Quick Answer
Your FSA covers far more than doctor copays. Surprising eligible items include sunscreen (SPF 15+), massage guns (with LMN), TENS units, acupuncture, menstrual products, motion sickness bands, first aid kits, heating pads, sleep aids, allergy medications, contact lens solution, dental night guards, and cold therapy wraps. Most OTC medications have been FSA-eligible without a prescription since the CARES Act of 2020.
Most people think of their FSA as a way to pay for doctor copays and prescriptions. And it is. But the IRS list of eligible expenses under Section 213(d) is far broader than most people realize — and there are some genuinely surprising items on it. If you have FSA money left to spend, this list might save your balance from forfeiture.
According to EBRI research, the average FSA holder who forfeits funds loses $441 per year. Here are 15 things your FSA almost certainly covers that you probably didn't know about.
1. Is Sunscreen FSA-Eligible?
Yes. Any sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is FSA-eligible without a prescription. This has been the case since the CARES Act in March 2020, but most people still don't know it. Stock up for summer: a family can easily go through $50-100 worth of sunscreen per year.
Typical cost: $8-15 per bottle
2. Can I Buy a Massage Gun with My FSA?
Yes, with conditions. Percussive therapy devices like Theraguns and Hypervolt guns are FSA-eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor. If you have chronic back pain, muscle tension, or a diagnosed musculoskeletal condition, your doctor can write an LMN in minutes. These devices retail for $200-400, making them a practical way to use up a remaining balance.
Typical cost: $200-400
3. Are TENS Units FSA-Eligible?
Yes, and no prescription is required. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units are FSA-eligible without a prescription or LMN. These small devices send low-voltage electrical pulses through electrode pads to relieve pain. They're commonly used for back pain, arthritis, and post-workout soreness.
Typical cost: $25-80
4. Is Acupuncture FSA-Eligible?
Yes. Acupuncture treatments from a licensed practitioner are fully FSA-eligible without a Letter of Medical Necessity. A single session typically runs $75-150, and many people do 4-8 sessions, so this can be a significant FSA expense. Your FSA effectively gives you a discount equal to your marginal tax rate.
Typical cost: $75-150 per session
5. Are Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses FSA-Eligible?
Yes, if they have a prescription. If you get a prescription for blue-light-blocking lenses from your eye doctor, they're FSA-eligible. Non-prescription blue-light glasses from Amazon are not eligible. But if you wear prescription glasses anyway, adding a blue-light coating to your lenses is a qualifying expense.
Typical cost: $20-50 add-on to Rx lenses
6. Are Menstrual Products FSA-Eligible?
Yes. Pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, and other menstrual care products have been FSA-eligible since the CARES Act of 2020. This is a recurring expense that adds up: the average person spends $150-300 per year on menstrual products. Buying a year's supply with FSA money is a practical strategy before your deadline.
Typical cost: $150-300/year
7. Are Breast Pumps FSA-Eligible?
Yes. Electric and manual breast pumps are FSA-eligible, along with storage bags, replacement parts, nursing pads, and breast shields. A quality electric pump can cost $150-350, making this a high-value FSA purchase for new or expecting parents.
Typical cost: $150-350 for electric pump
8. Are Motion Sickness Bands FSA-Eligible?
Yes. Acupressure wristbands designed to prevent motion sickness (like Sea-Bands) are FSA-eligible. They're inexpensive, but if you or your kids get carsick or seasick, they're a practical FSA purchase.
Typical cost: $8-15
9. Are First Aid Kits FSA-Eligible?
Yes. Pre-assembled first aid kits are FSA-eligible as long as the primary contents are medical supplies. This includes kits for your home, car, travel bag, or office. Some comprehensive first aid kits run $30-80 and contain everything from bandages and antiseptic to emergency blankets and CPR masks.
