It's that time of the year when I have to make my elections for my 2016 Flexible Spending Halthcare Account. I was wondering if surgical costs incurred in Mexico could be claimed as bona fide expenses for a US FSA.

Any ideas or experience anyone? Sure would like to pay with pretax $$ and spread the cost over the entire year.

Hi, it would be best to ask the benefits administrator so that you are truly sure.

IRS Publication 502 covers acceptable and unacceptable medical expenses. Click here.

The only thing I saw about overseas was regarding medications imported and medications consumed in a foreign country. Airfare and lodging are allowable medical expenses too (up to a certain amount).

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Medicines and Drugs From Other Countries

In general, you cannot include in your medical expenses the cost of a prescribed drug brought in (or ordered shipped) from another country. You can only include the cost of a drug that was imported legally. For example, you can include the cost of a prescribed drug the food and Drug Administration announces can be legally imported by individuals. You can include the cost of a prescribed drug you purchase and consume in another country if the drug is legal in both the other country and the United States.

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I would speak to an accountant who is knowledgeable in medical tax matters.

I don't know much about FSA's but I have an HSA account through Health Equity and called them with this exact question this morning. The agent I talked to said I could use it for wls and I could use it in Mexico. Like Sharon said, the guidelines only mention prescriptions from other countries. I also know a woman who used her HSA [again, HSA... not FSA] to pay for her vsg in mexico. But again, I'm talking about an HSA... it may be best to do like the others said and call the company you use for clarification.

Thanks everyone. It looks to me as its paid for and invoiced in the USA Flex spending will cover it