HSA Calculator
See how the triple tax advantage of a Health Savings Account adds up in tax savings, growth and retirement readiness.
HSA details
Coverage type
2026 limit: $4,400 (self-only coverage)
Key insights
- Triple tax advantage
- HSAs are the only account offering a triple tax benefit: tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses. No 401(k), IRA, or Roth account can match all three.
- Invest, do not just save
- Many HSA holders leave their funds in cash, missing out on years of tax-free compounding. If you can cover current medical expenses from your regular budget, invest your HSA for long-term growth.
- Catch-up at 55+
- Once you turn 55, you can contribute an extra $1,000 per year to your HSA on top of the standard limit. This catch-up provision helps older savers maximize their tax-advantaged healthcare nest egg before Medicare eligibility at 65.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the triple tax advantage of an HSA?
- The HSA triple tax advantage means: (1) Contributions are tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income; (2) Investment earnings grow tax-free inside the account; and (3) Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are completely tax-free. No other savings account in the U.S. tax code offers all three of these benefits simultaneously.
- What are the 2026 HSA contribution limits?
- For 2026, the IRS allows individuals with self-only HDHP coverage to contribute up to $4,400, and those with family coverage can contribute up to $8,750. If you are 55 or older, you can make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution on top of the standard limit. Employer contributions count toward these limits.
- Can I invest my HSA funds?
- Yes. Most HSA providers offer investment options such as mutual funds, index funds, and target-date funds once your cash balance reaches a certain threshold (often $1,000-$2,000). Investing your HSA funds can significantly accelerate growth over time, especially if you can pay current medical expenses out of pocket and let your HSA balance compound.
- What happens to my HSA after age 65?
- After age 65, your HSA essentially becomes a traditional retirement account. You can still withdraw funds tax-free for qualified medical expenses. For non-medical withdrawals, you will owe income tax but no longer face the 20% penalty. This makes an HSA a powerful supplemental retirement tool alongside 401(k)s and IRAs.
- How does an HSA differ from an FSA?
- Key differences: (1) HSA funds roll over indefinitely; FSA funds typically must be used within the plan year or are forfeited. (2) HSAs are portable and stay with you if you change jobs; FSAs are tied to your employer. (3) HSA funds can be invested for long-term growth; FSA funds cannot. (4) You need a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) for an HSA; FSAs are available with any employer health plan.
Important disclaimer
This HSA calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. The projections are estimates based on the assumptions you provide and do not constitute personalized financial, tax, or medical advice.
Tax savings estimates: Actual tax savings depend on your complete tax situation, including state income taxes, deductions, credits, and whether contributions are made pre-tax through payroll. FICA savings apply only to payroll-deducted contributions.
Investment returns: The default 7% return is based on long-term market averages but is not guaranteed. Actual returns will vary and may be significantly higher or lower.
HSA eligibility: You must be enrolled in an IRS-qualifying High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and meet other requirements to contribute to an HSA. Contribution limits and rules may change each year.
Professional advice: Consult a qualified financial advisor, CPA, or tax professional for guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
By the numbers
What the data says
- 2026 tax year
$8,750
HSA contribution limit for family coverage in 2026
$4,400 for self-only coverage, plus $1,000 catch-up at 55
Source: IRS, Revenue Procedure 2025-19 - 2026 tax year
$19,000
Annual gift tax exclusion per recipient in 2026
Gifts up to this amount need no gift tax return
Source: IRS, Revenue Procedure 2025-32 - 2026 tax year
$15 million
Federal estate tax exclusion per person in 2026
Up from $13.99 million in 2025; couples can shelter twice as much
Source: IRS, Revenue Procedure 2025-32
National figures from the sources shown, as of the period on each card. They are context, not a forecast or advice for your situation.
Make the most of your HSA
Warren builds a personalized plan that combines your HSA with your broader investment and retirement strategy.