Typical cost: $15-80
10. Are Heating Pads FSA-Eligible?
Yes. Electric heating pads, microwavable heat wraps, and adhesive heat patches (like ThermaCare) are all FSA-eligible. They're commonly used for back pain, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. No prescription or LMN needed.
Typical cost: $15-50
11. Are Sleep Aids FSA-Eligible?
Yes. Over-the-counter sleep aids — including melatonin supplements and diphenhydramine-based products like ZzzQuil — are FSA-eligible since the CARES Act of 2020. If you've been buying these with after-tax dollars, switch to your FSA card.
Typical cost: $8-20
12. Are Allergy Medications FSA-Eligible?
Yes. All OTC allergy medications are FSA-eligible: Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra, Benadryl, Flonase, Nasacort, and generic equivalents. If you have seasonal allergies, buying a year's supply with your FSA can save meaningful money — especially name-brand medications that run $20-30 per box.
Typical cost: $15-30 per box (90-day supply often $30-50)
13. Is Contact Lens Solution FSA-Eligible?
Yes. Contact lens cleaning and disinfecting solution is FSA-eligible. If you wear contacts, you're going through several bottles per year. Buying a multi-pack before your FSA deadline is a practical way to spend down your balance on something you'd buy anyway.
Typical cost: $8-15 per bottle, $25-40 for multi-packs
14. Are Dental Night Guards FSA-Eligible?
Yes. Night guards for teeth grinding (bruxism) are FSA-eligible — both custom-fitted guards from your dentist ($300-800) and OTC boil-and-bite guards ($20-40). If you grind your teeth at night, a custom dental guard is a high-value FSA purchase that protects your teeth and uses a significant portion of your balance.
Typical cost: $20-40 (OTC) / $300-800 (custom)
15. Are Cold Therapy Wraps FSA-Eligible?
Yes. Reusable cold therapy wraps, gel ice packs designed for injury recovery, and cold compression systems are FSA-eligible. These are commonly used for sports injuries, post-surgery recovery, and chronic joint pain. Purpose-built cold therapy products qualify as medical supplies.
Typical cost: $15-60
How Can I Find More FSA-Eligible Items?
These 15 items are just the beginning. The full list of FSA-eligible expenses under IRS Section 213(d) includes thousands of products across categories like vision, dental, mental health, medical devices, and more.
If you want to quickly check whether something is eligible, SpendRebel's eligibility search lets you look up any product or service and instantly see if it's FSA or HSA eligible — plus whether you need a prescription or LMN.
How Much FSA Money Do People Lose Each Year?
According to EBRI research, the average American with an FSA who forfeits funds loses $441 per year. Across all FSA holders, an estimated $4.5 billion is forfeited annually. That's real money — money you already earned and set aside. If you have a remaining balance, go through this list and stock up on items you'd buy anyway. Sunscreen, allergy meds, first aid supplies, and contact solution are all things that don't expire quickly and that you'll use throughout the year.
Need help tracking your balance and spending it wisely? SpendRebel sends smart reminders and personalized spending suggestions so nothing goes to waste. It's free and takes two minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for OTC items to be FSA-eligible?
No. Since the CARES Act of 2020, over-the-counter medications and health products are FSA-eligible without a prescription. This includes pain relievers, allergy medications, sleep aids, digestive aids, and sunscreen with SPF 15+.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)?
An LMN is a document from your doctor stating that a specific product or service is medically necessary for a diagnosed condition. Some FSA-eligible items — like massage guns and acupressure mats — require an LMN. Your doctor can typically write one in a few minutes during a regular appointment.
Can I buy FSA-eligible items on Amazon?
Yes. Amazon has a dedicated FSA/HSA store where all listed items are verified as eligible. You can add your FSA debit card as a payment method and shop directly. Items are tagged with an "FSA or HSA eligible" badge.
Can I buy FSA items for my spouse and kids?
Yes. Your FSA covers eligible expenses for your spouse and tax dependents under age 26, even if they are on a different health insurance plan.