Can You Use an FSA or HSA for IVF? What’s Eligible, What Isn’t, and How to Save 

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most effective fertility treatments available, but it can also be expensive. Across the U.S., the total cost of IVF often reaches $24,000 or more per cycle once medications, monitoring, anesthesia, and lab services are included. 

Because IVF is a medical treatment for infertility, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be a great way to reduce out-of-pocket costs. These accounts allow you to pay for eligible IVF expenses using pre-tax dollars, which can lower the effective cost of treatment by roughly 20–30%, depending on your tax bracket. 

Below, we’ll explain when IVF qualifies for FSA or HSA reimbursement, which costs are typically eligible, how contribution limits affect planning, and what documentation you may need. 

Fast Facts: FSA & HSA for IVF 

• IVF is commonly considered a qualified medical expense under IRS rules 
• You can often use FSA or HSA funds, whether or not you have insurance 
• HSA funds roll over year to year and can be saved in advance 
• FSA and HSA funds can generally be used for you or your spouse 
• Long-term embryo storage is often not eligible 

Is IVF FSA or HSA Eligible? 

In most cases, yes. 

IVF is generally considered a qualified medical expense because it is used to diagnose or treat infertility, which is widely recognized as a medical condition under IRS guidelines. 

That said, eligibility and documentation requirements vary by plan. Some administrators may require itemized billing or diagnosis codes, while others process IVF expenses without additional documentation. 

Your plan administrator has the final authority on eligibility and reimbursement decisions. 

How Much Can FSA or HSA Save You on IVF? 

When IVF qualifies as a medical expense, using pre-tax FSA or HSA funds can meaningfully reduce the effective cost of treatment. 

The example below uses CNY Fertility’s IVF cycle cost of $7,295, which includes monitoring and medications. Actual savings depend on your tax bracket and how much you have available in FSA or HSA funds. 

IVF pricing varies widely across the U.S. While higher-priced IVF can generate larger tax savings in absolute dollars, lower baseline treatment costs still result in a much lower total out-of-pocket cost, even after tax advantages are applied.

This is why clinic pricing remains one of the most important factors in overall affordability. 

Contribution Limits Matter 

Annual contribution limits often determine how much of an IVF cycle you can realistically pay for using FSA or HSA funds. 

For 2026, IRS contribution limits include: 

• Health Care FSA (HCFSA): up to $3,400 per individual, with limited carryover if allowed by your employer 
• Health Savings Account (HSA): 
• $4,400 for self-only coverage 
• $8,750 for family coverage 
  (includes both employee and employer contributions) 

Because IVF costs often exceed a single year’s contribution limit, FSAs and HSAs are typically used to cover a portion of treatment, with the remaining balance paid out of pocket or through financing. 

HSA funds roll over year to year, allowing balances to build over time. 

How FSAs and HSAs Work 

FSAs and HSAs allow you to pay for qualified medical expenses using pre-tax dollars, reducing the effective cost of care. 

Health Care FSA (Health FSA) 

A Health Care FSA is: 

• Offered through employers 
• Funded via pre-tax payroll deductions 
• Subject to an annual contribution limit set by federal rules 
• Typically, use it or lose it, though some plans allow a small carryover or grace period 
• Available for qualified medical expenses for you, your spouse, and your tax dependents 

FSAs are often best suited for planned, near-term fertility expenses. 

Health Savings Account (HSA) 

An HSA is: 

• Available only if you are enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan 
• Funded by you, your employer, or both, up to annual contribution limits 
• Fully portable and remains yours even if you change jobs or health plans 
• Funds roll over year to year without expiration 
• Balances can often be invested once they reach a minimum threshold 
• Available for qualified medical expenses for you, your spouse, and your tax dependents 

HSAs are often better suited for larger or longer-term fertility expenses, particularly when balances have been built up over time. 

What IVF Costs Are Typically Eligible 

When IVF is covered as a medical expense, the following services are commonly considered eligible for FSA or HSA reimbursement: 

• Fertility testing and diagnostic bloodwork 
• Ultrasound monitoring 
• Ovarian stimulation medications 
• Egg retrieval procedure 
• Anesthesia 
• Fertilization and embryology lab services 
• Embryo culture and development 
• Embryo transfer (fresh or frozen) 
• Medications related to IVF treatment 

Most plans require expenses to be medically necessary and properly documented. 

Expenses That May Be Limited or Excluded 

Some IVF-related expenses may be limited or excluded depending on your plan. 

Embryo Storage 

• May qualify: short-term storage directly tied to an active IVF treatment plan 
• Often not eligible: long-term or indefinite storage 

Non-Medical or Optional Services 

• Non-medical administrative fees 
• Experimental or investigational procedures 
• Services not tied to treatment of infertility 

Always confirm eligibility with your plan administrator before treatment begins. 

Using FSA or HSA Funds for a Spouse or Dependent 

FSA and HSA funds can generally be used for qualified medical expenses for: 

• Yourself 
• Your spouse 
• An eligible tax dependent 

This means one partner’s FSA or HSA can often be used to pay for IVF-related expenses incurred by the other partner. 

Do You Need a Letter of Medical Necessity? 

Sometimes. 

Because IVF is widely recognized as a treatment for infertility, many plans do not require a Letter of Medical Necessity. However, some FSA or HSA administrators may still request documentation to support eligibility. 

This may include: 

• Diagnosis codes 
• Itemized billing 
• Provider documentation confirming infertility treatment 

Requirements vary by plan, so it is always a good idea to check with your plan administrator in advance to understand what documentation, if any, is required for reimbursement. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is IVF FSA or HSA eligible if you have insurance? 
Yes. IVF can be eligible for FSA or HSA reimbursement even if you have insurance. Eligibility is based on whether the expense qualifies as medical care, not whether insurance pays for it. 

Is IVF FSA or HSA eligible if you don’t have insurance? 
Yes. IVF does not require insurance coverage to qualify for FSA or HSA reimbursement when it is performed to diagnose or treat infertility. 

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for my spouse’s IVF? 
In most cases, yes. These accounts can generally be used for qualified medical expenses for you or your spouse. 

Are IVF medications FSA or HSA eligible? 
Yes. Medications prescribed as part of IVF treatment are typically considered eligible medical expenses. 

Are embryo storage fees covered? 
Sometimes. Short-term storage tied to an active IVF treatment plan may qualify. Long-term or indefinite storage usually does not. 

Can I combine financing with FSA or HSA reimbursement? 
Yes. Many patients use financing for upfront costs and submit eligible expenses for reimbursement from their FSA or HSA. 

Summary: IVF Expenses and FSA/HSA Eligibility 

Key Takeaway 

IVF is commonly considered a qualified medical expense under IRS rules, making it eligible for reimbursement through FSA and HSA accounts in many cases. While higher-cost IVF may generate larger tax savings in absolute dollars, lower baseline treatment costs still result in a significantly lower total out-of-pocket expense, even after tax advantages are applied. 

Using pre-tax funds, choosing an affordable clinic, and exploring financing options together can meaningfully reduce financial barriers to IVF. 

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Eligibility for FSA or HSA reimbursement varies by plan. Always consult your plan administrator or a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.