Summer is in full swing, which means vacations, grilling out, and more time spent outside. Along with all this summer fun, you’ll probably also have to make some purchases to help feel your best throughout the season.
Here’s the best part: If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), you can pay for many of those expenses using tax-free funds.
Check out the list below of items covered by an FSA to help you make the most of summer… and your FSA account.
(Note: Before making any purchases, read your plan’s guidelines and check with your plan administrator for special guidance regarding your individual plan.)
1. Sunscreen (and Sunscreen Lip Balm!)
Sunscreen is a summer necessity that doesn’t necessarily come cheap. A single bottle can cost $10 on the low end, and twin packs or high-end brands can cost more than $20. So why not use pre-tax money to cover those costs? Sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher, and protects against ultraviolet UV-A and UV-B radiation, is FSA eligible. Those same guidelines apply to a wide variety of sunscreens on the market, including children’s sunscreen, sunscreen for babies, travel-sized sunscreen, and water-resistant sunscreen, so you can use your flexible spending account to help protect all members of the family during a variety of outdoor activities. And don’t forget your lips! Lip balm with an SPF of 15 or greater can protect your lips from sun exposure and is an eligible expense as well.2. Aloe Vera Gel
With so much fun in the sun, everyone forgets to reapply their sunscreen from time to time. If the sun’s ultraviolet rays have your skin looking red and feeling hot (in a bad way), you may want to seek out aloe vera creams and gels, calamine lotion, or other sunburn creams or ointments of choice. While these are generally over-the-counter products, these items become FSA-eligible expenses with a prescription from your doctor. You can also buy them online from FSA Store without a doctor’s note.3. Bandages and Other First Aid Items
If you or your little ones are spending more time outside, you might also be acquiring some cuts, scrapes, bumps, and bruises in the process. The good news is that bandages and first aid kits are also FSA eligible. In fact, bandages, tape, gauze, wound care items, and ice packs are all eligible for FSA reimbursement. If you’re low on supplies, use your FSA to purchase a family-sized first aid kit to keep in your car or with your camping gear.4. Sunglasses
That’s right, prescription sunglasses are covered by your FSA! So those stylish frames you’ve been eyeing can be yours using pre-tax dollars. Ultraviolet rays from the sun have been linked to medical conditions including cataracts, corneal sunburn, skin cancer around the eyes, and macular degeneration – a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. Prescription sunglasses should block most or all of UV-A and UV-B radiation to offer health benefits. Keep in mind that the coating that blocks UV rays is clear, so darker lenses aren’t necessarily more effective.5. Motion Sickness Medication
Going on a cruise? Roadtripping with little ones who have sensitive tummies? Or maybe you’re just spending the day at your favorite theme park. Your FSA can be used to buy a variety of motion sickness treatments. Options include over-the-counter motion sickness wristbands, which are designed to utilize acupressure to prevent motion sickness, as well as Dramamine, Meclizine, and other motion sickness medications – but only if you have a prescription.6. Shoe Insoles
Are you someone that enjoys a long summer run? Maybe a hike in the woods? If you anticipate dramatically increasing your walking, jogging, hiking, or running this summer, you may want to use your FSA funds to pick up shoe insoles, inserts, and/or cushioning products. FSA Store has a variety of shoe insoles to help with heel pain, arch support, and more. And if you pulled a muscle during your adventure, several pain relievers, including hot and cold packs, are FSA eligible as well.7. Itch Relief
We’ve all been there: you’ve spent a beautiful day outside, only to find that you’ve ended up with a horrible rash and a litany of bug bites. Never fear: you can find relief by using your FSA funds on anti-itch creams, insect-bite relief, and other itch-relieving lotions. Preventative bug sprays, however, are not covered.
