Question 1

How do you qualify to purchase a sauna with FSA/HSA funds?

Accepted Answer

HSA/FSA eligibility is governed by IRS laws and how your plan administrator interprets them. Check with your specific plan administrator. You may be eligible if:
You have a specific, diagnosed medical condition you’re addressing (for example, chronic pain, hypertension, asthma, COPD, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, or anxiety/depression).
A licensed clinician has provided a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) stating the sauna is part of your treatment plan.

You are probably not eligible to use HSA/FSA funds for a sauna if:
You are making the purchase for “general health” or comfort. The IRS says these expenses are ineligible. Equipment is only eligible for specific medical conditions.
You do not have a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a licensed clinician saying a sauna is part of your treatment. You must acquire this letter before purchasing the sauna.

Question 2

I have an LMN and checked with my plan. Now, how do I use HSA/FSA funds to purchase a sauna?

Accepted Answer

Once you have acquired a Letter of Medical Necessity (an LMN) and ensured eligibility through your FSA/HSA plan administrator, you can either use your HSA/FSA card to pay for the sauna or pay out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement. Keep the LMN and receipts for at least 3 years in case of an audit.

Question 3

What if I want to buy a sauna to improve general wellness and relieve stress?

Accepted Answer

Typically this would not be covered by HSA/FSA funds. A licensed provider must provide a Letter of Medical Necessity (an LMN) for a specific condition. You may also need approval from your plan administrator.

Question 4

Can I use FSA/HSA funds if I don't have a card?

Accepted Answer

Yes—you can purchase the sauna normally and submit for reimbursement with an itemized receipt (and LMN if required). Check with your plan administrator first to ensure this is a covered expense.

Question 5

Why was my FSA/HSA card declined?

Accepted Answer

Reasons cards are declined include specific plan restrictions, no Letter of Medical Necessity, billing ZIP code mismatch, insufficient funds, or your administrator is manually reviewing the claim. Check with your plan administrator for more information.

Question 6

What's the difference between an FSA and an HSA?

Accepted Answer

FSAs (flexible spending accounts) and HSAs (health savings accounts) both allow you to set funds aside tax-free for health care expenses. HSAs are only available to people with a high-deductible health plan, while FSAs are available as long as your employer offers one. FSAs must be used within a set amount of time, while HSAs roll over from year-to-year, or if you change jobs.

Question 7

What is a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) and what should it include?

Accepted Answer

A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is documentation from a licensed healthcare clinician that explains:
your qualifying condition/diagnosis
medical rationale for how the sauna supports treatment
recommended time period

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

Question 8

Do you guarantee approval?

Accepted Answer

No! Eligibility is determined by the IRS and your plan administrator. Check with your specific plan administrator first. Usually you must first get a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a licensed provider.​  We can provide documentation you’ll typically need (itemized receipts, product specifications), but we cannot guarantee eligibility or approval. You cannot use FSA/HSA funds to purchase a sauna for general wellness.

Use FSA or HSA Funds to Buy a Solvi Sauna

FSA/HSA FAQs

Frequently asked questions