HSA Shop logoHSA Shop

HSA Guide

Can You Have an HSA Without Working?

Published December 7, 2022

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

Get the app
Short answer: Yes—if you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you can open an HSA regardless of your employment status.

HSA eligibility without employment requirements

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have become increasingly popular for individuals looking to save for medical expenses. But can you have an HSA without working?

One of the key requirements to open an HSA is that you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). This means that you can have an HSA even if you are not currently employed, as long as you have an HDHP through other means, such as a spouse's employer-sponsored plan or a self-purchased plan.

Many people wonder, 'Can I have a Health Savings Account (HSA) if I’m not working?' The good news is yes! As long as you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you can open an HSA regardless of your employment status.

Ways to qualify for an HSA

Here are some key points to consider when it comes to having an HSA without working:

  • If you have an HDHP through a spouse's employer-sponsored plan, you can still open and contribute to an HSA, even if you are not employed.
  • You can also have an HSA if you are self-employed and have an HDHP that meets the requirements.
  • Individuals who are retired but still have an HDHP can have an HSA as well.

Having an HSA without working is possible as long as you meet the requirements for having an HDHP. It's a great way to save for medical expenses tax-free and ensure that you have funds set aside for healthcare costs.

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