Surprising FSA-Eligible Items You’ll Actually Use (and Probably Didn’t Know About)

If you’re anything like me, reading the words “Flexible Spending Account” used to make me skip over faster than you can imagine, but hear me out. Once I realized how many everyday things actually count as FSA-eligible, I started treating my FSA like a secret savings hack, and it is one!

It is not just about first aid kits and contact lens solution anymore (though yes, those count). There is a whole world of unexpected products your FSA dollars can cover…from travel must-haves to items for your service dog. Your FSA lets you set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck for eligible health-related expenses. The big perk? You do not pay taxes on that money, ZERO, which means you are basically saving up to 30% on stuff you were already going to buy anyway. Here is the kicker: you usually have to use it or lose it by the end of the year. Which is why knowing what you can actually spend it on is key.

So, if you are curious about some of these items I am talking about, then, be ready to look through these lists to help answer…”Wait! That’s FSA eligible?!?!”

Wellness + Self-Care Items:

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Whether you’re stationed somewhere tropical or just trying not to fry like a lobster during summer, your SPF habit is totally covered.
• Lip Balm with SPF: Yes, some chapsticks can be FSA-approved.
• Acne Treatments: From spot gels to medicated face washes, all eligible.
• Menstrual Care Products: pads, tampons, cups, liners…ALL qualify now.
• Hot and Cold Therapy Packs: Think heating pads for during that time of the month or cold compresses after a long run.
• Smart Health Products: The Oura Ring tracks sleep, readiness, heart rate variability, temperature and more, and yes, it’s FSA/HSA eligible. 

If you’ve ever had a cross-country PCS and realized halfway through that you forgot something medical, these will be your new go-tos.

Travel and PCS-Friendly Finds:

• Motion Sickness Bands or Meds: Long drives or flights? Covered.
• First Aid Kits: Keep one in your car, your everyday purse or backpack, and your new home.
• Compression Socks: Not just for Grandma…long flights or standing all day at work? Eligible and life-changing. I promise. 
• Eye Masks and Heat compresses: Tired eyes from night shifts or too much screen time? Yep, covered too. 

Here’s something most people don’t know, if you have a service animal, some of their care expenses can be FSA-eligible too.

That Includes:

• Veterinary Care: for your service animal
• Grooming: cleanliness is part of their health and function
• Food: it’s a medical necessity for their work
• Training Expenses: when it’s directly related to maintaining their service skills

You’ll just want documentation showing that your dog is indeed a legit service animal. Emotional support pets don’t qualify, but for trained service dogs, these costs can add up, and your FSA can help offset them.

A Few More Everyday Items that Might Surprise You:

• Kinesiology Tape (KT tape): For muscle support after workouts or injuries.
• Digital Thermometers: Great to have in your travel kit or home cabinet.
• Blood Pressure Monitors: Especially helpful if you’re tracking your health post-service.
• Baby Monitors (with Health Tracking): If it tracks breathing, temperature, or oxygen, it might count! 
• Red Light Therapy Devices: Yep, certain red or infrared light therapy devices can qualify, especially those marketed for muscle recovery, joint pain, or skin treatment. Some plans may ask for a Letter of Medical Necessity, so double-check your FSA rules before you click “add to cart.”
• 24k Acupuncture Ear Seeds: These gems aren’t just for spa days, several brands list them as FSA/HSA eligible for pain, stress relief, and overall wellness.

Places like “Our FSA Footprint” section of our Amazon storefront FSA/HSA section are absolute goldmines. You can literally scroll and see what is eligible and stock up before your funds expire. Plus, there are no awkward checkout moments wondering what counts and what doesn’t. Your local Commissary often carries a lot of FSA-eligible health and wellness essentials like sunscreen, first aid kits, pain relief items, and more. It’s an easy way to grab what you need while you are already running errands.

It is easy to forget about your FSA until that reminder email hits in December. Set a quarterly reminder in your phone to check your balance, that way you can spend a little at a time instead of panic-ordering 12 bottles of sunscreen on December 31st to use all of your funds. And if you have dependents or a spouse, remember: their eligible items count too, like family prescriptions, glasses, thermometers, all fair game.

Once you realize how flexible it actually is, you will start to see it less like a benefit and more like a smart budgeting move. Sign up now for next year while open enrollment is happening (through 12/8/2025), trust me, I regret not signing up! Grab those everyday essentials you didn’t even realize you could save money on, because hey, I’m just saying if Uncle Sam’s giving you a tax break for your sunscreen, dog food, or smart health gear, you might as well take advantage of it.

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Finance!