Key takeaways:
If you have allergies, you can save money on treatments and products by using a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA).
FSAs and HSAs can help you pay for qualified medical expenses with tax-free dollars. Qualified expenses include prescription medications and medical supplies used to treat allergies.
Depending on the type of allergy product you buy, you may need documentation or a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider to purchase certain items with your FSA or HSA.
If you experience seasonal, environmental, or food allergies, you may be looking for a way to save on necessary treatments and products. And if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you may be in luck.
These types of healthcare accounts can help you pay for certain allergy products. Here’s everything you need to know about using FSA and HSA funds to purchase — and save on — products for allergies.
FSA- and HSA-eligible allergy products
The IRS provides a detailed list of qualified medical expenses. These are the items and services that you can pay for with funds from an FSA or HSA. Most prescriptions, including those used to treat seasonal allergies, are eligible items. Several over-the-counter (OTC) remedies may also be purchased with FSA or HSA funds. Some eligible allergy-related products include:
Antihistamines
Decongestants
Epinephrine
Nasal sprays and mists
Sinus rinses
Neti pots and nasal wash systems
Anti-itch creams and ointments
Over-the-counter steam inhalers
Allergy alert bracelets (for seasonal, food, and prescription allergies)
Many over-the-counter and prescription products used to treat asthma induced by allergies are also eligible health savings account expenses. When they’re prescribed by a healthcare professional, you may purchase the following items with HSA funds:
Nebulizers
Inhalers
Peak flow meters
In addition to allergy products, you can use that money on eligible out-of-pocket healthcare costs such as:
Health savings account (HSA) vs. flexible spending account (FSA): Both are tax-advantaged accounts, but here are some key differences you should know about.
Do you have an HSA? An HSA can help you pay for these qualified medical expenses if insurance doesn’t cover them.
Wondering how to use your FSA dollars before they expire? From allergy products to vision expenses, here are some ways to spend your FSA funds.
Finding eligible allergy products
A variety of retail sites allow consumers to browse approved lists of HSA- and FSA-eligible items. These tools can be helpful to narrow down products aimed at easing your allergy symptoms.
However, it’s best to verify eligibility by reading your specific health care plan or checking the IRS website. Eligibility can change from year to year. This extra step will help you avoid paying out of pocket for an allergy remedy you thought was an eligible health savings account expense.
Affording allergy shots
One common way to treat and manage the symptoms of a variety of seasonal and environmental allergies is allergic immunotherapy, often called “allergy shots.” Allergy shots prescribed by a physician, along with allergy testing such as skin prick tests to diagnose allergies, are qualified expenses.
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
How do HSAs and FSAs work?
HSAs and FSAs are both tax-advantaged accounts that allow you to pay for qualified medical expenses. However, you must be enrolled in a qualified high-deductible health plan and meet other requirements to contribute to an HSA. In 2026, the maximum you can contribute to an HSA per year is $4,400 for an individual and $8,750 for a family. You can contribute an additional $1,000 if you are 55 or older.
The money in your HSA rolls over every year. You can either use your funds to pay for qualified medical expenses or invest your HSA dollars. Any earnings you receive in your account will grow tax-free. As long as you use your HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses, you won’t have to worry about paying taxes on your withdrawals.
FSAs are employer-sponsored health accounts and are limited to a set amount per year per employer. In 2025, you can contribute up to $3,300 to a health FSA. But, there are restrictions. Your funds may expire at the end of every calendar year since FSAs are considered a “use it or lose it” benefit. Some employers may provide either a grace period or carryover option to give you more time to use the funds.
FSAs and HSAs allow you to contribute a portion of your pretax wages to the account. Contributing to an HSA or FSA before your earnings are taxed means you don’t pay taxes on the money deposited.
Frequently asked questions
The CARES Act of 2020 expanded the list of eligible OTC items that can be purchased without a prescription. There is a wide range of products that are now HSA-eligible, including pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, and allergy medications.
Yes, you can use your HSA to purchase Flonase and other over-the-counter medications. Nasal sprays such as Flonase are considered eligible medical expenses under IRS guidelines and can be reimbursed through an HSA. Thanks to the CARES ACT, OTC medications can be covered without a prescription. However, it’s still important to keep detailed records in case you are required to show proof of the expense.
Allergy shots are generally considered eligible expenses for an HSA. This typically includes the cost of the injections themselves, as well as expenses such as office visits and allergy testing. Be sure to keep receipts and any documentation from your healthcare professional. It’s also a good idea to check with your HSA provider or tax professional to confirm which expenses are eligible.
The CARES Act of 2020 expanded the list of eligible OTC items that can be purchased without a prescription. There is a wide range of products that are now HSA-eligible, including pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, and allergy medications.
Yes, you can use your HSA to purchase Flonase and other over-the-counter medications. Nasal sprays such as Flonase are considered eligible medical expenses under IRS guidelines and can be reimbursed through an HSA. Thanks to the CARES ACT, OTC medications can be covered without a prescription. However, it’s still important to keep detailed records in case you are required to show proof of the expense.
Allergy shots are generally considered eligible expenses for an HSA. This typically includes the cost of the injections themselves, as well as expenses such as office visits and allergy testing. Be sure to keep receipts and any documentation from your healthcare professional. It’s also a good idea to check with your HSA provider or tax professional to confirm which expenses are eligible.
The bottom line
Paying for seasonal, environmental, or food allergy products with funds in either an HSA or FSA can save you money. You don’t pay taxes on the money deposited to either an FSA or HSA. This helps your hard-earned dollars stretch farther when paying for medical expenses.
Why trust our experts?
References
Internal Revenue Service. (2024). Publication 502 (2024), medical and dental expenses.
