Have you ever thought, "Can I use my FSA to pay for the gym?" If so, you’re not the only one! FSAs are great for helping you save money on health costs, and when the year is ending, people often rush to use the leftover money. It makes sense to ask if a gym counts as a health expense, after all, staying fit keeps you healthy, right?
Usually, NO, gym memberships are not covered by your FSA. The government (through the IRS) says gym memberships are for general health, not for treating a specific medical problem.
But there’s a twist: If a doctor says you need exercise to treat a health condition, like heart disease or diabetes, your gym membership might be allowed. Let’s look at how that works.
What’s an FSA?
FSA stands for Flexible Spending Account. It’s a special account from your job that lets you use money before taxes to pay for health stuff like:
- Doctor visits
- Medicine
- Bandages and medical tools
In 2025, you can put in up to $3,300. But there’s a rule: if you don’t use the money in time, you lose it. That’s why many people search for all the ways they can spend their FSA money, and gyms often come to mind.
To be covered by an FSA, something has to treat, fix, or prevent a medical problem, and a doctor needs to say it’s necessary. Just working out to stay in shape doesn’t count. That’s called general wellness, not medical care.
Here’s a simple example:
- Buying a treadmill to stay fit? Not allowed.
- Buying one because your doctor says it’s needed for your heart condition? Maybe allowed, if you have the right paperwork.
Research from sources like FSAFEDS: FAQs (specific to federal employees but reflective of general practices) indicates that for a gym membership to be considered, you need an approved LMN on file, along with an individual gym membership contract. This suggests that the membership must be directly tied to a diagnosed condition, such as a weight-loss program for obesity, as mentioned in Publication 502 under “Weight-Loss Program” expenses.
The Big Exception
If your doctor writes a note saying that exercise is part of your treatment, for something like obesity or high blood pressure, your gym membership might be covered. But you’ll need something called a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
This letter must include:
- Your health problem (like diabetes)
- What kind of exercise is needed
- How it will help you feel better
Essential Components of a Valid LMN
For an LMN to be considered valid and acceptable for FSA reimbursement, it must contain several crucial elements. These include:
- Patient Information: Full name, date of birth, and potentially insurance ID.
- Healthcare Provider's Contact Details: Full name, credentials, and contact information of the licensed professional issuing the LMN.
- Diagnosed Medical Condition: A clear and formal diagnosis of the specific medical condition or illness that the gym membership is intended to treat.
- Medical History: A concise explanation of the patient's condition, including relevant medical history and any previous treatments tried and their outcomes.
- Treatment Details: Specific information about the requested treatment, i.e., the gym membership. This should include how it will be used (e.g., type of exercise, frequency) and the expected health benefits and outcomes directly related to the diagnosed condition.
- Justification of Medical Necessity: A detailed explanation of why this specific treatment (FSA Gym Membership) is medically necessary to alleviate or treat the diagnosed condition. This should be clear, avoiding vague language, and can be strengthened by referencing supporting evidence such as clinical studies, established treatment guidelines, or the patient's past responsiveness to similar interventions.
It is critical that the LMN clearly connects the diagnosis with the specific benefits of the gym membership. Furthermore, the LMN must be dated on or before the start date of the gym membership to ensure compliance with FSA rules. Omitting key information, using vague language, or lacking supporting evidence can lead to the LMN being rejected.
The letter has to be written before you start paying for the gym.
There are even services online from Med Paid Market that help you get this letter, and they only charge (around $19.99) if you qualify. That way, you might be able to use your FSA money and save up to 40%.
If you’re just hitting the gym to stay fit or get ready for summer, FSA money probably won’t help. But if your doctor says gym time is part of your medical treatment, and you get a proper letter, you might be able to get reimbursed.
Just remember: every FSA plan is a little different. Always check with the company that manages your FSA before you try to get your money back.
Can I Use FSA Money for a Gym Membership?
Yes, but it’s not as easy as just joining a gym. First, your doctor needs to say that working out at a gym is important for your health, for something like diabetes, heart problems, or recovering from an injury.
You’ll also need a special note from your doctor called a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). This letter explains your health issue and how exercise at the gym will help. Without it, your FSA money usually won’t work for gym costs.
What Fitness Things Can I Use FSA Money For?
You can sometimes use your FSA for fitness, but only if your doctor says it’s needed to treat a health problem. Some examples include:
- Gym memberships - only with a doctor’s note (LMN).
- Exercise programs your doctor recommends - like physical therapy or rehab.
- Weight-loss programs - if needed for a condition like obesity or high blood pressure.
- Stop-smoking programs - including things like nicotine gum, if your doctor says it’s necessary.
- Fitness tools - like treadmills or exercise bands, only if they’re part of your treatment.
What usually isn’t covered:
- Regular fitness classes like yoga or CrossFit
- Apps you use for fun workouts
- Fitness watches like Fitbits, unless your doctor says you need it for your condition
The big rule is: it has to help with a real health issue your doctor knows about.
Can I Use FSA for Peloton or Fitness Apps?
Sometimes, yes, but again, only if your doctor says it’s needed.
For example, Peloton works with a service called Truemed that helps people get approved. If a doctor says Peloton or another fitness app is part of your health plan, it might qualify.
Apps like TRX or Orangetheory could also count, but only if your doctor agrees and writes a proper note.
How Do I Get Reimbursed for Gym Costs with a Doctor’s Note?
Here’s how it works:
- Talk to your doctor - Ask if going to the gym will help your condition.
- Get a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) - It should say what’s wrong and why exercise will help.
- Save everything - Keep your LMN, receipts, and proof you paid for the gym.
- Submit your claim - Go to your FSA’s website or app, and send in your documents.
Every FSA is a little different, so check the details with your employer’s plan.
What Does “Medically Necessary” Mean?
It means your doctor thinks something is needed to treat a real health problem, not just to help you stay healthy in general.
Some examples:
- Obesity - Working out to lose weight.
- Heart problems or high blood pressure - Exercise to help your heart.
- Diabetes - Exercise to control blood sugar.
- Injury recovery - Exercise to get strong again.
Your doctor’s letter has to clearly show how fitness is part of your treatment.
There was a law idea called the PHIT Act that would’ve made using FSAs for fitness easier. But it hasn’t passed yet. So for now, you still need a doctor’s letter for most fitness things.
