Use HSA/FSA Funds to Buy a Sauna

You may be able to use HSA or FSA funds toward an eligible sauna purchase when it’s being used to treat, manage, or support a specific medical condition (not just general wellness). In many cases, this requires a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a licensed clinician.

Important: Eligibility is determined by your plan administrator and IRS rules. We can provide the documentation you’ll typically need (itemized receipt, product details), but we can’t guarantee approval.

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Who typically qualifies?

HSA/FSA eligibility is governed by IRS rules and your plan’s interpretation. Generally, a sauna is more likely to be eligible when:

You have a diagnosed medical condition you’re addressing (examples: certain chronic pain conditions, circulation issues, physician-supervised weight-loss protocols, recovery/rehab plans, etc. — your clinician decides what applies).
A clinician provides a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) stating the sauna is part of your treatment plan.
The expense is not primarily for “general health” or comfort.

The IRS explicitly disallows expenses that are only for improving general health, and it allows costs for special equipment or home improvements when the main purpose is medical care.

Two ways customers use HSA/FSA for sauna purchases

Option A — Pay directly with an HSA/FSA card (if your plan allows)

Choose the sauna you want
Contact us to request an HSA/FSA-friendly invoice (itemized, with full product description)
Use your HSA/FSA card to pay if your administrator approves the transaction
Save your paperwork (invoice + receipt + LMN if required)

Option B — Pay normally, then request reimbursement

Purchase with a standard card or financing
We provide an itemized receipt and supporting product documentation
Submit paperwork to your HSA/FSA administrator for reimbursement
Keep records in case your administrator requests additional verification

What is a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)?

A Letter of Medical Necessity is documentation from a licensed healthcare provider that explains:

your qualifying condition,
why the sauna supports treatment/management,
and the recommended duration of use.

Many administrators require an LMN for “dual-purpose” items (items that can be used for both medical care and general wellness).

FAQ

1) Is a sauna automatically HSA/FSA eligible? Not always. Saunas are commonly treated as a “dual-purpose” item and may require an LMN and plan approval. 2) Can I use HSA/FSA for general wellness or relaxation? Typically no—IRS guidance excludes expenses that are only for improving general health. 3) My HSA/FSA card was declined—why? Common reasons: plan restrictions, missing documentation (LMN), billing ZIP mismatch, insufficient funds, or your administrator flags the merchant/category for manual review. 4) I don’t have an HSA/FSA card. Can I still use my funds? Yes—many customers purchase normally and then submit for reimbursement with an itemized receipt (and LMN if required). 5) What’s the difference between HSA and FSA? Both are tax-advantaged accounts used for qualified medical expenses. HSAs are generally tied to high-deductible health plans and can roll over; FSAs are commonly employer-sponsored and may have “use-it-or-lose-it” rules (depends on plan). 6) Do you guarantee approval? No. Approval is determined by your plan administrator and IRS rules. We provide the documentation needed to support your claim. 7) What should my LMN include? Your provider typically lists diagnosis/condition, medical rationale, recommended usage period, and confirmation that the item supports treatment.

Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not tax or medical advice. HSA/FSA eligibility depends on IRS rules and your specific plan administrator. A sauna purchase may require a Letter of Medical Necessity and may be denied if deemed primarily for general health. Please consult your plan administrator or tax professional.