephora

Unseen Sunscreen

Supergoop!

Price: $$ 

Sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher are fully HSA-eligible, so awesome brands like Supergoop are covered. Your daily sunscreen should be at least 30 SPF to lower your risk of skin cancer and signs of premature aging. 

Image: Amazon

Heating Pad

GENIANI XL

Price: $$

Heating pads are great for treating period cramps, back aches, and other targeted pain relief. We love the GENIANI XL because it’s machine washable and has an auto shut-off function.  

Image: Amazon

Shower Bar Grab Rail

Opove

Price: $

Certain home improvements are eligible for HSA reimbursement as long as they are for accessibility purposes. For example, if you need to add a wheelchair ramp to your home or add handles to the shower for you or another one of your dependents, your HSA will cover these additions. 

Image: Amazon

Reusable Menstrual Cup

DivaCup

Price: $$ 

Say goodbye to tampons and hello to menstrual cups! While other period products like pads, tampons and panty liners are also HSA-eligible, menstrual cups are a sustainable option many people may shy away from trying out. With the help of your HSA, switching to a zero-waste period has never been easier. 

Image: Amazon

Digital Bathroom Body Scale

Etekcity 

Price: $

A body weight scale is technically classified as a weight loss supplement, which means it is eligible for reimbursement. I especially love this scale as there is an app that allows you to track your weight over time. 

Image: Amazon

Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set

Kanjo 

Price: $$$

This acupressure mat utilizes traditional acupressure points to help reduce pain felt throughout the body. Traditional acupuncture sessions are also HSA-eligible! 

Image: Amazon

Hydrating Electrolyte Mix

Liquid I.V.

Price: $

Kiss regular water goodbye! This electrolyte powder will transform your water bottle into an extra-hydrating beverage full of wonderful health benefits. 

Image: Warby Parker

Blakeley Prescription Glasses

Warby Parker 

Price: $$$

If you wear glasses, you no longer need to pay for an updated set every single year—your HSA will cover contacts and prescription eyeglasses. I love these funky green frames from Warby Parker. Utilize your health savings as a way to really accessorize with your glasses! 

Image: Ray-Ban

Hexagonal Flat Lenses

Ray-Ban

Price: $$$

Did you know that you can add your prescription to almost any pair of Ray-Bans that you buy? Bonus, prescription sunglasses are completely covered by your HSA! I love the look of hexagonal frames, but shop around to see which style you love most.  

Image: Amazon

2-in-1 Inhaler + warm Mist Humidifier

Crane 

Price: $$

Not only will this device help soothe your lungs when you come down with the sniffles, but it will also help keep your skin and hair hydrated all winter long. 

Image: Amazon

Retinol Blemish Resurfacing Serum 

AcneFree

Price: $

Certain retinoids are able to be paid for with an HSA! This serum by AcneFree offers plenty of skin-loving ingredients to help your skin shine. 

Image: Amazon

Breast Pumps

Medela

Price: $$$

Being a new mom is tough, and breastfeeding is a very personal decision. If you choose to go down this path, a breast pump kit is a great tool to add to your diaper bag! 

Image: Amazon

Healing Ointment

Aquaphor

Price: $

Aquaphor is an absolute staple in my house. I have at least three tubes floating around at all times. It’s the perfect treatment for dry, irritated skin or to add into your skincare routine. 

Image: Amazon

Foaming Face Wash

PanOxyl

Price: $

This PanOxyl face wash is an absolute necessity in plenty of skincare routines. Who would have guessed that this holy grail face wash would be covered by an HSA? 

Image: Amazon

Pore Release Clearing Solution

Hero Cosmetics

Price: $

Use this gentle exfoliating toner to visibly shrink your pores and treat built up blackheads. This serum will get the job done without irritating your skin. 

Image: Amazon

Insect & Mosquito Repellent

Medella Naturals

Price: $

Bug spray and other over the counter medications are fully eligible for HSA reimbursement. I specifically love this all natural option by Medella to scare away bugs without introducing additional chemicals. 

Image: Amazon

Cool Down Lotion

Sun Bum 

Price: $

Lotions that include aloe vera are covered by your HSA. This Sun Bum lotion is perfect for post-pool naps to help prevent sunburns and preserve your tan. 

Strive to keep learning something new about HSAs and how you can unleash their full potential! With money being something on everyone’s mind, every dollar counts, especially when it comes to your health. Let us know if you find any other surprising uses for your HSA!