Can I use my HSA to purchase an Apple Watch?

Asked by: Cordia Koelpin  |  Last update: March 11, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (70 votes)

Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

Can I use my HSA for an Apple Watch?

Unfortunately the answer to this question is usually no. This is because according to the IRS, fitness trackers are used to promote what the IRS terms “general health”. Expenses under this general health definition are not considered HSA eligible expenses.

Can an Apple Watch be a medical expense?

“The new Apple Watch Series 4 was approved by the FDA as an electrocardiogram or ECG. Does this mean someone can purchase the new Apple Watch and those funds count as a medical expense?” The answer is no.

Does the Apple Watch qualify as a medical device?

Reportedly in the works for future versions of the Apple Watch: Blood pressure monitoring and blood glucose readings. It's important to emphasize that Apple can't, by law, market the watch as a medical device.

Can I use HSA for fitness equipment?

You can buy a wide range of athletic gear and medical supplies with FSA/HSA dollars. This includes electrolyte packs, medicine, muscle rubs, KT Tape, glasses, contacts, and more. Much fitness equipment is also covered. But you may need a note from your doctor telling your insurance why you need them.

How To Use Apple Pay On Apple Watch

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Are fitness watches HSA eligible?

To purchase a fitness tracker with a consumer-directed healthcare account like an FSA, HSA or HRA, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required to show that the device will be used to treat a legitimate medical condition such as obesity.

Can I pay my gym membership with my HSA account?

Gym memberships. 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.

Can a doctor prescribe an Apple Watch?

That would require regulatory approval from the Food and Drug Administration, not to mention a prescription from your doctor to get one. The Apple Watch, therefore, is positioned as a handy way to oversee various aspects of daily activities, but not as a way to treat medical conditions.

Can healthcare workers wear Apple watches?

Yes, it's really that smart. It's no surprise, therefore, that an Apple Smart Watch is an excellent fit for nurses and healthcare workers on so many levels.

Is the Apple Watch medically approved?

The FDA said the Apple Watch is now usable in clinical studies. As the report noted, it means it is “Designed to be used … both before and after cardiac ablation devices, to monitor a study participant's weekly estimate of AFib burden.”

Can I claim Apple Watch as tax deduction?

Similarly, smart watches are also usually considered private expenses which makes them non-deductible. The only exception here is if you need the smart watch's features to perform your job duties – even then you need to maintain a diary or records of the watch's work-related usage.

Is Apple Watch worth buying for health?

The ultimate device for a healthy life. Apple Watch can do what your other devices can't because it's on your wrist. When you wear it, you get meaningful health insights, a fitness partner that measures all the ways you move, a connection to the people you care about most, and advanced safety features.

Can you deduct an Apple Watch as a medical expense?

Apple Watches are not considered medical devices and therefore cannot be bought with FSA funds. Even if a doctor says it's a medical necessity there's nothing that states Apple Watch is a medical device.

Does Apple offer HSA?

If you're a full-time employee enrolled in the Apple Saver PPO Plan, you may be eligible to open an HSA with Optum Bank. To open an HSA, employees can start the application process through the Benefits Enrollment Tool at benefits.apple.com. Once your account is open, Apple will contribute to your HSA.

What purchases are allowed with HSA?

You can use your HSA to fund big bills, like braces. It can also help cover routine dental needs, like cleanings and fluoride treatments. Your health insurance might not cover a new pair of eyeglasses or your contact lens solution, but those expenses are qualified. Even better: so is laser eye surgery.

Can surgeons wear Apple Watch?

Traditional monitoring methods, like using Holter electrocardiogram monitors, are impractical in the operating room, limiting the assessment of physicians' health. Wrist-worn heart rate monitors, like the Apple Watch, offer promise but are restricted in surgeries due to sterility issues.

What is the difference between the Apple Watch SE and Series 9?

Apple Watch SE owners will have a lot to gain from upgrading to the Series 9. Apple's newest watch has a larger screen, a processor that's brand new versus the 202 SE's 4-year-old chip, more health features like temperature sensing, blood oxygen measurements (for non-US users) and ECG, and an always-on display.

What can an Apple Watch do medically?

Your Apple Watch can help you meet your sleep goals, track important information related to your heart, keep a log of your emotions and mood, log your medications, track your menstrual cycle, and encourage you to wash your hands.

Can I use my HSA for Apple Watch?

Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

How to get an Apple Watch for free?

HDFC Ergo and Zopper have launched "India Gets Moving," incentivizing fitness with Apple Watches. Participants who walk 15,000 steps daily for a year receive a full refund on their watch purchase from select Apple Premium Resellers.

Do cardiologists recommend Apple Watch?

If you have an abnormal heart rhythm, over time your risk of stroke may increase. If you experience palpitations or fluttering, your doctor might recommend you use the Apple Watch or another wearable to track your heart.

What happens if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.

Can you use HSA at Planet fitness?

In most cases, gym memberships are not considered eligible medical expenses by the IRS. This means you typically cannot use your HSA funds to pay for a gym membership directly. You might need to explore getting an LMN from your doctor.

How do I know if something is HSA eligible?

List of HSA-eligible expenses
  • Abortion.
  • Acne laser treatment.
  • Acupuncture.
  • Ambulance fees and emergency care.
  • Artificial limbs.
  • Birth control pills, injections, and devices, such as IUDs.
  • Blood pressure monitors.
  • Body scans.