What Is a Qualified Medical Expense for an HSA?

A health savings account, or HSA, provides a way to pay for medical expenses and save money for future medical bills.

Research

• A list of some of the qualified medical expenses can be found in the Internal Revenue Service's publication 502. Whether a specific item is covered is based on the facts and circumstances. The medical service must be given for the prevention or treatment of a physical or mental illness, according to the Department of the Treasury.

Family

• Medical expenses for a spouse and children are considered a qualified medical expense.

Premium

• A person can pay health care premiums using an HSA only if he is collecting unemployment benefits or is on COBRA health insurance from a previous employer.

Medical

• Examples of medical expenses covered are doctor visits, emergency room visits, hospitalization, prescription medications, dental expenses, medical equipment and supplies, tests and diagnostic services.

Travel

• Costs for travel to receive medical services are also a qualified medical expense.

Long-Term Care

• Long-term care services and the premiums for long-term care insurance may be paid with funds from a health savings account.