HSA/FSA
Are Compression Socks HSA/FSA Eligible & Where To Buy Them
Learn when compression socks qualify for HSA/FSA funds, what conditions make them eligible, and how to buy approved styles through trusted HSA/FSA shops.
Published: October 7, 2024
Last edited: Dec 12, 2025
Teddy Butz
Director of Product & Partner Marketing
Overview
Overview
Overview
🚀 Fast Facts: Are compression socks HSA/FSA-eligible?
Compression socks are often HSA-FSA-eligible
To qualify, the socks need to offer a certain level of compression and be used for a medical condition
The best way to buy compression socks is through an HSA/FSA eligible shop
Compression socks have become a go-to solution for people who deal with leg fatigue, swelling, circulation issues, or high-impact daily routines. With their popularity growing across healthcare and wellness spaces, many people who use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) wonder whether these helpful garments qualify as eligible medical expenses.
The good news: they often do — and with a few guidelines, you can easily purchase compression socks using tax-advantaged dollars. This guide outlines everything you need to know about eligibility rules, medical requirements, and the simplest ways to purchase compression socks with your HSA or FSA, including:
8 medical conditions that make compression socks HSA/FSA eligible
4 HSA & FSA approved compression socks you can buy using your plan directly
To begin, let’s look at whether compression socks qualify for HSA and FSA coverage and what determines eligibility.
Are compression socks HSA and FSA eligible?
Compression socks are commonly considered HSA and FSA eligible when they are purchased to treat or manage a diagnosed medical condition. The IRS classifies medical compression garments as eligible expenses when they serve a therapeutic purpose rather than a general comfort or lifestyle purpose.
Because compression socks can provide clinically recognized support for circulation, swelling, venous disorders, and post-surgical recovery, they often meet the criteria for reimbursement or direct HSA/FSA purchase.
Compression sock eligibility depends on two key factors:
The level of compression (mild, moderate, or medical-grade)
Whether the socks are prescribed or recommended for a documented medical condition
For example, low-compression styles marketed mainly for lifestyle use may not qualify without documentation, while medical-grade socks, particularly those measured in mmHg and used for diagnosed conditions, typically qualify more easily.
Do you always need a Letter of Medical Necessity to buy compression socks with your HSA/FSA?
Not always, but it’s not uncommon. A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required when the IRS considers a product potentially dual-purpose. Compression socks fall into this category because they can be used for comfort, travel, sports recovery, workplace standing support, medical treatment—or just as socks.
Here is when an LMN is typically needed:
When the compression socks are not explicitly labeled or billed as medical compression garments
When the socks offer mild or moderate compression but are marketed mainly for wellness or athletic performance
When your HSA/FSA provider requests documentation due to the nature of the purchase
If you ever receive an audit or reimbursement request, having documentation from a healthcare provider is extremely helpful.
8 medical conditions that make compression socks HSA/FSA eligible
Compression socks can be covered by HSA and FSA plans when they are used to treat or manage a medical condition diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Common conditions recognized by the IRS and healthcare providers include:
Varicose Veins and Spider Veins: Compression socks help support vein function and reduce blood pooling in the legs. They are widely recommended for both prevention and treatment.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Patients with CVI often rely on compression therapy to promote circulation and decrease swelling, making compression socks clearly eligible with proper documentation.
Edema (Leg Swelling): Whether caused by vascular issues, post-injury inflammation, or pregnancy, edema is frequently treated with compression garments.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Prevention: Compression socks help maintain blood flow in individuals at risk, such as those on long flights or recovering from surgery.
Post-Surgical Recovery: Surgeries involving the legs or vascular system often require compression therapy to prevent clotting and assist healing.
Pregnancy-Related Swelling and Circulation Issues: OB/GYNs commonly recommend compression socks to manage swelling, fatigue, and circulation changes during pregnancy.
Lymphedema: Medical compression garments are often prescribed to help manage this chronic condition.
Diabetes-Related Circulation Support: Some individuals with diabetes require physician-prescribed compression garments to maintain healthy blood flow.
For any condition above, a Letter of Medical Necessity greatly strengthens your eligibility and simplifies reimbursement.
How to buy compression socks using your HSA or FSA
Buying compression socks with HSA/FSA funds can be done in two ways: paying directly with your HSA/FSA card or submitting a reimbursement claim after purchasing them out of pocket. Here’s how to do either:
1. Pay with your HSA/FSA directly at checkout
This is the most convenient method. Many online retailers now categorize compression socks as HSA/FSA eligible and allow shoppers to use their HSA/FSA card at checkout. When accepted, the purchase is automatically processed as a qualified medical expense.
Where direct HSA/FSA payment works best:
Retailers featuring eligibility labels, like the ones featured in the Flex Marketplace
Medical supply stores
Brands offering certified medical-grade compression products
Benefits of paying directly:
No reimbursement paperwork
No waiting for claims approval
Instant confirmation that the item qualifies
If the retailer accepts the card but later discovers the product does not qualify, your provider may request documentation. Keeping your receipt and any medical notes is always smart.
