Are Sunscreens Covered by HSA When Purchased Abroad?

When it comes to utilizing your Health Savings Account (HSA) for purchasing items like sunscreen, the rules can be a bit tricky, especially when it involves making purchases abroad. In general, HSAs are meant to cover qualified medical expenses, which typically include items like prescription medications, doctor's visits, and medical supplies.

However, sunscreen is a bit of a gray area when it comes to HSA eligibility. The IRS specifically states that sunscreen is only eligible for reimbursement if it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. If the sunscreen meets this requirement, whether it is purchased domestically or abroad, it should be eligible for HSA coverage.

It's essential to keep the receipts and documentation of your sunscreen purchases, especially if they are made abroad, to prove that they meet the SPF requirement. This documentation is crucial in case you are ever audited by the IRS or need to provide proof of eligibility for HSA reimbursement.

When planning your next vacation abroad, you may wonder if you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to purchase sunscreen. The good news is that if your sunscreen has an SPF of 15 or higher, you should be able to claim it as a qualified medical expense. Just be sure to retain your receipts!