In some sun-safety good news, Solbari, the Australian UPF 50+ apparel brand, just announced that most of its certified clothing, hats and accessories are now eligible for Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) spending via Truemed, making it one of the only sun-protective apparel brands to offer this option.
The HSA/FSA eligibility matters more than it might seem. These are pre-tax dollars—money already set aside for qualified health expenses—and unlocking them for UPF apparel signals a real shift (and cost savings) in how we think about sun protection.
“UPF clothing is one of the most effective and practical tools we have for reducing cumulative ultraviolet exposure,” says Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Houshmand, MD. “It provides consistent protection without relying on perfect sunscreen application or frequent reapplication, which is especially helpful for children, outdoor athletes, travelers, patients with a history of skin cancer, and individuals taking medications that increase sun sensitivity.”
Dr. Houshmand also sees the HSA/FSA news as part of a broader cultural understanding of skin health. “The growing interest in sun-protective apparel reflects an important shift in dermatology—from treating visible sun damage after it occurs to incorporating prevention into everyday routines,” she says. “Making certified UPF apparel eligible for HSA or FSA spending could help more consumers view sun protection as a legitimate preventive health investment rather than simply a seasonal or recreational purchase.”
Solbari founder and CEO Johanna Young built the brand on exactly that premise. Founded in 2014 in Australia—where skin cancer rates are among the highest in the world—Solbari now ships to more than 160 countries. “When I founded Solbari, my goal was to bring Australia’s prevention-first approach to sun protection to the world,” Young said in a statement. “Today, seeing more than one million customers trust Solbari is a powerful validation of that mission.”
One thing Dr. Houshmand is careful to note: UPF clothing is a complement, not a replacement. “Broad-spectrum sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and shade-seeking behavior are still vital” she says. “But sun protection should be accessible and affordable, and I think this will help.”
Eligible U.S. customers can shop Solbari’s HSA/FSA-qualifying products at solbari.com. (Truemed is for qualified customers; HSA/FSA tax savings vary; see truemed.com/disclosures for details.)
