💡 Quick Answer: Equinox is HSA/FSA eligible because it helps prevent, manage, and reverse a variety of health conditions including obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, and many others. According to IRS Publication 502, all you need is a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Luckily, we make it ridiculously simple. Crates Health is the fastest way to get your personalized and compliant letter for Equinox and thousands of other wellness products, plus we handle your reimbursements directly through our platform with just one click.
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What is Equinox
Equinox is a premium fitness club chain with locations across major cities. Think luxury spa meets state of the art workout space, complete with eucalyptus towels that’ll make you forget you just did burpees. Members get unlimited access to group classes (from cycling and Pilates to boxing and meditation), state-of-the-art equipment, and high-end amenities including steam rooms, saunas, and showers stocked with Kiehl’s products.
The experience attracts busy professionals who value convenience, quality, and atmosphere. When you’re traveling, your gym membership may work at any Equinox location, so you can maintain your routine whether you’re in NYC, LA, or London. Plus, the community vibe means you’re working out alongside driven, like-minded people.
Why Equinox Qualifies for HSA/FSA
According to IRS regulations, gym memberships can qualify as eligible medical expenses with a Letter of Medical Necessity under specific circumstances outlined in Publication 502.
IRS Publication 502 states that medical expenses are “the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body,” but “must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental condition or illness.”
This means Equinox membership can qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement for prevention or treatment of:
- Obesity and weight management disorders
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Musculoskeletal conditions requiring physical therapy
- Chronic back pain
- Arthritis and joint disorders
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must note the gym membership as medically necessary for managing your specific health condition, not just for general wellness. This documentation comes in the form of a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
How to Assess Your Eligibility
Traditional Route: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, discuss your health conditions and fitness goals, and request a Letter of Medical Necessity if exercise is recommended as part of your treatment plan. This typically requires an office visit, potential wait times, and can cost $50-100+ depending on your insurance.
Faster, Smarter Route: Use Crates Health to get your Letter of Medical Necessity online in just a few minutes. Our platform connects you with licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate your conditions remotely and issue the appropriate documentation if you qualify. No office visits, no waiting weeks for appointments, and no surprise medical bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other fitness and wellness products qualify for HSA/FSA? Absolutely! With the right medical documentation, you can potentially use HSA/FSA funds for personal training sessions, fitness apps, wearable devices, home gym equipment, massage therapy, and even supplements, as long as they’re recommended for treating specific medical conditions.
How does reimbursement work? Some retailers accept HSA/FSA cards (most don’t though). When they don’t, you need to use your personal card and then reimburse yourself. This means finding and storing receipts and then uploading them and your LMN to your HSA/FSA admin portal. With Crates, we make this process simple: upload your receipt and get one click reimbursements all from our platform.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity? A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is a document from a licensed healthcare provider that explains why a specific expense like your Equinox membership is medically necessary for treating a diagnosed condition. It’s the official paperwork that proves your gym membership isn’t just for general fitness. Each LMN typically remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Will my claim get denied? Every HSA/FSA admin is unique and may initially deny some claims. Usually, it is related to receipt format (must be itemized), LMN format, or other supporting documentation. With Crates, we will support you through this process and make sure you get your money back.
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