See how much the HSA triple tax advantage saves you vs. any other account
🏆 Triple Tax Advantage: Tax-deductible contributions → Tax-free growth → Tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses. No other account in the US tax code matches this.
What is this? The HSA is the most tax-advantaged account in America — but most people use it wrong. They spend HSA funds on current medical expenses instead of investing it. This calculator shows the enormous difference: spending HSA funds on medical costs vs. investing them for 20+ years can mean the difference between $50,000 and $500,000.
Who it's for: Anyone with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). If your employer offers an HSA-eligible plan, this calculator reveals why maxing your HSA is often better than maxing your 401(k).
2026 HSA Contribution Limits
Self-Only HDHP
$4,300
individual coverage
Family HDHP
$8,550
family coverage
55+ Catch-Up
+$1,000
extra if 55 or older
2026 limits: Self-only = $4,300, family = $8,550. Both include the $1,000 catch-up for age 55+. IRS rules: you must be covered by an HDHP to contribute.
Your Situation
HDHP vs Regular Health Plan Comparison
Strategy comparison: Compare the net cost of an HDHP + HSA vs. a traditional plan. The premium difference (saved money) can fund your HSA.
Your HSA at Age 60
HSA Balance
—
tax-free growth
Total Contributions
—
you + employer
Tax-Free Investment Gains
—
never taxed
Annual Tax Savings
—
fed + state deduction
Lifetime Tax Savings
—
over projection
Total HSA Benefit
—
tax savings + investment gains
Your HSA at Year 20
Contributions
Tax Savings
Investment Gains
Invest HSA vs. Spend HSA on Medical — The $500K Decision
Strategy
At Year 10
At Year 20
At Year 30
Key insight: If you pay current medical expenses from your regular budget instead of your HSA, and invest the HSA instead, the difference compounds dramatically. At 7% returns, money left in an HSA for 30 years grows 10x.
Year-by-Year HSA Growth
Year
Age
Contributions
Interest/Gains
HSA Balance
Cum. Tax Saved
HDHP + HSA vs. Traditional Plan — Net Cost Comparison
HDHP + HSA
Traditional Plan
Ready to open an HSA? Optum Bank HSA — no account fees, invested options. Lively HSA — low fees, Linked investment account.
Estimates only. Tax rates and HSA rules may change. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation. HSA funds used for non-medical expenses are taxed as ordinary income + 20% penalty.
Open Your HSA Today
The best HSA account for your situation. Triple tax advantage — contributions, growth, and withdrawals for medical are all tax-free.
$3/month or free with $5K balance, FDIC-insured, investment accounts available
Tool
Monthly Fee
Investment
Lively ⭐⭐
Free
TD Ameritrade
Fidelity HSA ⭐
Free
Fidelity funds
HSA Bank
$3/mo
Limited
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an HSA?
Health Savings Account — a triple tax-advantaged account for people with high-deductible health plans. Contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free, withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. After age 65, withdrawals for any purpose are taxed as ordinary income.
How much should I contribute to my HSA?
Max out if you can afford it — $4,300 individual, $8,550 family (2026). At minimum, contribute enough to cover your deductible. Invest beyond that if you have an HSA investment option. It's the best retirement account for healthcare costs.
What can I use HSA money for?
IRS-qualified medical expenses: deductibles, copays, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health. After age 65, you can withdraw for any purpose (ordinary income tax applies). No use-it-or-lose-it — balances roll over indefinitely.