Does gym count towards FSA?

Asked by: Mr. Gilbert Hessel  |  Last update: September 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (17 votes)

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.

Will FSA pay for gym membership?

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.

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.

Are personal training sessions FSA eligible?

As a rule of thumb, qualifying healthcare expenses include the cost of treatment or prevention of disease. That means you may be able to use your FSA or HSA to cover the cost of a personal trainer to treat specific, diagnosed conditions.

Can I use FSA for YMCA membership?

Unfortunately, YMCA and gym memberships are not eligible for reimbursement through a flexible spending account (FSA), as they are considered by the IRS as a means of supporting one's general health, rather than a direct treatment of a specific medical condition.

New HSA Rules in 2025 You Need to Know

23 related questions found

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).

Can a gym membership be a medical expense?

No, the IRS generally does not classify gym memberships as qualified medical expenses. They are considered personal expenses for general health and fitness. Only expenses used to treat a specific medical condition qualify as deductible medical expenses on your tax return.

Are Apple watches FSA eligible?

Likely not. While your Apple Watch, Garmin, or other tracker may offer you some insight—and maybe even some encouragement—to stay on top of your fitness routine, they are not typically considered medical devices for purposes of FSA and HSA funds.

Can I use FSA for glasses?

You can use your FSA funds for eye exams and prescription glasses. You can also use them for prescription contact lenses. And prescription sunglasses are FSA-eligible, too.

Can you use FSA for vitamins?

Are vitamins FSA/HSA eligible? You want to be careful when trying to buy vitamins with your FSA or HSA. They are not always deemed a qualified expense. If your vitamins are not prescribed by a healthcare professional or used to treat a specific condition, your purchase most likely won't be FSA or HSA eligible.

Is a treadmill eligible for FSA?

The IRS states that any expense eligible for reimbursement through an FSA, HSA or HRA must relate to "the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation or treatment of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body." As such, exercise equipment like treadmills can certainly fall under this ...

Can you buy toilet paper with FSA?

Here are examples of items and expenses that are not FSA-eligible for 2024: General health items: toiletries like toothpaste, toilet paper, or shampoo, cosmetic products, vitamins and supplements (without a prescription) Non-medical equipment: car seats, strollers, non-medical exercise equipment.

Can you buy shoes with FSA?

Orthopedic shoes with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

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.

Is a sauna FSA eligible?

Can you buy a sauna with your HSA or FSA? Is it an eligible expense? The short answer is yes, you may, as long as you obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity.

Can a doctor prescribe a gym membership?

Medical Necessity: A doctor must diagnose you with a specific medical condition, and they need to prescribe exercise at a gym as part of your treatment. This means your gym membership is a medical necessity rather than a luxury. New Membership: You can't have belonged to the gym before your diagnosis.

Can I use FSA for dental?

You can use funds in your FSA to pay for certain medical and dental expenses for you, your spouse if you're married, and your dependents. You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums.

Can I buy sunscreen with FSA?

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 I use my FSA for my gym membership?

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.

Are massages FSA eligible?

If you have a Flex Spending Account (FSA), you may not be aware that Massage Therapy can qualify as a medical expense. If massage therapy services are prescribed by your physician then you can use your FSA account to pay for these services.

Is Gatorade FSA eligible?

You can grab a pack of ORS using your HSA or FSA funds without a prescription. However, rehydration sports drinks (think Gatorade) and electrolyte solutions containing additional additives (such as caffeine, immunity boosters, or the like) are not eligible.

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.

Can I write off the gym?

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.

Can I write off a Rolex?

Despite popular belief and advice from some tax professionals and influencers, the IRS and tax courts generally do not allow deductions for Rolexes.

Can my HSA pay for my gym?

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.