What Items Are FSA Eligible?

There is a very long list of FSA-eligible items, determined by the IRS. While some FSA eligible items might seem obvious, there are some surprising answers when you start investigating what items are FSA eligible that will earn you rewards in the Fetch app.

Check out our list of FSA-eligible items below, including surprising ways to spend down your FSA balance. We’ve also got some tips for you on what’s not FSA-eligible before you try to spend down your account on items that aren’t covered.

What does FSA eligible mean?

“FSA eligible” means that it’s eligible to be paid for by a flex spending account (FSA). While there are multiple kinds of FSAs, most people who ask “what does FSA eligible mean” have a medical FSA that covers healthcare expenses.

You can expect almost all prescription and medical visit costs to be eligible for your FSA. When most people ask about what items are FSA eligible expenses, they’re at a pharmacy or looking to spend down their FSA balance at the end of the year (it’s use it or lose it).

FSA: use it or lose it

If you’re new to the world of flex spending accounts, it might surprise you that you need to use the money by the end of the year or you will lose it. There are two exceptions, and they can depend on your provider/employer:

• Some FSAs allow up to $500 to be carried over to the next year
• Some FSAs allow spending on medical expenses a few months into the next year

Healthcare spending accounts (HSAs) are the solution if you want to be prepared for high medical expenses without the use it or lose it of the FSA.

Keep those receipts

If you’re the kind of person who forgets to keep their receipts, having an FSA could get you into the habit: you might have to submit receipts for reimbursement. Even if your FSA account has a debit card tied to it, some items might require a person to approve them.

How to earn rewards on FSA items with Fetch

Got a receipt? Then snap it to earn points in the Fetch app! That’s just the start of earning rewards with Fetch, though.

Shop offers

Open up the Fetch app to see what offers are available on the FSA-eligible items you’re shopping for. You can earn bonus points on specific products or by shopping at particular retailers.

Buy boosted brands

Tylenol, Zyrtec, Clearasil, Robitussin and other brands’ products are almost all FSA eligible expenses. Shopping boosted brands is a step up from the individual offers. You’ll find a whole brand of products that earn you bonus points: just look for the flame by the brand icon. The bigger the flame, the bigger the boost.

Shop online with Fetch Shop

FSA-eligible expenses from the convenience of your phone. Shop retailers like CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart or Walgreens Fetch Shop to earn points on nearly every dollar.

List of FSA eligible items

The list of FSA eligible expenses is long and thorough (it’s created by the IRS after all). Here’s a quick list of FSA eligible items to give you an idea of what kinds of products you can expect to be covered:

• OTC pain relief (CVS generics or brands like Advil and Motrin)
• OTC allergy relief (from Walmart generics to brand-name Zyrtec)
• OTC cold and flu (Theraflu, Afrin or Walgreens brand)
• Most sunscreens, like CeraVe and Neutrogena
• Digestive and sexual health
• Menstrual products 
• Zeiss eye care products
• Thermometers
• Diabetes supplies
• Hearing aids
• Bandages and first-aid ointments
• Oral healthcare from Colgate or Sensodyne

Surprising FSA eligible items

We can probably agree that ibuprofen, a back pain heating pad and bandages should be eligible for your FSA spending. There are some surprising FSA eligible items, though.

If you’re in use-it-or-lose-it mode, these surprisingly eligible FSA items might help you spend down your account:

• First aid kits
• CeraVe skincare products
• Hand sanitizer and face masks
• Clearasil face wash
• Light therapy skin treatment
• TheraTears hydrating eye drops
• Contact lens solution
• Genetic testing like 23andMe
• Baby monitors (audio and video)
• Massage guns for deep muscle relief

This is just the tip of the iceberg of surprising FSA eligible items. If your doctor is able to provide a letter of medical necessity, more general health items (like fitness trackers) can become available, too.

Are vitamins FSA eligible?

No, most vitamins are not FSA-eligible, but there are some very important exceptions:

• Prenatal Vitamins (like One A Day)
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin (for arthritis)
• Doctor-prescribed vitamin supplements

If your doctor prescribes vitamins, you should remember to ask for a letter of medical necessity so you can present it to your FSA provider.

Are diapers FSA eligible?

No, regular diapers for infants and newborns are not FSA eligible. 

Are probiotics FSA eligible?

No, probiotics (and prebiotics) are not FSA eligible, as they are considered dietary supplements. 

If they are used to treat a medical condition like irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance, a medical care provider may be able to write a letter of medical necessity to get them covered by your FSA. 

Are tampons FSA eligible?

Yes, tampons and other menstrual products are FSA eligible, including tampons, liners and pads from:

• Carefree
• Kotex
• Playtex
• Poise
• Stayfree
• The Honey Pot

Make your flex spending account a Fetch spending account

Getting to spend pre-tax dollars on essentials like over-the-counter meds is a pretty good deal, but you can get more out of your money by earning Fetch rewards. Spend your FSA balance down, build up your Fetch points and turn them into free gift cards.

Download the app to get started, and don’t forget to check the offers for even more points.