FSA Eligible Expenses List (2026)
Everything a health care FSA can pay for, in plain language. Print this page (Ctrl/Cmd+P) and keep it where you plan your spending.
Updated October 2026 · Based on IRS rules — your plan can be stricter, never looser
The test: would the expense treat, cure, or diagnose a medical condition — for you, your spouse, or your dependents? If yes, it's probably eligible. If it's for general health, appearance, or would happen anyway without a medical need, it isn't.
Medical care
- Doctor visit copays & coinsurance
- Health plan deductibles
- Urgent care & ER visits
- Hospital bills
- Laboratory & diagnostic fees
- X-rays & imaging
- Prescription medicines
- Insulin (even OTC)
- Over-the-counter medicines, no prescription needed since 2020
- Vaccinations not covered by insurance
- Annual physical exam copays
- Telehealth visit fees
- COVID-19 & flu tests
- Prescription co-payments
- Medical equipment rental (crutches, wheelchairs)
- Breast pumps & nursing supplies
- Pregnancy test kits
- Fertility treatments (IVF et al.)
- Smoking-cessation programs & gum
- Weight-loss programs for a diagnosed condition
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Physical therapy
- Psychologist / psychiatrist fees
- Therapy & counseling copays
- Hearing aids & batteries
- Dental treatments below
- Mileage to medical appointments (IRS medical rate)
Dental & vision
- Dental cleanings & checkups
- Fillings, root canals, extractions
- Braces & orthodontia
- Dentures
- Eye exams
- Prescription eyeglasses & sunglasses
- Contact lenses & solution
- Prescription swimming goggles
- Lasik & vision correction surgery
- Reading glasses (no prescription needed)
- Eye drops & lubricants
Everyday items people miss
- Sunscreen SPF 15+ & sunburn cream
- First-aid supplies & bandages
- Thermometers
- Heating pads & hot water bottles
- Blood pressure monitors
- Blood sugar test strips & lancets
- CPAP machines & supplies
- Acne treatments & face wash with active drug ingredients
- Anti-itch creams & hydrocortisone
- Cold & flu medicine
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Allergy medicine & nasal spray
- Antacids
- Feminine care products (since 2020)
- Breastfeeding pads & lanolin
- Baby sunscreen & gas drops
- Orthopedic braces & supports
- Orthotics & insoles (medical)
- Contact-lens-friendly cosmetics? No — but medicated lip balm (SPF/drug facts) yes
- Saline & eye wash
Usually NOT eligible: cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening, general wellness & gym memberships, vitamins for general health, hair transplants, toothpaste, medical bills paid by insurance, funeral costs, childcare for a healthy child (see dependent care FSA rules separately). When in doubt: drug-facts label or prescription, or ask your plan administrator.
See the borderline items judged one by one →
Dependent care expenses (different FSA, same deadline math)
Daycare, preschool, nanny costs and before/after-school care for children under 13 (or a disabled dependent) so you can work — funded through a separate dependent care FSA ($7,500 household limit in 2026). Eldercare that lets you work also qualifies.
More on this site
Toothpaste, toilet paper, sunscreen — judged one by one.
12/31, 3/15, carryover — know yours.
One table, open enrollment.
If you have an HSA, check its interest rate.