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 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.
Here are 15 things your FSA almost certainly covers that you probably didn't know about.
1. Sunscreen
Any sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is FSA-eligible — no prescription needed. This has been the case since the CARES Act in 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. Massage Guns
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 an excellent way to use up a remaining balance.
Typical cost: $200-400
3. TENS Units
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units are FSA-eligible without a prescription. These small devices send low-voltage electrical pulses through electrode pads to relieve pain. They're popular for back pain, arthritis, and post-workout soreness. Unlike massage guns, no LMN is needed.
Typical cost: $25-80
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments from a licensed practitioner are fully FSA-eligible — no LMN required. A single session typically runs $75-150, and many people do 4-8 sessions, so this can be a significant FSA expense. If you've been curious about acupuncture for pain, stress, or migraines, your FSA makes it essentially discounted by your tax rate.
Typical cost: $75-150 per session
5. Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses (Rx)
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? Not eligible. But if you wear prescription glasses anyway, adding a blue-light coating to your lenses is a qualifying expense that your FSA covers.
Typical cost: $20-50 add-on to Rx lenses
6. Menstrual Products
Pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, and other menstrual care products have been FSA-eligible since the CARES Act. 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 smart move before your deadline.
Typical cost: $150-300/year
7. Breast Pumps & Accessories
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 one of the best FSA purchases for new or expecting parents.
Typical cost: $150-350 for electric pump
8. Motion Sickness Bands
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 nice little FSA purchase.
Typical cost: $8-15
9. First Aid Kits
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 premium first aid kits run $30-80 and contain everything from bandages and antiseptic to emergency blankets and CPR masks.
Typical cost: $15-80
10. Heating Pads
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. Sleep Aids
Over-the-counter sleep aids — including melatonin supplements and diphenhydramine-based products like ZzzQuil — are FSA-eligible. If you've been buying these with after-tax dollars, switch to your FSA card.
Typical cost: $8-20
12. Allergy Medications
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. Contact Lens Solution
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 an easy way to spend down your balance on something you'd buy anyway.
Typical cost: $8-15 per bottle, $25-40 for multi-packs
14. Dental Guards
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 up a significant chunk of your balance.
Typical cost: $20-40 (OTC) / $300-800 (custom)
15. Cold Therapy Wraps
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. Unlike a bag of frozen peas, purpose-built cold therapy products qualify.
Typical cost: $15-60
How to Find More Eligible Items
These 15 items are just the beginning. The full list of FSA-eligible expenses 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.
Don't Let Your Balance Go to Waste
The average American with an FSA forfeits $441 per year. 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.