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What Type of Insurance is an HSA? - Understanding the Basics of a Health Savings Account

Published October 17, 2024

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Short answer: You can open an HSA if you have a high-deductible health insurance plan, and HSAs let you save on a pre-tax basis for qualified medical expenses with tax advantages.

What HSAs are and what they do

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a type of savings account that allows individuals to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. It is not actually an insurance plan itself, but rather a savings vehicle that can be used in conjunction with a high-deductible health insurance plan.

When individuals have a high-deductible health insurance plan, they are eligible to open an HSA. These accounts provide a way for individuals to save and invest for medical expenses while enjoying certain tax advantages.

HSA tax advantages and portability

Key points about HSAs:

  • Contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible
  • Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free
  • Unused funds can roll over from year to year
  • HSAs are owned by the individual, so they are portable and can stay with you even if you change jobs

Health Savings Accounts are a valuable tool for managing healthcare costs and saving for the future. They offer flexibility, tax benefits, and control over your healthcare expenses.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are innovative savings vehicles designed to empower individuals to manage their healthcare expenses efficiently. Unlike traditional insurance policies, HSAs enable saving on a pre-tax basis to cover qualified medical costs, making them an increasingly popular choice among savvy consumers.

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