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Can You Open a HSA or FSA Without an HDHP? | HSA Health Savings Account

Published December 16, 2022

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Short answer: You cannot open or contribute to an HSA without a qualified HDHP, but you can open an FSA regardless of the type of health insurance plan.

Overview and core question context

Many people wonder if they can open a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) without having a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). Let's delve into the details to understand the requirements and possibilities.

Here are some key points to consider:

If you're curious about whether you can take advantage of a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) without having a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you're not alone. Many individuals are exploring the best ways to save on healthcare expenses.

What HSAs and FSAs are

  • An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account specifically for medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. It is typically paired with an HDHP.
  • An FSA is another tax-advantaged account meant for qualified medical expenses and is usually offered by employers.
  • For an HSA:
  • For an FSA:

Eligibility rules for opening accounts

- To contribute to an HSA, you must have a qualified HDHP. Without an HDHP, you are not eligible to open or contribute to an HSA.

- Unlike an HSA, you can have an FSA regardless of the type of health insurance plan you have. It does not require an HDHP.

In summary, while you cannot open or contribute to an HSA without an HDHP, you can open an FSA without any specific health plan requirements.

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