Daniel Stewart

Is Sunblock HSA Eligible?

If you have a health savings account (HSA), you're already taking significant steps to secure your financial future and prepare yourself for medical expenses as they come. But are you using your HSA to its full potential? Many people ask their HSA administrator questions about what qualifies as an eligible medical expense.

Of course, you can use your HSA for doctor's visits, surgeries, and other high-cost procedures. But there are many more qualified expenses that most people don't realize their HSA will cover. One example is sunscreen!

Can You Use Your HSA to Buy Sunscreen?

Believe it or not, both physical and chemical sunscreens are HSA-eligible purchases. You're not limited to type or brand, either. You can use your HSA to pay for standard face sunscreens, sports-focused products, those made for kids, and even unique formulas that contain insect-repellant or other additives.

The only exception is cosmetics with added SPF. Some examples include makeup foundations or suntan lotions with SPF protection. While those products can help keep you safe from harmful UV rays, they're cosmetics first. The SPF protection comes secondary, making it ineligible for HSA coverage.

But for anything that's primarily sunscreen, you're good to go!

Why is Sunscreen a Qualifying Purchase?

You might ask your HSA administrator why this product is covered over something that's not. It does seem a bit unorthodox given the purpose of these tax-advantaged accounts.

Ultimately, it comes down to what sunscreen can do. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone wear waterproof sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection. The organization recommends using products with at least 30 SPF every day.

Sunscreen is a preventative measure that can help you avoid future medical issues. It's key to keeping yourself safe from skin cancer and related problems. Daily use reportedly reduces your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by around 40 percent and melanoma by 50 percent.

Using sunscreen now can help save thousands in the future. It's akin to taking preventative prescription drugs to lower heart disease or diabetes risks. It's a small price to pay for a healthier tomorrow.

Author Resource:-

Daniel Stewart has been helping people with their money management and personal finance with over 15 years' experience in business finance. You can find his thoughts at HSA investment advice blog.