Exercise Equipment: HSA Eligibility

What type of gym equipment can I buy with my HSA? 

You can buy workout and gym equipment with your HSA that treats a diagnosed medical condition. But you will need an Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to get reimbursed for the purchase.  

Are weights and dumbbells HSA eligible? 

Weights and dumbbells can be HSA eligible if they’re used to treat a diagnosed medical condition. Like other exercise and workout equipment, you’ll need an LMN from a healthcare provider to get reimbursed for them. 

Are exercise bikes HSA eligible? 

Exercise bikes can be HSA eligible if they’re used to treat a diagnosed medical condition. You’ll need to obtain an LMN from a healthcare provider to get reimbursed for them. 

Which medical conditions qualify exercise equipment for HSA reimbursement? 

Examples of specific medical conditions for which a doctor may prescribe exercise equipment include:  

• Obesity 

• Diabetes 

• High blood pressure 

• Back pain 

How do I get a Letter of Medical Necessity for exercise equipment? 

You can get a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) by speaking to a licensed healthcare provider at an online or in-person appointment.  

An LMN for exercise or workout equipment should include:  

• Your information: name, date of birth, address, and contact info  

• The healthcare provider's information: name, credentials, and contact info 

• The date  

• Description of your medical condition, including the diagnosis, medical history, and duration  

• Why exercise equipment is medically necessary for your health 

• How long the treatment will last 

• The provider’s signature 

Does the brand of gym equipment matter for HSA eligibility? 

No, the gym or workout equipment brand doesn’t matter. Generally, you can purchase any brand of equipment as long as you’ve received a Letter of Medical Necessity from a healthcare provider showing that it treats a diagnosed medical condition.  

How do I pay for exercise equipment with my HSA? 

To pay for your workout and gym equipment with pre-tax dollars in your health savings account, you’ll need to buy the equipment out of pocket and reimburse yourself later.  

Get an itemized receipt of the expense and hold on to the LMN. The receipt should list the date of the purchase, the item, the retailer, and how much you paid. 

Recovery products you can buy with your HSA without an LMN 

Several workout recovery products are HSA eligible without an LMN.  

They include: 

• Massage gun (eligible without an LMN if it's used primarily for pain relief) 

• Hot and cold compress  

• Knee wraps and support  

Is exercise equipment FSA eligible? 

Exercise or workout equipment can be FSA eligible. The same HSA rules apply: You’ll need an LMN from a healthcare provider outlining how the equipment treats a diagnosed medical condition. 

FAQs 

Can I use my HSA for a gym membership?  

Gym memberships rarely qualify for HSA reimbursement. You must show through an LMN that the membership will be used to treat a disease or medical condition.  

Is a walking pad HSA eligible?  

 
Walking pads follow the same eligibility rules as gym and workout equipment: You must obtain an LMN detailing how the pad will be used to treat a medical condition, such as obesity. 

Can you use an HSA for a personal trainer?  

Personal trainer fees may be eligible with an LMN from a licensed healthcare provider. The LMN should explain how working with the trainer will treat a diagnosed medical condition, such as obesity or diabetes. 

Are fitness trackers HSA eligible?  

Fitness trackers such as Fitbits and pedometers are only eligible with an LMN.  

Diagnostic products, such as heart rate and blood pressure monitors, are HSA eligible without an LMN.  

Reviewed by the Health-E Commerce Compliance Team