Hidden gems: 24 FSA- and HSA-approved items you didn't know about

The average American spends about $13,500 on healthcare every year. From ibuprofen to medical procedures, healthcare costs can quickly add up. As healthcare costs rise, people are looking to creative cost-saving strategies, with HSAs and FSAs topping the list. With thousands of products available for purchase via HSA or FSA, these tax-advantaged accounts aren’t just a boon for the people using them — they can offer a huge cost-savings to employers offering them, as well. They’re truly a win-win.

If your company isn’t offering these tax-advantaged accounts yet, then you might be able to make your team’s lives easier (and healthier) without breaking your budget.

What is an HSA?

An HSA, or health savings account, is a tax-advantaged savings account that helps you cover qualified medical expenses. You add pretax dollars to your HSA, and you don’t have to pay taxes on withdrawals for approved items. Plus, the money rolls over year after year, so you don’t have to worry about it if you don't have many medical expenses in any given year.

Just keep in mind that HSAs are generally available only to those who are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).

What is an FSA?

An FSA, or flexible spending account, is similar to an HSA, but with a few differences. It’s also a tax-advantaged account for healthcare expenses, but it’s mostly a use-it-or-lose-it proposition.

So if you find yourself with a chunk of FSA money left over on December 31, it might be time for that designer pair of glasses you’ve been eyeing. Hey, your vision is part of your health too!

Where to shop for HSA- and FSA-eligible items

You can only use your HSA and FSA money on qualified medical expenses, but that doesn’t mean you can only use these dollars at the hospital.

You might be surprised to learn that you can buy HSA- and FSA-approved items almost anywhere. Your local pharmacy, big-box stores, and even Amazon carry all kinds of eligible products.

Pro tip: Amazon even has a filter you can use to specifically search for HSA- and FSA-eligible items!

What are the best FSA- and HSA-eligible items?

FSA and HSA eligibility covers a broad spectrum of health and wellness products. There are thousands (seriously, thousands!) of products available for purchase through these accounts, and some of them may surprise you. Let’s dive into the best — and most unexpected items — to buy with your HSA and FSA.

Best FSA- and HSA-eligible items for families

Parenting is expensive, so having access to these tax-advantaged accounts can really make a difference when it comes to buying that hundredth bottle of Children’s Tylenol.

Here are some FSA- and HSA-eligible items you might not know about:

• Daycare: Yes, you read that right. While it’s not covered under a regular FSA, you can use a dependent care FSA to cover childcare expenses. As childcare costs continue to rise, this type of spending account can offer a huge financial relief to working parents.
• Baby monitors: High-tech options like the Owlet Cam & Dream Sock Duo are eligible.
• Pregnancy tests: Especially for families who are trying to conceive, pregnancy tests are great to have on hand, but the costs can add up quickly.
• Bandages: These are covered as well, for when your kid goes through that inevitable “I need a Band-Aid for everything” phase.
• Skin repair sprays: Perfect for those constant scrapes and scratches from the playground.
• Wipes: Although regular baby wipes aren’t eligible, specialty wipes, like the cult favorite Boogie Wipes, are.

Best FSA- and HSA-eligible items for women's health

From menstruation, to pregnancy, to menopause, women’s health needs change throughout the course of their lives. With the help of HSAs and FSAs, a great deal of those needs can be managed at home.

Check out the following HSA- and FSA-accepted items:

• Hot flash and menstrual relief devices: From hot flash relief wristbands to menstrual relief devices, there are some cool gadgets out there that can help you manage the more uncomfortable parts of reproductive health.
• Menstrual products: Tampons, pads, menstrual cups — they’re all eligible!
• At-home hormone tests: These are perfect for those who are trying to conceive or going through perimenopause.
• Vitamins: From prenatal vitamins to fiber supplements, you’re covered.
• Postpartum essentials: C-section recovery bands, pain relief sprays, and more are covered to make postpartum recovery a little easier.

Best FSA- and HSA-eligible items for skin and beauty

Americans spend roughly $85 per month on skin and beauty products, which can add up over the course of a year. With the help of HSAs and FSAs, some of those regular purchases can be bought tax-free, easing the financial burden a bit.

These HSA- and FSA-approved items might surprise you:

• Light therapy face masks: That Instagram-famous Dr. Dennis Gross mask? Yep, it can be yours through your FSA!
• Acne treatment patches: Popular brands like Mighty Patch qualify with your FSA.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin with sunscreen brands like Supergoop, Sun Bum, and Coola—all of which are FSA-eligible.

Best FSA- and HSA-eligible healthcare devices

Tech meets healthcare with these eligible gadgets:

• Thermometers: Yep, covered. From basic digital models to advanced infrared forehead thermometers, your FSA or HSA has your back (and temperature).
• Massage guns: You can purchase devices from popular brands like Therabody and Revive with your FSA or HSA. Goodbye, muscle pain!
• Headache relief headbands: These innovative devices use electrical nerve stimulation to provide drug-free headache relief. They can be a great solution for anyone with chronic headaches.

