What can you claim on a Health Spending Account?

Health Spending Accounts cover an extensive range of medical expenses, for which you can claim 100% of the cost. Yes, even high ticket items like your child's dental braces.

These types of expenses along with a thorough list of qualified medical practitioners, procedures, and medical devices make Health Spending Accounts a flexible alternative to health insurance. 

What is an Eligible Expense?

Unlike many traditional insurance plans, a Health Spending Account offers 100% coverage on a wide range of eligible expenses This includes not only routine medical costs but also more substantial and often costly procedures and treatments. Whether it's a necessary surgery, specialized medical equipment, or ongoing therapy sessions, a Health Spending Account provides comprehensive financial support.  

• Physiotherapy: if provided by a certified professional are eligible including the consultation fees.
• Vision: eye exams, glasses, eye contacts, and laser eye surgery are all eligible expenses.
• Private MRI: if approved by a licensed health care practitioner, then an MRI at a private clinic is eligible to claim in a HCSA.
• Health Insurance Premiums and Fees: you can claim your spouse's premiums if they have a traditional insurance plan. Premiums contributed to a private insurance plan are an eligible expense.
• Prescription Drugs: Medication prescribed by a medical practitioner is eligible.
• Licensed Massage Therapy: massage therapy from a licensed professional can be included in your HSA claims. This is one of the best and most unexpected perks of an HSA.
• Hearing Related Expenses: hearing aids and cochlear implants for the hearing impaired are eligible in a HSA along with other hearing needs that are needed for medical purposes.
• Dental: many types of dental expenses are eligible, including your routine checkup, dental implants, and some cosmetic procedures like veneers.
• Podiatrist: sore feet from that long hike or fishing trip? Pay a visit to your podiatrist as all of their services are eligible. 

Who determines the eligible expenses in an HSA?

The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) is responsible for determining the eligible expenses. If you claim a medical expense on your tax return, it will be eligible in the HSA as well. However, be sure not to double dip because you can't claim on both your tax return and the HSA. 

Download the complete list of HSA expenses you can claim:

Related Reading:

How does a Health Spending Account work in Canada?