Rental Cars: HSA Eligibility

How is a rental car for medical care reimbursed?

While most areas throughout the U.S. have hospitals and medical facilities accessible to local populations, there's a chance that some individuals will need to seek specialists who can perform specific medical procedures or lend their unique experience to render a diagnosis that local medical services may not be able to provide. This can lead to a wealth of extra transportation expenses necessary for the treatment of an illness, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recognized this and has made these expenditures eligible for reimbursement through a FSA, HSA and HRA.

These transportation expenses qualify if they are primarily for and essential to medical care. Reimbursable expenses include car/rental car, bus, taxi, train, plane & ferry fees. Ambulatory services, parking and toll fees are also included. These expenses extend not just to the person receiving medical care but also to other individuals. Parents who are required to travel with a child, nurse/caregivers required for treatment, and any other individuals if visits are required for treatment of a mentally ill dependent.

Last but not least, the IRS issues Standard Mileage Rates annually for business, medical and moving purposes. For those who are renting a car for medical purposes, mileage is eligible up to the allowed current rate, which can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/Standard-Mileage-Rates. This rate is adjusted for inflation each year, so this rate should be checked each year before the tax deadline to ensure that account holders are fully reimbursed.

What materials do account holders need for car rental reimbursement?

If a car rental will be required for an account holder to seek out medical treatment or services, these eligible transportation costs will need to be submitted to a benefits administrator for reimbursement. While documentation requirements will vary, most claims will require a printout of the car rental invoice, as well as a bill or receipt from the health care provider validating the doctor's visit, at which point most transportation reimbursement claims will be approved.