Is a treadmill an FSA eligible expense?

Asked by: Brad Cruickshank  |  Last update: November 25, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (70 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.

Are treadmills covered by FSA?

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).

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.

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.

Can I use my FSA to pay for a gym?

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.

Eligible Expenses: What Expenses are Eligible with an HSA, FSA or HRA?

26 related questions found

Can I use 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).

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.

What is the classification of a treadmill?

Medical treadmills are class IIb active therapeutic devices and also active devices for diagnosis. With their very powerful (e.g. 3.3 kW = 4.5 HP) electric motor-powered drive system, treadmills deliver mechanical energy to the human body through the moving running belt of the treadmill.

Is treadmill a gym equipment?

Why treadmills are essential for any gym. A treadmill is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment for cardiovascular exercise. From walking and jogging to sprints, treadmills can cater to all kinds of workouts.

What are FSA eligible expenses?

Allowed expenses include insurance copayments and deductibles, qualified prescription drugs, insulin, and medical devices. You decide how much to put in an FSA, up to a limit set by your employer. You aren't taxed on this money.

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.

Is a Fitbit FSA eligible?

Unfortunately, fitness devices like the Fitbit are typically not considered FSA eligible, because they are considered for general good health and not for the treatment of a specific medical condition (similar to gym membership).

Are exercise equipment FSA eligible?

An FSA allows you to utilize pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses, including some forms of exercise equipment.

Are treadmills considered appliances?

Exercise equipment falls under this category of household appliances that really don't have great recycling and takeback markets,” says Shelie Miller, PhD, a professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability.

Can a doctor prescribe a treadmill?

For instance, if you need a treadmill to help with weight loss or a stationary bike for cardiovascular health, your doctor may consider writing a prescription.

Is treadmill considered exercise?

Running on the treadmill is an easy and convenient solution to making time for physical activity. Some treadmill benefits include being able to exercise regardless of the weather and engaging in a run as challenging as an outdoor run.

What type of machine is a treadmill?

A treadmill is a stationary exercise machine that features a walking or running belt designed for indoor cardio exercise. Many treadmills offer a range of speed and incline settings, making them accessible pieces of fitness equipment for individuals at any cardio fitness level.

Is a treadmill heavy machinery?

The weight range for curved treadmills is around 300-350 pounds or more, making for some of the heaviest machines you'll find.

What does a treadmill claim to do?

Perhaps the most widely known health benefit of treadmills is their ability to help individuals lose weight quickly and efficiently. Treadmills can help you burn calories more quickly than some other forms of aerobic exercise.

Can I write off the gym as a business expense?

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.

How do I get rid of a treadmill for free?

There are some thrift stores that will accept treadmill donations and other used exercise equipment donations, but not all of them. The Salvation Army will accept old treadmills that are in good condition.

Can I use my FSA to buy a treadmill?

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

What is not eligible for FSA?

Toothbrushes/Toothpaste/Dental Floss

At first glance, it would seem like dental supplies would be a no-brainer, but these items fall under products that support "general health", and are therefore ineligible.

Are electric toothbrushes FSA eligible?

Unfortunately, most products for oral health care are not currently eligible medical expenses for FSA and HSA spending.