Can I use my FSA to buy a treadmill?

Asked by: Bria Greenfelder Sr.  |  Last update: May 22, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (12 votes)

If you have a letter from a medical professional stating that exercise equipment is a medical necessity, your FSA can cover it. They can pay for equipment like treadmills, weights, and resistance training equipment.

Is any exercise equipment FSA eligible?

The majority of fitness equipment and gym memberships and fitness classes can be covered by your FSA/HSA funds, but you'll need your doctor to fill out a Letter of Medical Necessity to use the funds to purchase them.

Can I get a prescription for a treadmill?

Conclusion: If you believe fitness equipment could benefit your health, the first step is to talk to your doctor. If they agree, they can write a prescription, which you can then use to seek insurance coverage, tax benefits, or other support for acquiring the equipment.

Can I put my gym membership on my FSA?

While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.

Is a treadmill considered medical equipment?

Powered exercise equipment consist of powered devices intended for medical purposes, such as to redevelop muscles or restore motion to joints or for use as an adjunct treatment for obesity. Examples include a powered treadmill, a powered bicycle, and powered parallel bars.

Unlock Savings: How to Use Your HSA/FSA for Fitness Equipment

22 related questions found

Can FSA pay for a treadmill?

If you have a letter from a medical professional stating that exercise equipment is a medical necessity, your FSA can cover it.

Can you write off a treadmill?

For instance, if a doctor recommends a treadmill to manage cardiovascular health, the cost of the treadmill may be deductible. What is this? The purpose of the equipment is another significant consideration. General fitness or personal enjoyment does not meet the IRS's criteria for medical expenses.

Is Planet fitness FSA eligible?

Can you use flexible spending account (FSA) funds to pay for a gym membership or exercise classes? Typically, no. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) usually doesn't allow funds from an FSA to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms.

What can I not use my FSA for?

You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums. You can spend FSA funds on prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter medicines with a doctor's prescription.

Can I use my HSA to buy a treadmill?

A treadmill may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Will buying a treadmill help me lose weight?

Generally speaking, yes, treadmills can be effective for weight loss. However, the biggest benefit comes when it's combined with a structured workout and diet plan. In essence, you will lose weight if you consistently burn more calories than you consume - this is known as being in a calorie deficit.

Do they have treadmills at Planet Fitness?

All you need is a treadmill with adjustable settings to experience all this workout has to offer, like the ones available in every Planet Fitness location. Once you're feeling warmed up, set the treadmill's incline to 12% using buttons or controls.

Can I use my FSA for a Peloton?

Yes. A medical practitioner can issue a Letter of Medical Necessity to a patient who meets the requirements to qualify to use HSA/FSA funds on health and wellness purchases, as set forth by the Internal Revenue Service.

Can FSA pay for massage?

Massage Therapy may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).

Are air purifiers FSA eligible?

Air purifiers are generally not eligible for reimbursement. An air purifier may be eligible for FSA reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) only if you are using it to relieve or alleviate a specific medical condition and you would not otherwise have purchased it.

Will FSA pay for gym membership?

So, can you use your HSA or FSA to pay for gym memberships or health club dues? The short answer is yes, but you need a Letter of Medical Necessity.

Are sunglasses FSA eligible?

You can use FSA dollars on sunglasses, as long as they are prescription sunglasses. Some non-prescription sunglasses can be purchased with HSA or FSA dollars, but you will most likely need a prescription for the shades from your doctor.

Are vitamins FSA eligible?

With this IRS definition in mind, while daily multivitamins are not FSA/HSA eligible, there are some types of vitamins that are eligible with consumer-directed healthcare accounts.

Does FSA cover teeth whitening?

Dental care can certainly be a part of those expenses, but teeth whitening is not considered to be an FSA eligible expense. Because it's considered cosmetic in nature, teeth whitening will not be reimbursed with your FSA.

Can I use FSA for chiropractor?

An FSA lets you pay for many different services. Alternative medicine such as chiropractic care is one such service that qualifies for FSA reimbursement. A chiropractic visit, exam, or treatment would then be covered by an FSA as long as the purpose is to treat a medical condition and not for general good health.

Is sunscreen FSA eligible?

You can use your flexible spending account (FSA) to buy broad-spectrum sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 15 using pretax dollars. A variety of items that offer sun protection, including lip balms, lotions, and moisturizers, might also qualify for these funds. Many FSA plans offer debit cards to make using funds easier.

Can a doctor write a prescription for a treadmill?

Some specific medical conditions may require exercise equipment, which a doctor can determine and prescribe. Examples of specific medical conditions for which a doctor may prescribe exercise equipment include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.

Does a treadmill run up your electric bill?

On average, treadmills use about 600 to 700 watts of electricity. Using a treadmill for 3 hours a week will use about 101.4 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. A treadmill costs an average of $1.20 to use for a month and $14.39 to use for a year. The best way to save on electricity is to install solar panels.

Can I write off gym membership?

The IRS typically does not allow taxpayers to deduct gym memberships or other costs associated with general health and wellness. The main reason is that these expenses are considered personal, even if they contribute indirectly to improved work performance, stress reduction, or overall well-being.