A Theragun, an Oura ring and 20 other surprising things you can get with your FSA money
NBC Select independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.
A flexible spending account (or FSA) is a benefit many companies offer, and it can be quite beneficial if you have medical expenses, whether they are minor or significant. Tax-free money is deducted from your paycheck each pay period to be set aside for health-related costs throughout the year. These days, more retailers are creating FSA-eligible hubs on their websites; Amazon launched its dedicated FSA/HSA store in 2017, allowing you to receive necessary items with quick, free delivery if you are a Prime member.
However, you might be surprised by what an FSA covers. Here is how it functions: When you start a new job or during open enrollment—a window of time when you can adjust your benefit elections for the upcoming year—you decide how much to contribute to the account. You must then spend those funds before the end of the calendar year. Many FSA programs provide a grace period, allowing you to use the money until March 15 of the following year. After that, any remaining funds revert to your employer.
Regarding what you can purchase with your FSA, the definition of a “medical expense” is quite broad. You can use it for items such as insurance deductibles, prescription copayments, specific treatments, and a variety of health-related products, including glasses, acne face washes, and even massage guns.
If you participate in an FSA, it is wise to use the funds throughout the year rather than waiting until December and rushing to spend the balance. To assist with this, I compiled a list of FSA-eligible products available on Amazon; some are practical daily necessities, while others feel like splurgy, yet medically relevant, treats.
Best overall
Zyrtec 24-Hour Allergy Relief Tablets
$21.99
Amazon
Learn more
Best FSA-eligible sunscreen
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
$45.00
Amazon
Learn more
Best FSA-eligible acne pick
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
$21.97
Amazon
Learn more
The best FSA-eligible items on Amazon
You can purchase FSA-eligible products in many locations, including local pharmacies and major retailers like Target and Walmart. Amazon features an FSA store that simplifies identifying what is covered. Additionally, Prime members receive fast, free shipping on many of these items.
Below, I have gathered a variety of FSA-eligible products available on Amazon. Every item on this list has either been recommended by experts in previous articles, comes highly suggested by NBC Select editors, or maintains at least a 4-star average rating from hundreds of Amazon reviews.
You can also use your FSA funds to stock up on allergy relief medications like Zyrtec, especially now that we are in the heart of allergy season. The bottle contains 30 pills, and you receive three travel packets, each holding one pill. The primary active ingredient in these antihistamine tablets is cetirizine hydrochloride, which treats indoor allergies caused by pet dander, mold, and dust, as well as seasonal outdoor allergies triggered by grass, weeds, and tree pollen.
This balm is featured in our guide to the best SPF lip balms. It is formulated with zinc oxide, a compound that physically blocks the sun’s rays to prevent them from penetrating your skin, according to experts I have consulted previously. In addition to providing UV protection, the brand notes that it contains sweet almond oil to hydrate the skin during use.
NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio deals with bad rosacea and says this face sunscreen is her go-to. “Many skin care products I try leave my skin looking red and create a burning feeling,” she says. “This is the only sunscreen I’ve ever tried that doesn’t irritate my skin at all.” The oil- and fragrance-free formula is non-comedogenic (it won’t clog pores) and has niacinamide to soothe skin.
You can use this antifungal cream twice daily for one week to help eliminate athlete’s foot. The primary ingredient is terbinafine hydrochloride, which targets and destroys fungus. Apply it to clean feet and use it only on the infected areas.
NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin keeps these nasal strips at home because she suffers from allergies, which can cause congestion and lead to snoring. They function by opening nasal passageways to facilitate easier breathing. “The nasal strips come in a pack of 26 and their adhesive has never irritated my sensitive skin,” she says. “I find that they usually stay in place overnight, too.”
You can use this antibiotic ointment on cuts and scrapes to help prevent bacterial infection. Experts have told us you can also use it to treat blisters for the same purpose. According to the brand, the formula contains bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate, and polymyxin to prevent skin infections. After cleaning a wound, you can apply it before covering the area with a bandage.
These drops are my personal choice for special events or occasions. They instantly brighten the whites of your eyes, helping you look more refreshed and awake. The effects last for up to eight hours, and the product is FDA-approved. I am not alone in my appreciation for these drops; they have garnered more than 10,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
While a massage feels wonderful, it also offers medical benefits, including reduced stress, boosted circulation, and increased range of motion, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This foot massager is heated and features three modes: full massage, kneading, and air pressure. The sleeves where you insert your feet are removable and machine washable, and the device accommodates up to a men’s size 11 foot.
This NBC Select Wellness Award winner contains adapalene, an over-the-counter retinoid frequently used to treat acne by cleaning pores and reducing inflammation. Experts also recommended it in our guide to treating acne scars. NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson says it is gentle on her reactive skin while remaining effective.
Experts recommend this salicylic acid cleanser in our guide to the best products for acne-prone skin. It also contains LHA (lipohydroxy acid), which dermatologists told us is gentle on the skin. According to the brand, the formula is free of parabens, fragrances, and oils, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
These pimple patches are made from hydrocolloid gel, which experts have previously explained can draw bacteria and oil out of blemishes. “I like that these are a little more translucent than other patches I’ve tried because they blend well with my skin tone and don’t scream ‘hey I’ve got a pimple,’” says former NBC Select’s editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez.
