Can You Use FSA for Personal Training?
Understand the precise criteria for personal training to qualify as an FSA expense. Distinguish medical necessity from general wellness benefits.
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows individuals to set aside pre-tax money for eligible healthcare expenses, reducing taxable income. Many people wonder if personal training can be covered by an FSA. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as specific conditions must be met for personal training to qualify as an FSA-eligible expense.
Eligibility Criteria for Personal Training
For personal training to be considered an eligible expense for FSA reimbursement, it must align with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) definition of a “qualified medical expense.” This means it must be for the “diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body.” General fitness activities, undertaken solely for overall well-being or weight loss without a specific medical diagnosis, are not eligible.
The primary requirement for personal training to qualify is a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a licensed healthcare provider. This letter confirms the training is prescribed to address a specific medical condition, not for general health purposes.
The LMN must contain several key pieces of information. It needs to clearly state the specific medical condition that necessitates the personal training. The letter should also detail the recommended duration and frequency of the training sessions. Furthermore, it must explain how the personal training will directly alleviate or treat the diagnosed condition, demonstrating a clear medical link.
Examples of medical conditions that might warrant a doctor’s prescription for personal training include obesity, heart disease, or diabetes, especially when exercise is part of a treatment plan to manage or improve these conditions. If the treatment plan extends beyond the current plan year, a new LMN may be required for continued coverage. Without this specific medical necessity and the accompanying LMN, personal training expenses are not reimbursable through an FSA.
Required Documentation and Reimbursement Process
Once the eligibility criteria are met and a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) has been secured, gather the necessary documentation for reimbursement. The LMN itself is a primary piece of evidence, confirming the medical necessity of the personal training. This letter from a licensed healthcare provider details the specific condition, the recommended treatment plan, and how the training addresses the medical need.
In addition to the LMN, detailed receipts from the personal trainer are essential. These receipts must include:
Dates of service
Description of services rendered (e.g., “personal training session”)
Name of the person who received the service
Cost of each session
Itemized receipts provide clarity to the FSA administrator.
The reimbursement process typically involves submitting a claim to your FSA administrator. This can often be done through an online portal, though some administrators may still accept claims via mail or fax. The claim form will require personal information, details about the service, the amount paid, and the date of service. It is also common to attest that the expense has not been reimbursed by other insurance or sources.
After submission, claims are generally processed within a few business days, especially if submitted online. Reimbursement is typically issued via direct deposit to your bank account, although some providers may send a check. Maintaining copies of all submitted documentation, including the LMN and receipts, is important for your records and in case the administrator requires further clarification.
Distinguishing Personal Training from General Fitness
Personal training is only eligible for FSA reimbursement when it is explicitly prescribed by a medical professional to treat or mitigate a specific medical condition. This contrasts sharply with activities undertaken for general health improvement, routine weight management without a diagnosed condition, or athletic performance enhancement.
Expenses such as gym memberships, health club dues, and general fitness classes like yoga or Pilates are generally not eligible for FSA coverage. These activities, while beneficial for overall well-being, usually lack the direct link to a diagnosed medical necessity required by IRS guidelines. The IRS considers such expenses as being for “general good health” rather than for the treatment of a disease.
Even if a general fitness activity contributes positively to an individual’s health, it will not qualify unless a licensed healthcare provider has specifically prescribed it as part of a treatment plan for a diagnosed illness or condition. This strict interpretation ensures that FSA funds are used for their intended purpose: covering qualified medical expenses. The emphasis remains on the medical necessity, rather than broader wellness goals.