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Maximize Your Healthcare Savings with a Self-Directed Health Savings Account (HSA)

A Self-Directed HSA lets you save and invest for future medical expenses, giving you control to grow funds on your terms—so you’re prepared when you need it.

What is a Self-Directed Health Savings Account?

A Self-Directed HSA (Health Savings Account) is a type of HSA that allows account holders to invest their contributions in a wide range of alternative assets beyond traditional options like mutual funds or ETFs. This can include real estate, precious metals, private equity, and more.

Like a standard HSA, it offers triple tax advantages: contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free. A Self-Directed HSA provides greater control and potential for growth but requires careful management to stay compliant with IRS rules and avoid prohibited transactions.

Why Choose IRA Financial As Your Self-Directed HSA Provider?

A Self-Directed HSA, paired with an HDHP, covers a wide range of medical expenses while growing your savings tax-free. By choosing IRA Financial as your SDHSA provider, you can invest beyond traditional options, and unused funds roll over yearly for long-term healthcare savings.

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No Hidden Fees

No commissions or surprise charges.

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Expert Support

Live chat available 8AM–6PM Central Time.

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Flexible Investing

Ability to invest in stocks, real estate, cryptos, and more.

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24,000+ Clients

Trusted by investors in all 50 states.

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HSA Specialists

Will maximize Self-Directed HSA savings.

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Full Control

Full investor control or custodial support.

Self-Directed HSA

  • Best value self-directed solution
  • Invest in almost anything you want
  • Choose checkbook or custodial control of your investments
  • No transaction or asset value fees

Checkbook Control

$999

setup fee

$120

annually

Custodian Control

$0

setup fee

$120

annually

How to Open an HSA

Opening a Self-Directed HSA is fast and straightforward. Our simple process ensures you can start investing in your healthcare savings without hassle. With just a few steps, you’ll have full control over your funds while staying IRS-compliant and maximizing your tax benefits.

Open an account

Step 1

Setting up a Self-Directed HSA is easy. Start by opening a new account with us here.

Get your Self-Directed HSA account number

Step 2

Once approved, you’ll receive your Self-Directed HSA account number to move forward.

Fund your HSA account

Step 3

Transfer, roll over, or contribute funds directly to your Self-Directed HSA to start investing.

Benefits of Self-Directed HSAs

Tax-free growth

Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses remain untaxed, maximizing the long-term value of your savings.

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Tax-free withdrawals

Withdraw funds tax-free for qualified medical expenses, ensuring you get the most value from your HSA savings.

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Diverse investment options

Move beyond traditional stocks and bonds to invest in alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency, and precious metals, providing greater diversification.

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Direct investment control

Choose where and how to invest without relying on traditional brokerage firms, giving you full authority over your portfolio.

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Control over investments

Make independent investment decisions without relying on limited brokerage options, giving you the ability to tailor your portfolio to your financial goals.

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Self-Directed HSA vs. Other Options

Many Self-Directed HSA custodians charge asset-based fees that grow as your portfolio increases, cutting into your returns. With our flat fee structure, you pay a predictable, fixed cost—no hidden fees, no percentage-based charges, just full transparency.

Self-Directed HSA Traditional HSA Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Tax-Free Contributions & Withdrawals Yes No
Tax-Free Investment Growth Yes Yes No
Alternative Investments Yes No No
Control Over Investments Yes No No
Funds Roll Over Yes Yes No
Retirement Flexibility Yes Yes No
Custodian Requirement Yes Yes No

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See What Our Clients Have to Say

I’m beyond pleased with having my self-directed IRA in your teams capable hands. In a few short months, it’s already proving to be a solid retirement investment vehicle. The fees are insignificant compared to the value. Many thanks.

Ann M. C.

Illinois

The process of setting up my self-directed IRA was quick and painless. There were a lot of forms to be completed, but the customer service at IRA Financial Group is great and they are very quick to respond. I was able to complete my set up quickly and get my funds transferred very quickly. Thanks!

Christy

Virginia

I am extremely pleased with the service and professionalism provided by the IRA Financial Group. I don’t think you can find a better firm to handled Self Directed IRA accounts. Keep up the great work and I will always do business with you.

Owen S.

Texas

IRA Financial Group was invaluable in setting up my account. They explained all of the details involved with the process and made the entire evolution simple and efficient. If someone is considering a self-directed IRA, IRA Financial Group is the clear choice.

Michael J.

Utah

What Alternative Assets Can I Invest in With a Self-Directed HSA?

At IRA Financial, you can invest beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds. Our Self-Directed HSA lets you diversify into:

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Real Estate

Residential, commercial, raw land, and rental properties.

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Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets.

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Precious Metals

Gold, silver, and other IRS-approved metals.

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Tax Liens & Deeds

Acquire property liens for potential returns.

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Private Equity

Invest in startups, private companies, and venture capital.

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Private Placements

Invest in a non-public company through the sale of securities.

Self-Directed HSA Retirement FAQs

What is a Self-Directed HSA, and why would I use one for retirement?

A Self-Directed HSA is a type of retirement account, managed by a custodian, that lets you invest your health savings in a wide range of assets instead of just cash or mutual funds. Since HSA funds roll over indefinitely and grow tax-free, they can serve as a powerful retirement health savings tool.

  • Triple tax advantage: Contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free, and qualified medical withdrawals are tax-free.
  • No Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) like IRAs/401(k)s, meaning you can let funds grow indefinitely.
  • Penalty-free non-medical withdrawals after age 65, functioning similarly to a traditional IRA if needed.
  • At age 65+, you can withdraw for non-medical expenses penalty-free (but regular income tax applies).
  • Medical expenses are always tax-free, making HSAs a valuable tool for healthcare costs in retirement.
  • Funds can be used for Medicare premiums, long-term care, and out-of-pocket medical costs tax-free.
  • No, you cannot contribute to an HSA once enrolled in Medicare (typically at age 65).
  • If you delay Medicare enrollment and stay on a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you can continue contributing.
  • Spouse as beneficiary: They inherit the HSA and can use it as their own.
  • Non-spouse beneficiary: The HSA is liquidated and taxed as income in the year of inheritance. To minimize tax impact, consider spending down your HSA on medical expenses in retirement.
  • Not keeping receipts: You can reimburse yourself later for past medical expenses, but only if you keep records.
  • Investing in prohibited assets: The IRS does not allow collectibles, personal property or certain self-dealing transactions.
  • Forgetting about the Medicare cutoff: If you enroll in Medicare but keep contributing to your HSA, you’ll face penalties.

Ready to plan for your future?

Take control of your retirement by investing in alternative assets like real estate, cryptocurrency, businesses, and more. Start creating wealth today by opening an account.

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Ready to plan for your future?

Take control of your retirement by investing in alternative assets like real estate, cryptocurrency, businesses, and more. Start creating wealth today by opening an account.

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