Podiatrists recommend these toe separators to alle According to the brand, this toe separator is crafted from comfortable, flexible gel and is both reusable and washable
When explaining how to clean your ears, experts warn against attempting to dig wax out of your canals, as it can be damaging. These drops contain cerumenolytic agents, which help loosen and soften excess earwax so it can be removed more easily, according to the brand.
This cervical traction device inflates to gently straighten and stretch your neck. It is constructed from fleece that feels soft against the skin, and you can easily adjust the tightness using the velcro straps when putting it on.
You can utilize heating pads for various purposes, including soothing menstrual cramps, back pain, and more. I own this heating pad and appreciate it because I can use it on larger areas, such as my shoulders and upper back. I also value the 9-foot cord, which makes it convenient to use on the couch or in bed, even if an outlet is not nearby. It features a two-hour auto shut-off and a slide-button controller with three heat settings.
I have been wearing contact lenses for nearly 25 years, and this has been my preferred solution for at least a decade. I find it gentle on my eyes, and I only need a drop or two to moisturize them after wearing my contacts all day. This saline solution is hydrating and can also clean your contacts if they become dirty or smudged. The box includes two 12-ounce bottles of solution and a plastic lens case.
Keep this 80-piece first-aid kit in your car trunk or medicine cabinet. It includes everything you might need for minor wounds, such as gauze, Tylenol, bandages, and Neosporin (which is also FSA-eligible). Everything is contained within an organized, easy-to-carry case.
You can hold this no-touch thermometer away from the forehead, and it will still provide an accurate reading. I have used it with my 4-year-old and find it quick and simple to operate. My daughter even enjoys helping by taking her own temperature. The digital screen not only displays the exact temperature but also glows green if there is no fever, yellow for a mild fever, and red for a moderate or high fever.
An at-home monitor can help you keep track of your numbers if you have concerns regarding your blood pressure. This model includes a cuff that fits most large adult arms and syncs with an app so you can store all your readings in one location. The backlit display shows your diastolic and systolic numbers in a large font, making it easy to read from a distance or if you have less-than-perfect vision.
Electrolyte mixes can rehydrate you after a workout, on a hot day, or whenever you feel slightly dehydrated. According to the brand, this mix contains both glucose and electrolytes to hydrate you quickly. Each box contains 14 single-use packets; you can mix one packet with up to 16 ounces of water. It is available in eight flavors, including lemonade, watermelon, and tropical punch.
The Wyze Scale X earned a spot on our list of the best smart scales because it is affordable and includes many features—such as bone and muscle mass metrics and compatibility with popular health apps like Apple Health—that one should look for in this type of device. The digital screen displays one metric at a time in white text and pairs with an app that can show trend charts. The battery life lasts up to 22 months using four disposable AAA batteries.
One of our favorite treatments for cracked heels, this ointment creates a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture. According to the brand, it contains ceramides to help restore the skin’s barrier and hyaluronic acid to hydrate. The ointment has received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, indicating it is suitable for sensitive skin.
This mouthwash, which comes in a two-pack, helps freshen your breath while strengthening enamel. It is alcohol-free and contains fluoride, which assists in preventing cavities.
If you consistently have a large amount of money remaining in your FSA account at the end of the year, consider splurging on a massage gun. Experts have previously recommended this model from Theragun, noting that it is quiet and the five built-in speeds allow for a more customized massage. You can also download the Therabody app, which suggests guided wellness routines based on your habits. The app can pair with Google Fit and Apple Health.
Another item worth considering if you have a significant amount of money left in your FSA halfway through the year is the Oura Ring 4, which helps you track activity, exercise, sleep, and other health-related statistics. You can pair it with an app to help you track goals and trends. It is made entirely from titanium and features an eight-day battery life. NBC Select tech reporter Harry Rabinowitz says the ring is comfortable and finds the health and sleep tracking to be particularly useful.
A flexible spending account (often referred to as an FSA) is a health benefit offered by some employers. You are able to deduct pre-tax money from your paycheck and funnel it into a separate account that you can use for specific medical and health care expenses, including products, treatments, and prescriptions.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sets a maximum on how much you can contribute to an FSA account each year; in 2025, that maximum was $3,300, while the limit for 2026 is set at $3,400. However, your employer may choose to set a lower limit.
There are a few ways that FSA accounts function. Many employers provide a debit card that you can use for eligible expenses. Other plans require you to submit receipts for eligible purchases so that you can be reimbursed after the fact.
You can use funds from your FSA account to pay for items such as trips to the emergency room, health insurance deductibles, doctor’s office copays, and prescriptions. Additionally, there are numerous medical and health-related products that you can purchase with your FSA money.
A wide array of products is available to everyone, while some—such as a sleep apnea machine—require a letter of medical necessity from a physician. Here, you will find a list of some of the product categories (some expected, some not so much) that are covered for most people under their FSA:
Over-the-counter medications, including allergy medicine
First-aid items like antiseptics and bandages
Covid-19 supplies, such as tests and masks
Contact lenses supplies and reading glasses
Vaporizers, inhalers, and nasal sprays
Other SPF products and sunscreen
Pregnancy and newborn-related items, like breast pumps and prenatal vitamins
Muscle therapy products, like back braces and massage guns
Why trust NBC Select?
I am a commerce editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers wellness, beauty, and lifestyle. For this article, I rounded up FSA-eligible items that are recommended by NBC Select staffers and experts.