Best FSA- and HSA-eligible items for oral health

Your FSA or HSA can really give you a reason to smile when you save money on these products:

• Dental aligners: Straighten your teeth without straining your wallet. Many at-home aligner services are FSA- and HSA-eligible.
• Oral light therapy devices: These devices use light technology to promote gum health and fight bacteria. That’s right, you can have a brighter and healthier smile with the help of your HSA or FSA!
• Lip protectants: Chapped lips are no fun, but medicated lip balms and treatments are eligible.

Best FSA- and HSA-eligible essentials to have on hand

Every medicine cabinet should stock a few everyday essentials, and fortunately, most of them are available through your FSA or HSA:

• First-aid kits: Be prepared for minor emergencies with a comprehensive first-aid kit, paid for with your tax-advantaged account.
• Pain relievers: Stock up on over-the-counter pain medications for headaches, muscle aches, and other common ailments.
• Upset stomach and nausea support: You can buy antacids, anti-nausea medications, and other digestive aids with these accounts.
• Cough suppressants: Fight cold and flu symptoms with these FSA- and HSA-eligible remedies.

Best way to use HSAs as a retirement savings tool

HSAs aren’t just for paying today’s medical bills — they can also be a powerful way to build long-term savings. The key is a strategy called HSA shoeboxing. Instead of immediately reimbursing yourself for healthcare costs, you pay out of pocket, save your receipts (the “shoebox”), and leave your HSA funds in the account. Because HSAs allow for investment options, your balance can grow tax-free, compounding year after year.

So when can you actually take the money out?

• Before age 65: If you withdraw funds for anything other than qualified medical expenses, the IRS treats it as regular income and adds a 20% penalty. That makes shoeboxing less about short-term spending and more about growing a nest egg for later.
• After age 65: The 20% penalty disappears. You can withdraw funds for any purpose. If it’s for medical expenses, it remains tax-free. If it’s for non-medical expenses, it’s simply taxed like income — just like pulling from a 401(k) or IRA.

Because contributions are tax-free, earnings grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free, HSAs are often called triple tax-advantaged accounts. With shoeboxing, you can maximize this advantage, letting your money grow while keeping the option to reimburse yourself later with those saved receipts.

Things employers should consider when offering HSAs and FSAs

If you’re thinking about adding HSAs or FSAs to your benefits package, here are some key considerations that can set your program up for success:

• Plan design matters. Decide whether to offer an HSA, FSA, or both. Since HSAs require pairing with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), make sure it aligns with your overall benefits strategy and workforce demographics.
• Match contributions if you can. Even modest employer contributions can drive participation and show employees you’re invested in their financial well-being.
• Communicate early and often. Employees don’t always understand how these accounts work. Regular education around eligible expenses, deadlines, and shopping tips helps them get the most value.
• Prioritize accessibility and equity. Choose platforms that are easy to use with online portals or mobile apps, and balance your plan design so lower-income employees aren’t excluded from the benefit.
• Stay compliant. HSAs and FSAs come with unique IRS rules, including annual contribution caps and eligibility requirements. Make sure your administration is set up correctly to avoid compliance issues.
• Understand the impact of legislation. These accounts are shaped by federal policy. Annual IRS updates change contribution limits, while major legislation (like the “Big Beautiful Bill”) can expand what’s covered. (More on this below!)
• Highlight the long-term value. HSAs in particular can act like a retirement savings vehicle, since funds roll over year to year and can be invested.

By keeping these considerations in mind, employers can not only offer HSAs and FSAs but also ensure their teams get the maximum value from them.

How are HSAs and FSAs impacted by legislation?

One of the most important things to keep in mind with HSAs and FSAs is that they don’t exist in a vacuum. These accounts are regulated by federal policy, which means that contribution limits, eligible expenses, and even how funds roll over can shift from year to year.

For example, the IRS updates HSA and FSA contribution limits annually to keep pace with inflation. Employers and employees alike need to track these changes so they know how much can be contributed in a given plan year.

On top of the yearly updates, larger pieces of legislation can create sweeping changes. Recent efforts like the “Big Beautiful Bill” have expanded what employees can purchase with HSA and FSA dollars, from over-the-counter medications to digital health tools and family care products. For employers, this kind of policy shift means the accounts become even more valuable to employees, boosting participation rates and satisfaction.

Staying on top of these regulatory updates is critical. As an employer, you don’t just want to offer HSAs and FSAs. You want to offer them in a way that’s compliant and maximizes value for their people.

Uplevel your benefits strategy with HSAs and FSAs

Given that 86% of employees are interested in their employer providing an HSA as part of their benefits package, it’s clear that HSAs and FSAs are here to stay.

If your company would like to consider these tax-advantaged accounts as part of your benefits strategy, Nava is here to help. Nava Benefits can help you maximize these powerful accounts, all so your employees are happier and more productive.

Get started with Nava today.