Is Cold & Flu Medicine FSA/HSA Eligible?

Cold and flu medications are used to treat a variety of symptoms caused by viral infections, including nasal congestion, coughing, sore throat, body aches, fever, and fatigue. Because they are used to treat a diagnosable medical condition, these products qualify as eligible medical expenses under IRS Code Section 213(d).

Thanks to the CARES Act of 2020, over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medications are fully FSA- and HSA-eligible without a prescription. These include both multi-symptom treatments and single-symptom relief options.

FSA- and HSA-eligible cold and flu medications include:

• Daytime and nighttime multi-symptom relief (e.g., DayQuil®, NyQuil®, Theraflu®)
  
  

• Decongestants (e.g., Sudafed®, phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine-based tablets)
  
  

• Pain relievers and fever reducers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
  
  

• Products with cough suppressants or expectorants
  
  

• Children’s cold and flu medications labeled to treat specific symptoms

To qualify, the product must contain an active medicinal ingredient and be labeled as a treatment for a cold, flu, or upper respiratory illness.

Dietary supplements and herbal remedies are never FSA/HSA eligible, even if marketed for “immune support” or “cold season care.” These include products like vitamin C tablets, zinc lozenges, essential oils, or herbal teas that do not contain a recognized active ingredient.

Homeopathic cold and flu medicines are generally eligible if they contain an active medicinal ingredient and have a National Drug Code (NDC). These are considered OTC medications, not supplements.

Always confirm that the product is labeled and sold as a treatment for specific cold or flu symptoms—not just as a preventative or general wellness aid.