Smart Summer Spending: What to Buy With Your FSA or HSA This Season

Planning a summer getaway? Whether it’s a beach vacation, camping trip, or cross-country road adventure, smart healthcare account holders know their FSA and HSA funds can stretch further than most realize. Beyond typical medical expenses, these flexible and health savings accounts unlock coverage for a surprising range of seasonal wellness products that keep you comfortable and protected throughout the warmest months of the year.

Sun Protection as Your First Priority

When the sun is blazing, dermatologist-recommended sunscreen becomes non-negotiable. The excellent news is that your FSA or HSA covers virtually every sunscreen option available. Whether you prefer lightweight sprays, convenient sticks, rich lotions, or oils, you’ll find eligible products in SPF 15 through 50+ at most major retailers. This means you can prioritize higher SPF protection without worrying about the expense.

Equally important is protecting your lip area from UV damage. While standard lip balm with SPF qualifies, many people don’t realize that tinted lip balm with SPF is also FSA/HSA eligible. Retailers like Walmart offer options such as Burt’s Bees SPF tinted varieties with nourishing shea butter starting around $4.74, with comparable pricing at Walgreens.

Addressing Digestive Discomfort Away From Home

Travel inevitably brings dietary adventures—and sometimes digestive challenges. Changing eating habits, unfamiliar cuisines, and irregular routines can trigger heartburn, indigestion, or other gastrointestinal issues that disrupt your vacation plans. Fortunately, your FSA or HSA covers the remedies you need.

Products like Tums and Pepto-Bismol are both covered, allowing you to treat these common travel-related ailments without dipping into personal funds. This coverage means you can confidently try new restaurants and local specialties while maintaining digestive comfort.

Managing Motion and Travel Nausea

Road trips and water-based activities are summer staples, but they come with motion sickness risks. If you’re susceptible to seasickness, car sickness, or general nausea while traveling, your FSA or HSA will cover proven motion sickness products like Dramamine. Having these remedies on hand ensures that transportation challenges won’t sideline your summer adventures.

Staying Optimally Hydrated

Maintaining proper hydration during warm weather requires more than plain water, especially during outdoor activities or extended sun exposure. Electrolyte-enriched beverages and solutions help your body retain fluids and maintain essential mineral balance—and your FSA or HSA covers them.

Products such as Pedialyte AdvancedCare Electrolyte Solution are specifically designed for active individuals and are fully eligible for purchase with your healthcare accounts. Stocking these items before your trip ensures you stay energized and properly hydrated throughout your summer activities.

Pain and Soreness Relief Solutions

Active summer days—whether hiking, swimming, or simply sightseeing—can leave muscles sore and trigger occasional headaches. Your FSA or HSA supports various pain management options to keep discomfort from limiting your fun.

Physical remedies like reusable hot and cold compresses (available at retailers like Walmart in small or large sizes for $5.98 or $11.96 respectively) provide drug-free relief. For oral pain management, over-the-counter options including Tylenol, Advil, and similar remedies are all covered by your FSA or HSA accounts.

Emergency Preparedness With First Aid Kits

No summer traveler should leave home without a properly stocked first aid kit. Your FSA or HSA makes it affordable to purchase a comprehensive travel-sized kit tailored to your needs. The Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable First Aid Kit, featuring 80 pieces of essential supplies, is available through online retailers like Amazon for approximately $9.39.

Having immediate access to bandages, antiseptic, gauze, and other basics means minor injuries won’t derail your plans or force unnecessary emergency room visits.

Combating Seasonal Allergies

Summer brings multiple allergy triggers beyond spring pollen. Ragweed, mold spores, dust mites, and increased atmospheric smog can irritate eyes, nasal passages, and airways, making outdoor enjoyment uncomfortable. Fortunately, your FSA or HSA covers over-the-counter allergy management solutions comprehensively.

Eye drops, saline nasal sprays, and oral antihistamines are all eligible purchases. Having these remedies readily available ensures that environmental allergens won’t diminish your summer experience.

Maximizing Your Healthcare Accounts This Season

Understanding what to buy with your FSA or HSA expands far beyond prescription medications and doctor visits. By strategically using these accounts for summer wellness products, you’re essentially prepaying for healthcare with pre-tax dollars—generating real savings throughout the season. Whether you’re addressing preventive concerns like sun protection or managing temporary travel-related issues, your healthcare accounts serve as a practical budget tool for maintaining wellness while enjoying your summer plans.