Yes, shipping fees are eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) when they are associated with the purchase of eligible medical products.
Why Are Shipping Fees FSA/HSA Eligible?
Shipping and delivery fees related to qualified medical expenses are considered reimbursable under IRS Code Section 213(d), as they are part of the total cost of obtaining medical care. If you're purchasing an eligible product—such as a blood pressure monitor, prescription medication, or over-the-counter medicine—any associated shipping or handling charges are also eligible for reimbursement.
IRS Publication 502 confirms that amounts paid for medical care can include related charges like shipping and delivery fees, as long as they are directly tied to an eligible item or service.
FSA- and HSA-eligible shipping charges may include:
Standard or expedited shipping on eligible purchases from online pharmacies or health retailers
Delivery fees for prescription medications or medical supplies
- Handling fees applied to orders of eligible over-the-counter medications or equipment
What’s Not Covered?
The following are not eligible:
Shipping fees applied to non-eligible products, such as cosmetics, general hygiene items, or supplements without a medical indication
Shipping fees for mixed carts where the majority of the order is non-eligible, unless itemized appropriately
Fees related to gift wrapping, subscription programs, or convenience add-ons
If the item you're purchasing isn’t FSA/HSA eligible, the associated shipping charge is also ineligible.
How to Use Your FSA or HSA for Shipping Fees
If you're using your FSA or HSA card to make a purchase, shipping charges are typically included automatically in your eligible transaction
If you pay out of pocket and plan to submit for reimbursement:
Save your itemized invoice that shows both the eligible item and the associated shipping cost
Ensure the shipping charge is clearly tied to an eligible medical purchase
Submit documentation to your FSA or HSA provider along with the eligible product receipt
For more information, consult IRS Publication 502.
