Yes, mileage for travel to receive medical care is eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), as long as the travel is primarily for and essential to receiving qualified medical services.
Why Is Mileage for Medical Travel FSA/HSA Eligible?
When you use your personal vehicle to travel to medical appointments, procedures, or pharmacy visits, the miles driven can be reimbursed using FSA or HSA funds. Under IRS Code Section 213(d), transportation expenses necessary for medical care are considered qualified medical expenses.
According to IRS Publication 502, this includes mileage, parking fees, and tolls associated with obtaining medical care for yourself, your spouse, or a qualifying dependent.
FSA- and HSA-eligible mileage expenses may include:
Driving to medical appointments (doctor, dentist, therapist, etc.)
Traveling to diagnostic labs, outpatient procedures, or surgeries
Trips to a pharmacy to fill a prescription
Transportation to a hospital for inpatient or outpatient care
Travel for medical treatment of a dependent when you are the caregiver
The IRS sets a standard mileage rate for medical travel, which often increases over time based on inflation. To view the current mileage reimbursement rate, visit the IRS Standard Mileage Rates page.
What’s Not Covered?
The following are not eligible:
Travel not directly related to medical care
Mileage associated with general wellness or fitness activities
Driving to non-qualified services (e.g., cosmetic procedures)
Commuting to work at a medical facility (if you're the employee)
Accompanying someone who does not require medical assistance
To qualify, the travel must be necessary to obtain medical care, and the care must meet IRS eligibility standards.
How to Use Your FSA or HSA for Medical Mileage
Most FSA and HSA providers require manual documentation of mileage expenses. Here's how to ensure successful reimbursement:
Keep a log of each trip that includes the date, medical provider or facility, and round-trip mileage
Multiply the miles driven by the current IRS-approved medical mileage rate (available here)
Submit your log and any relevant supporting documentation (such as appointment confirmations or receipts) to your FSA or HSA administrator
For more information, refer to IRS Publication 502.
