Can You Use HSA Funds to Buy a Sauna? What You Need to Know

The conversation around what counts as "medicine" has expanded considerably. Clinicians today increasingly recommend heat therapy alongside traditional treatments for a range of diagnosed conditions, and research supports their recommendations.

Regular sauna use has been associated with potential benefits including:

• Stress and tension relief
• Mental health support
• Chronic pain relief
• Improved blood circulation
• Muscle recovery support
• Sleep quality improvement
• Immune support

Importantly, sauna therapy may be particularly relevant for people managing specific chronic conditions. If a licensed clinician determines that sauna use is medically appropriate for your situation, that clinical judgment is the foundation for HSA/FSA eligibility.

Dry saunas use electric or wood heating to warm the surrounding air, which in turn heats the body. They tend to operate at higher temperatures and are often used for joint and muscle discomfort. People with cardiac conditions or heat intolerance should consult a doctor before use.

Steam saunas generate humid heat by converting water to steam. They're commonly associated with respiratory health benefits. Those with low blood pressure or cardiac concerns should speak with a clinician before use.

Infrared saunas use infrared lamps to heat the body directly rather than warming the surrounding air, making them a lower-temperature option that many people find more tolerable. They're considered versatile and are often recommended for a wider range of users, though, as always, consulting your doctor first is advised.

If space is a limitation, portable sauna models are available and can be set up in smaller areas. A footprint of at least 6 feet by 5 feet is generally ideal for a traditional unit.

HSA funds can only be used for expenses the IRS defines as "qualified medical expenses" which encompasses products or services that diagnose, treat, mitigate, or prevent a health condition. Saunas don't appear on the IRS's standard eligibility list, which means they don't qualify automatically.

However, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) can change that.

An LMN is a document from a licensed clinician that explains why a specific product or service is medically necessary to treat, mitigate, or prevent a diagnosed condition. With a valid LMN on file, a sauna purchase may qualify as an HSA/FSA-eligible expense.

An LMN typically includes:

• Your diagnosed medical condition
• The recommended treatment or product (in this case, sauna therapy)
• A clinical explanation of why it is medically necessary for your situation

Important: You should retain your LMN alongside your purchase receipt. If the IRS questions an HSA expenditure, proper documentation is what protects you from taxes and a potential penalty on non-qualified withdrawals.

It's worth knowing the boundaries. HSA funds cannot be used for expenses unrelated to medical care, including:

• Cosmetic or elective procedures
• Toiletries and general personal care products
• Teeth whitening
• Hair removal
• Childcare or household services

A sauna purchased purely for relaxation or luxury, without a documented medical basis, would fall outside eligible use. The LMN tied to a medical necessity is what establishes the medical necessity that makes the difference.

Because HSA contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, spending them on a sauna effectively discounts the purchase by your marginal tax rate. For many people, that translates to approximately 25–35% in savings compared to paying out of pocket.

Home saunas vary widely in price. Entry-level models can start around $1,000–$3,000, while premium units can run $5,000–$10,000 or more. Even at the lower end, the tax savings are meaningful.

Truemed is for qualified customers. HSA/FSA tax savings vary. Learn more at truemed.com/disclosures.

Ready to use your HSA or FSA funds on a sauna? Truemed partners with leading sauna brands so qualified customers can put their pre-tax dollars to work. Here are four places to start:

Backyard Discovery — A trusted name in outdoor living for over 50 years, Backyard Discovery offers a range of indoor and outdoor saunas built with premium materials and ready-to-assemble kits. Options include traditional cabin saunas, barrel saunas, and infrared models for 2–4 people.

SaunaBox — Designed to bring infrared sauna therapy home in a compact, accessible format, SaunaBox offers portable and full-spectrum infrared options, including models with built-in red light therapy. A strong option for those looking to maximize heat therapy and recovery in a smaller footprint.

Sun Home Saunas - Sun Home Saunas offers a therapeutic heat solution for chronic conditions, helping to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Regular use can alleviate symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, while also detoxifying the body, improving skin health, and boosting immunity.

Sunlighten — Trusted by doctors and health experts, Sunlighten is one of the most clinically recognized infrared sauna brands available. Their patented SoloCarbon® heater technology and Smart Sauna lineup make them a top choice for those seeking a medically informed, premium experience.

Nordica Sauna — Nordica combines heat therapy with modern design across a wide product range, from compact personal infrared units to full outdoor barrel saunas. A good fit for buyers looking for variety at multiple price points.

All four brands are HSA/FSA eligible for qualified customers through Truemed. Simply look for the Truemed logo at checkout to get started.

HSA/FSA tax savings vary. Available to qualified customers only. See truemed.com/disclosures for details.