Some stores in the Flex Marketplace offer socks and other compression products that are HSA and FSA eligible. Some of our favorites are Forme Science’s corrective Activewear, Copper Compression, with a sleeve for every body part, and Ezy Wrap, a leader in orthopedic braces.
2. Pay out of pocket and make a reimbursement claim
If you buy compression socks from a retailer that does not process HSA/FSA cards, you can still use your HSA/FSA account by submitting a claim. Most reimbursement processes require:
The purchase receipt
A Letter of Medical Necessity (if required by your provider)
The product description showing compression therapy use
Your HSA/FSA provider will approve or deny the claim based on IRS guidelines. Claims are usually processed quickly, and funds are reimbursed directly to your bank or HSA/FSA account. However, you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket when you make the purchase and wait to get reimbursed later on.
5 HSA & FSA approved compression socks you can buy using your plan directly
Trying to sift through online stores to find compression socks that are HSA/FSA eligible is challenging, but several brands make the process clear by labeling eligible items right on their product pages.
The following options are all available for direct purchase with your HSA or FSA card, and each one supports different needs ranging from everyday swelling control to targeted injury recovery.
Product | Description |
 | Forme Science offers HSA/FSA-eligible compression socks that support foot and ankle alignment. Their designs, including the Arch Booster Sock and Ankle Guard Sock, enhance stability, circulation, and daily comfort. |
 | Copper Compression provides ankle and knee-high compression options, sport-focused designs, and targeted support socks. Their collection helps manage swelling, soreness, and circulation needs across activity levels. |
 | Ezy Wrap offers medical-grade compression and orthopedic ankle supports that aid recovery, improve stability, and assist with swelling management. |
 | Heali delivers compression solutions for plantar fascia relief, combining supportive materials and targeted pressure to reduce heel pain during movement and recovery. |
 | BetterGuards features adaptive ankle support that functions alongside compression benefits. Their technology helps stabilize motion and reduce injury risk during activity. |
Summary
Compression socks qualify as HSA and FSA eligible medical expenses when they are used to manage conditions such as swelling, circulation issues, venous disorders, or injury recovery. Eligibility is strongest when the socks provide medical-grade compression or when a healthcare provider recommends them for a diagnosed condition. With the proper documentation (or by selecting products already labeled as eligible) most people can comfortably use their tax-advantaged funds to cover these purchases.
The simplest way to shop is through a dedicated HSA/FSA store, where items are clearly marked and purchases are processed without extra paperwork. Choosing this route helps ensure that your compression socks qualify and that you get the most value from your health benefits.
Visit the Flex Marketplace to streamline your shopping experience and make it easy to find verified eligible products.
🚀 Fast Facts: Are compression socks HSA/FSA-eligible?
Compression socks are often HSA-FSA-eligible
To qualify, the socks need to offer a certain level of compression and be used for a medical condition
The best way to buy compression socks is through an HSA/FSA eligible shop
Compression socks have become a go-to solution for people who deal with leg fatigue, swelling, circulation issues, or high-impact daily routines. With their popularity growing across healthcare and wellness spaces, many people who use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) wonder whether these helpful garments qualify as eligible medical expenses.
The good news: they often do — and with a few guidelines, you can easily purchase compression socks using tax-advantaged dollars. This guide outlines everything you need to know about eligibility rules, medical requirements, and the simplest ways to purchase compression socks with your HSA or FSA, including:
8 medical conditions that make compression socks HSA/FSA eligible
4 HSA & FSA approved compression socks you can buy using your plan directly
To begin, let’s look at whether compression socks qualify for HSA and FSA coverage and what determines eligibility.
Are compression socks HSA and FSA eligible?
Compression socks are commonly considered HSA and FSA eligible when they are purchased to treat or manage a diagnosed medical condition. The IRS classifies medical compression garments as eligible expenses when they serve a therapeutic purpose rather than a general comfort or lifestyle purpose.
Because compression socks can provide clinically recognized support for circulation, swelling, venous disorders, and post-surgical recovery, they often meet the criteria for reimbursement or direct HSA/FSA purchase.
Compression sock eligibility depends on two key factors:
The level of compression (mild, moderate, or medical-grade)
Whether the socks are prescribed or recommended for a documented medical condition
For example, low-compression styles marketed mainly for lifestyle use may not qualify without documentation, while medical-grade socks, particularly those measured in mmHg and used for diagnosed conditions, typically qualify more easily.
Do you always need a Letter of Medical Necessity to buy compression socks with your HSA/FSA?
Not always, but it’s not uncommon. A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required when the IRS considers a product potentially dual-purpose. Compression socks fall into this category because they can be used for comfort, travel, sports recovery, workplace standing support, medical treatment—or just as socks.
Here is when an LMN is typically needed:
When the compression socks are not explicitly labeled or billed as medical compression garments
When the socks offer mild or moderate compression but are marketed mainly for wellness or athletic performance
When your HSA/FSA provider requests documentation due to the nature of the purchase
If you ever receive an audit or reimbursement request, having documentation from a healthcare provider is extremely helpful.
