Can I use my HSA for a back massage?

Asked by: Erling Sauer  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (22 votes)

Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.

Can I use my HSA at Massage Envy?

Fun fact: you can use your HSA/FSA card to get massages at Massage Envy.

Can I use my HSA to pay for a chiropractor?

HSAs can be used for large and small qualified medical expenses. You can use your HSA for ongoing medical services and treatments, like chiropractic care, acupuncture, or physical exams. Medical copays, deductibles, and coinsurance can also be covered under an HSA.

Do massages count as a medical expense?

Massages may be tax deductible if prescribed as a treatment for musculoskeletal disorders such as tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or fibromyalgia. If a licensed medical practitioner prescribes massage therapy to address musculoskeletal issues, it can be tax-deductible as a medical expense.

What is a letter of medical necessity for HSA massage?

If a doctor recommends massage therapy as a medically necessary service that would benefit your condition, then it could be eligible for HSA or FSA coverage. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be required to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to validate the clinical need for the service.

Can I Use My HSA or FSA For Massage?

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Can I use HSA for back massage?

Steps to Use Your FSA or HSA for Massage Therapy

Pay with Your FSA or HSA: Once you have the prescription, you can pay for your massage therapy directly with your FSA or HSA debit card. If your provider doesn't accept these cards, you can pay out of pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement.

Can a chiropractor write a letter of medical necessity for massage therapy?

Yes, a physician or chiropractor can write a Letter of Medical Necessity for massage therapy if they determine it is essential for treating a specific condition. This letter is often required by insurers or for HSA/FSA eligibility to verify the medical need for therapy.

How to get massage covered by health insurance?

How to get medical insurance to cover massage therapy
  1. Call to verify your insurance coverage for massage therapy. ...
  2. Get a prescription by clearly communicating to your doctor that you'd like massage therapy. ...
  3. Ask your doctor to prescribe massage for the most general diagnosis possible.

Are massagers HSA eligible?

Key takeaways: A massage gun is a device that may ease muscle tension. Money in your health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) may be used to pay for percussion massage guns like a Theragun if they're used for medical purposes.

Can I use my HSA at a medical spa?

These accounts offer a tax-advantaged way to pay for qualified medical expenses, including certain spa treatments, enhancing your overall wellness while managing your healthcare budget effectively. Important Points to Remember: Pay for service: You can use your FSA or HSA card for payment at our spa without any issues.

Can I use my HSA for gym membership?

Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.

What Cannot be used for HSA?

Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.

Can I use HSA for glasses?

Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)

Can I use HSA for dental?

Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.

How much do you tip for a 60 minute massage at massage Envy?

Yes, you should tip at least 20% based on the regular cost of the service, even if you're using a coupon or gift certificate, says Sokolosky. So if a massage normally costs $100, tip $20 even if you have a coupon that discounts the massage to $80 or a gift card that covers the full cost.

How much does a massage cost?

On average, prices in the United States range from $50 to $150 per hour, with higher rates typical in urban areas and luxury spas. The cost is also affected by the therapist's experience, the type of massage, and any additional services provided.

Are back massages covered by HSA?

Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.

Can I use HSA for vitamins?

In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition. For example, if your doctor prescribes prenatal vitamins during pregnancy or recommends vitamin D supplements to treat a deficiency, those could be eligible expenses under your HSA.

How to get a letter of medical necessity for massage therapy?

How do I get a medical necessity letter for massage therapy? Talk to your primary care provider. In many HMOs and other health plans, this doctor is the one who must authorize the referral. Discuss medical necessity with the doctor.

Is deep tissue massage covered by insurance?

Types of Massage Covered by Insurance

Some types of massage therapy, like deep tissue or sports massage, may be covered by insurance. This depends on the policy and medical needs. However, some types of massage, like Abhyanga Oil and Aromatherapy, usually aren't covered by insurance.

How to get a free massage?

Bartering for a Massage
  1. Swap massages with a spouse or partner. One of the best ways to get a free massage is to swap massages with a loved one. ...
  2. Exchange massages with a friend. ...
  3. Promote the benefits of a massage. ...
  4. Barter with a Licensed Massage Therapist. ...
  5. Check your health insurance coverage.

Can massages be a medical expense?

Medical Necessity: The IRS says medical expenses must be for alleviating or preventing a physical or mental condition. In other words, your massage therapy needs to be medically necessary—a term your doctor will have to agree on.

Can I use my HSA for chiropractic services?

The answer is generally, yes. As long as the chiropractic care is considered a qualified medical expense by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it can be paid for using HSA funds. Chiropractic care falls under the umbrella of "preventive care" and "treatment of a medical condition" as defined by the IRS.

Is massage considered medical treatment?

This is just a small number of allied healthcare workers, and some estimates state that up to 60% of employees in healthcare are in allied care. So, by definition, massage therapy is part of healthcare services, and massage therapists are medical professionals.

Can I use my HSA letter of medical necessity for gym membership?

Use your Letter of Medical Necessity for future claims: You may be able to use your Letter of Medical Necessity for the same items if you file the claim within your 12-month period. For example, if you use your HSA for gym membership fees, you may need to resubmit when you renew your membership.