HSA Shop logoHSA Shop

HSA Guide

Can I Use HSA for Sunscreen? - Understanding HSA Eligible Expenses

Published August 13, 2022

Check eligibility on the gobrowse 7,000+ HSA-eligible products in the free app.

Get the app
Short answer: You can use HSA funds for sunscreen only if it is prescribed by a healthcare provider for medical reasons, with prescription and receipt kept for reimbursement.

What HSA and sunscreen eligibility cover

Are you wondering if you can use your HSA funds to purchase sunscreen? Let's explore the guidelines around using your HSA for sunscreen and other eligible expenses.

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged account that allows individuals to save and pay for qualified medical expenses. While sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, the eligibility of using HSA funds for sunscreen purchase can be a bit tricky.

Generally, sunscreen falls under the category of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplies, which were previously eligible for HSA funds without a prescription. However, due to changes in legislation, as of January 1, 2020, sunscreen is considered an eligible expense only if prescribed by a healthcare provider for medical reasons.

When prescriptions make sunscreen eligible

Therefore, if your healthcare provider prescribes sunscreen for a specific medical condition like a skin sensitivity or post-operative care, you can use your HSA funds to purchase it. It's essential to keep a copy of the prescription and the receipt for reimbursement purposes.

Have you ever found yourself asking, 'Can I use my HSA for sunscreen?' You're not alone! Many people are curious about utilizing their Health Savings Account to cover skincare essentials. Let's dive into the rules surrounding this topic.

Free App

Browse 7,000+ HSA-Eligible Products

Search by symptom, get price alerts, and build your HSA shopping list — all in the free app.

← Back to all articles