When planning a trip, most people focus on booking flights, accommodations, and excursions while trying to stay within budget. However, one often-overlooked financial tool that can help offset travel-related expenses is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). If your employer offers an FSA such as the Benepass flexible spending account as part of your benefits package, you might be able to use it to cover key expenses related to personal travel, medical needs on the go, and wellness costs.
FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare expenses, making them an excellent way to save money throughout the year—including when you are traveling. Whether you are dealing with travel-related medical expenses, stocking up on necessary health supplies, or even considering certain wellness treatments before a trip, an FSA can make travel more affordable and stress-free.
Here is how you can strategically use your FSA to make your travels smoother and more cost-effective.
Understanding Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-advantaged account that allows employees to set aside pre-tax income for eligible medical and health-related expenses. Since the funds are deducted before taxes, you save money by reducing your taxable income.
The annual contribution limit for an FSA in 2024 is $3,200.
Most FSAs require you to use the funds within the plan year, though some employers offer a grace period or allow a limited carryover of unused funds.
FSAs cover a wide range of medical and wellness expenses, from prescriptions and doctor visits to travel-friendly health essentials.
Now, let’s explore how an FSA can specifically help with travel-related expenses.
Covering Medical Expenses While Traveling
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, and having an FSA can help you prepare for the unexpected. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, you may need medical care, and an FSA can reimburse you for qualifying costs.
Some travel-related medical expenses covered by FSAs include:
Doctor or urgent care visits in case of illness or injury while traveling.
Prescription medications, including emergency refills obtained during a trip.
First-aid kits, pain relievers, and bandages that you may need while away.
Travel vaccinations and preventive medications, such as malaria pills, for international trips.
Before your trip, check with your FSA provider to confirm what travel-related medical expenses are covered and whether you need to submit receipts for reimbursement.
Stocking Up on Travel-Friendly Health Essentials
Many over-the-counter health products that make travel safer and more comfortable are FSA-eligible. Instead of paying out of pocket, you can purchase these items with pre-tax dollars and save money.
Some FSA-eligible travel essentials include:
Motion sickness medication such as Dramamine or Sea-Bands.
Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and lip balm with SPF protection.
Allergy relief medication for seasonal or regional allergies.
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headaches or muscle soreness.
Cold and flu medications, especially useful if you are flying.
Contact lenses, solution, and eye drops for dry air travel conditions.
Compression socks for preventing swelling on long flights.
Many online retailers allow you to filter FSA-eligible products, making it easier to shop for travel health essentials.
Photo by Jason Toevs
Using Your FSA for Wellness Before Travel
Certain healthcare expenses incurred before travel may be eligible for reimbursement under a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), especially those aimed at preserving health prior to the trip. These can include chiropractic manipulations and physiotherapy, which may be beneficial for individuals planning for long flights or extended travel. Additionally, acupuncture and therapeutic massage could be covered if they are medically necessary and prescribed by a physician. Optometric evaluations and corrective eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses, might also qualify for reimbursement if they are deemed essential for the upcoming travel.
Emergency Medical Expenses While Abroad
International travel comes with higher medical risks, as many U.S. health insurance plans do not cover care in other countries. While an FSA does not cover travel insurance, it can be used for out-of-pocket international medical expenses.
Some FSA-eligible international expenses include:
Doctor and hospital visits for minor illnesses or injuries.
Prescription medications prescribed by a doctor while abroad.
Medical devices such as crutches, braces, or splints in case of an injury.
If you need medical care while traveling internationally, be sure to keep receipts and detailed documentation to submit for FSA reimbursement.
Maximizing Your FSA for Travel: Key Tips
To maximize the benefits of your FSA for travel, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Utilize your FSA funds to purchase necessary medical supplies for your trip in advance. Stay mindful of deadlines, as most FSAs operate on a “use-it-or-lose-it” basis, requiring you to spend the remaining balance before the plan year concludes. For a more convenient shopping experience, consider using FSA-approved online retailers for eligible travel products. Lastly, remember to retain all receipts, as certain FSA expenses, especially medical care during travel, necessitate documentation for reimbursement.
