Can You Use HSA or FSA for Dental Tourism?

Good news: the IRS doesn't care where you get your dental work done. HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds can absolutely be used for qualified dental procedures performed abroad. The location of treatment doesn't matter—only whether the procedure itself qualifies.

What's Covered

Per IRS Publication 502, qualified dental expenses include:

What About Veneers?

This is where it gets nuanced. The IRS distinguishes between:

Cosmetic procedures (NOT covered): Procedures that don't treat a medical condition but are done purely for appearance.

Restorative procedures (Covered): Procedures that restore function or treat a medical condition, even if they also improve appearance.

Veneers fall into a gray area:

• Veneers to fix chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth → Generally eligible (restorative)
• Veneers purely for whiter, straighter appearance → Generally NOT eligible (cosmetic)

In practice, if your dentist documents that veneers are treating a dental condition (damaged enamel, structural issues, bite problems), you have a stronger case for eligibility. Get documentation from your treating dentist specifying the medical necessity.

What's NOT Covered

The travel costs are the big exclusion. You can use HSA/FSA for the dental work itself, but not for getting there or staying there. However, you're still saving 50-80% on the dental portion, which is the expensive part.

HSA vs FSA: Key Differences

*Some FSAs allow $640 rollover or 2.5-month grace period—check your plan.

How to Pay and Document

Option 1: Pay with HSA/FSA Debit Card

If your HSA or FSA provider gives you a debit card, you can use it directly at the Colombian clinic (if they accept international cards). This is the simplest method—the expense is automatically categorized.

Note: Some clinics may have issues with HSA/FSA cards. Confirm before your appointment.

Option 2: Pay Out-of-Pocket, Then Reimburse

More common approach:

1. Pay the clinic with your personal credit card or cash
2. Get itemized receipts with all required information
3. Submit reimbursement claim to your HSA/FSA administrator
4. Receive funds back into your account

Documentation Requirements

To ensure smooth reimbursement, get receipts that include:

• ☐ Date of service
• ☐ Description of each procedure (in English)
• ☐ Cost of each procedure itemized
• ☐ Provider name and address
• ☐ Patient name
• ☐ Total amount paid

Helpful extras:

• ADA/CDT procedure codes (if the clinic uses them)
• Tooth numbers treated
• Letter of medical necessity (for borderline procedures like veneers)

Reputable Medellín clinics that serve international patients routinely provide English-language itemized receipts suitable for insurance/HSA purposes. Ask for this specifically when you pay.

Example: Using HSA for Dental Implants

FSA: Use It Before You Lose It

If you have FSA funds that will expire at year-end, dental tourism can be a smart way to maximize that money. Rather than buying unnecessary items just to use FSA funds, invest in dental work you actually need.

Planning tip: If you're considering dental tourism, time it for late in the year to use expiring FSA funds, or early in the year if you've elected high FSA contributions for the upcoming year.

Can't Insurance Cover Some of It?

Standard US dental insurance typically does NOT cover procedures performed outside the US. However:

• You can use HSA/FSA for whatever insurance doesn't cover
• Some people submit claims anyway—occasionally insurers reimburse partially
• Get itemized statements with procedure codes just in case

Important Disclaimers

This article provides general information. For your specific situation:

• Check your HSA/FSA plan documents for any restrictions
• Consult a tax professional for complex situations
• When in doubt, get a Letter of Medical Necessity from your dentist
• Keep all receipts and documentation for at least 7 years

The Bottom Line

Using HSA/FSA funds for dental tourism is completely legitimate and adds another layer of savings on top of the already-reduced prices. You're essentially paying for dental work with pre-tax dollars AND getting it at 50-80% less than US prices. That's a double win.

Just remember: the dental procedures are eligible; the travel expenses are not. Document everything properly, and you're good to go.