Investments in a health savings account can be directed by the individual. While a typical health savings account custodian may offer investments such as certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, certain financial institutions provide accounts offering alternative investments which can be made inside the health savings account. Internal Revenue Code Section 408 prohibits a health savings account to invest in collectibles and life insurance policies, but health savings accounts can have investments in real estate, precious metals, public and private stock, notes, and more.