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is not just for routine doctor visits—it can be a valuable tool for making travel more affordable. Whether you are covering medical expenses on the go, stocking up on travel health essentials, or preparing for an international trip, an FSA can help you save money while ensuring you have access to the healthcare products and services you need.
If you have an FSA through your employer, take full advantage of it, especially if you travel frequently. A little planning can go a long way in reducing out-of-pocket costs and making sure you are prepared for any health-related travel needs.
Thinking about an upcoming trip? Now is the perfect time to check your FSA balance and use it wisely.
When planning a trip, most people focus on booking flights, accommodations, and excursions while trying to stay within budget. However, one often-overlooked financial tool that can help offset travel-related expenses is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). If your employer offers an FSA such as the Benepass flexible spending account as part of your benefits package, you might be able to use it to cover key expenses related to personal travel, medical needs on the go, and wellness costs.
FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare expenses, making them an excellent way to save money throughout the year—including when you are traveling. Whether you are dealing with travel-related medical expenses, stocking up on necessary health supplies, or even considering certain wellness treatments before a trip, an FSA can make travel more affordable and stress-free.
Here is how you can strategically use your FSA to make your travels smoother and more cost-effective.
Understanding Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-advantaged account that allows employees to set aside pre-tax income for eligible medical and health-related expenses. Since the funds are deducted before taxes, you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Now, let’s explore how an FSA can specifically help with travel-related expenses.
Covering Medical Expenses While Traveling
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, and having an FSA can help you prepare for the unexpected. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, you may need medical care, and an FSA can reimburse you for qualifying costs.
Some travel-related medical expenses covered by FSAs include:
Before your trip, check with your FSA provider to confirm what travel-related medical expenses are covered and whether you need to submit receipts for reimbursement.
Stocking Up on Travel-Friendly Health Essentials
Many over-the-counter health products that make travel safer and more comfortable are FSA-eligible. Instead of paying out of pocket, you can purchase these items with pre-tax dollars and save money.
Some FSA-eligible travel essentials include:
Many online retailers allow you to filter FSA-eligible products, making it easier to shop for travel health essentials.
Using Your FSA for Wellness Before Travel
Certain healthcare expenses incurred before travel may be eligible for reimbursement under a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), especially those aimed at preserving health prior to the trip. These can include chiropractic manipulations and physiotherapy, which may be beneficial for individuals planning for long flights or extended travel. Additionally, acupuncture and therapeutic massage could be covered if they are medically necessary and prescribed by a physician. Optometric evaluations and corrective eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses, might also qualify for reimbursement if they are deemed essential for the upcoming travel.
Emergency Medical Expenses While Abroad
International travel comes with higher medical risks, as many U.S. health insurance plans do not cover care in other countries. While an FSA does not cover travel insurance, it can be used for out-of-pocket international medical expenses.
Some FSA-eligible international expenses include:
If you need medical care while traveling internationally, be sure to keep receipts and detailed documentation to submit for FSA reimbursement.
Maximizing Your FSA for Travel: Key Tips
To maximize the benefits of your FSA for travel, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Utilize your FSA funds to purchase necessary medical supplies for your trip in advance. Stay mindful of deadlines, as most FSAs operate on a “use-it-or-lose-it” basis, requiring you to spend the remaining balance before the plan year concludes. For a more convenient shopping experience, consider using FSA-approved online retailers for eligible travel products. Lastly, remember to retain all receipts, as certain FSA expenses, especially medical care during travel, necessitate documentation for reimbursement.
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is not just for routine doctor visits—it can be a valuable tool for making travel more affordable. Whether you are covering medical expenses on the go, stocking up on travel health essentials, or preparing for an international trip, an FSA can help you save money while ensuring you have access to the healthcare products and services you need.
If you have an FSA through your employer, take full advantage of it, especially if you travel frequently. A little planning can go a long way in reducing out-of-pocket costs and making sure you are prepared for any health-related travel needs.
Thinking about an upcoming trip? Now is the perfect time to check your FSA balance and use it wisely.
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