No, airfare for non-medical travel is not eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
Why Is Non-Medical Airfare Not FSA/HSA Eligible?
To qualify for FSA or HSA reimbursement, expenses must be primarily for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a medical condition as outlined by IRS Publication 502. Airfare is only considered eligible if it is directly related to obtaining or providing medical care. For example, airfare to travel to a hospital or specialist for a scheduled surgery or necessary treatment is eligible.
However, airfare for personal reasons—such as vacations, business trips, visiting family, or even accompanying someone to a medical appointment without receiving treatment yourself—is not covered. The key distinction is whether the travel is essential for receiving qualified medical care.
What’s Not Covered?
The following types of airfare are not FSA/HSA eligible:
Travel for leisure, family visits, or unrelated personal matters
Flights booked for general wellness retreats or fitness getaways
Travel for elective cosmetic procedures that do not treat a diagnosed medical condition
Companion airfare (unless required for medical reasons and the companion is a caregiver or guardian for a minor/dependent)
When Is Airfare Covered?
Airfare may be eligible when:
The primary purpose of the trip is to receive qualified medical care.
You are traveling to a hospital, clinic, or specialist for treatment.
You’re accompanying a dependent who requires care (e.g., a parent traveling with a child for surgery).
In these cases, additional documentation such as medical records, receipts, and a statement from your provider may be required by your FSA/HSA administrator.
For more details on medical travel eligibility, consult your benefits provider or refer to the official IRS Publication 502.
