What are unreimbursed qualified medical expenses?

Qualified medical expenses for HSA purposes are unreimbursed (not covered by insurance provider) medical expenses that could otherwise be deducted on Schedule A (Form 1040). For example, if you have a $1,000 hospital bill and your insurance covers $800 and you use your HSA to pay for the $200 that you owe, then the $200 is unreimbursed medical expenses paid for by your HSA.

The definition of what constitutes a qualified medical expense is very broad and includes expenses to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease. However, cosmetic surgery is not deductible unless it is related to disfigurement from a congenital abnormality, accidental injury, or a disfiguring disease. Other examples of nondeductible medical expenses are nonprescription drugs, doctor prescribed travel for "rest," and expenses for the improvement of your general health such as a weight loss program or health club fees (the weight loss program is deductible if it is to treat a specific disease).

Examples of deductible medical expenses include:
  • Acupuncture
  • Alcoholism treatment
  • Ambulance costs
  • Birth control pills
  • Child birth classes
  • Chiropractors
  • Contact lenses
  • Crutches
  • Dentist
  • Dentures
  • Doctor fees
  • Drug addiction treatment
  • Prescription drugs
  • Dyslexia reading programs and tutors
  • Eye examination and glasses
  • Guide dogs
  • Health insurance
  • Hearing aids
  • Hospital bills
  • Insulin
  • Laboratory fees
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Nursing home (if for medical treatment)
  • Optometrist
  • Osteopath
  • Physical therapy
  • Psychiatrist
  • Psychologist
  • Travel to medical clinics
  • Vasectomy
  • Wheelchair


With the overturning of Roe v Wade, abortions are deductible if performed in a state where the procedure is legally allowed.

This list does not contain every medical deduction available.

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