8 medical conditions that make compression socks HSA/FSA eligible
Compression socks can be covered by HSA and FSA plans when they are used to treat or manage a medical condition diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Common conditions recognized by the IRS and healthcare providers include:
Varicose Veins and Spider Veins: Compression socks help support vein function and reduce blood pooling in the legs. They are widely recommended for both prevention and treatment.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Patients with CVI often rely on compression therapy to promote circulation and decrease swelling, making compression socks clearly eligible with proper documentation.
Edema (Leg Swelling): Whether caused by vascular issues, post-injury inflammation, or pregnancy, edema is frequently treated with compression garments.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Prevention: Compression socks help maintain blood flow in individuals at risk, such as those on long flights or recovering from surgery.
Post-Surgical Recovery: Surgeries involving the legs or vascular system often require compression therapy to prevent clotting and assist healing.
Pregnancy-Related Swelling and Circulation Issues: OB/GYNs commonly recommend compression socks to manage swelling, fatigue, and circulation changes during pregnancy.
Lymphedema: Medical compression garments are often prescribed to help manage this chronic condition.
Diabetes-Related Circulation Support: Some individuals with diabetes require physician-prescribed compression garments to maintain healthy blood flow.
For any condition above, a Letter of Medical Necessity greatly strengthens your eligibility and simplifies reimbursement.
How to buy compression socks using your HSA or FSA
Buying compression socks with HSA/FSA funds can be done in two ways: paying directly with your HSA/FSA card or submitting a reimbursement claim after purchasing them out of pocket. Here’s how to do either:
1. Pay with your HSA/FSA directly at checkout
This is the most convenient method. Many online retailers now categorize compression socks as HSA/FSA eligible and allow shoppers to use their HSA/FSA card at checkout. When accepted, the purchase is automatically processed as a qualified medical expense.
Where direct HSA/FSA payment works best:
Retailers featuring eligibility labels, like the ones featured in the Flex Marketplace
Medical supply stores
Brands offering certified medical-grade compression products
Benefits of paying directly:
No reimbursement paperwork
No waiting for claims approval
Instant confirmation that the item qualifies
If the retailer accepts the card but later discovers the product does not qualify, your provider may request documentation. Keeping your receipt and any medical notes is always smart.
Some stores in the Flex Marketplace offer socks and other compression products that are HSA and FSA eligible. Some of our favorites are Forme Science’s corrective Activewear, Copper Compression, with a sleeve for every body part, and Ezy Wrap, a leader in orthopedic braces.
2. Pay out of pocket and make a reimbursement claim
If you buy compression socks from a retailer that does not process HSA/FSA cards, you can still use your HSA/FSA account by submitting a claim. Most reimbursement processes require:
The purchase receipt
A Letter of Medical Necessity (if required by your provider)
The product description showing compression therapy use
Your HSA/FSA provider will approve or deny the claim based on IRS guidelines. Claims are usually processed quickly, and funds are reimbursed directly to your bank or HSA/FSA account. However, you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket when you make the purchase and wait to get reimbursed later on.
5 HSA & FSA approved compression socks you can buy using your plan directly
Trying to sift through online stores to find compression socks that are HSA/FSA eligible is challenging, but several brands make the process clear by labeling eligible items right on their product pages.
The following options are all available for direct purchase with your HSA or FSA card, and each one supports different needs ranging from everyday swelling control to targeted injury recovery.
Product | Description |
| Forme Science offers HSA/FSA-eligible compression socks that support foot and ankle alignment. Their designs, including the Arch Booster Sock and Ankle Guard Sock, enhance stability, circulation, and daily comfort. |
| Copper Compression provides ankle and knee-high compression options, sport-focused designs, and targeted support socks. Their collection helps manage swelling, soreness, and circulation needs across activity levels. |
| Ezy Wrap offers medical-grade compression and orthopedic ankle supports that aid recovery, improve stability, and assist with swelling management. |
| Heali delivers compression solutions for plantar fascia relief, combining supportive materials and targeted pressure to reduce heel pain during movement and recovery. |
| BetterGuards features adaptive ankle support that functions alongside compression benefits. Their technology helps stabilize motion and reduce injury risk during activity. |
Summary
Compression socks qualify as HSA and FSA eligible medical expenses when they are used to manage conditions such as swelling, circulation issues, venous disorders, or injury recovery. Eligibility is strongest when the socks provide medical-grade compression or when a healthcare provider recommends them for a diagnosed condition. With the proper documentation (or by selecting products already labeled as eligible) most people can comfortably use their tax-advantaged funds to cover these purchases.
The simplest way to shop is through a dedicated HSA/FSA store, where items are clearly marked and purchases are processed without extra paperwork. Choosing this route helps ensure that your compression socks qualify and that you get the most value from your health benefits.
Visit the Flex Marketplace to streamline your shopping experience and make it easy to find verified eligible products.
Flex is the easiest way for direct to consumer brands and retailers to accept HSA/FSA for their products. From fitness and nutrition, to sleep and mental health, Flex takes a holistic view of healthcare and enables consumers to use their pre-tax money to do the same.