💡 Quick Answer: Hydrow is HSA/FSA eligible because it helps prevent, manage, and reverse a variety of health conditions including cardiovascular disease, joint conditions, and obesity, 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 Hydrow and thousands of other wellness products, plus we handle your reimbursements directly through our platform with just one click.
Table of Contents
What is Hydrow
Hydrow is the rowing machine that makes you feel like you’re actually gliding through Norwegian fjords instead of sweating in your basement. Unlike traditional rowers with their clunky chains and water tanks, Hydrow uses electromagnetic resistance that’s whisper-quiet and smooth as butter, paired with a gorgeous HD touchscreen (22″ on the Pro, 16″ on the Wave) that streams workouts filmed on actual water. At $2,195 for the Pro or $1,695 for the compact Wave (plus $44/month membership), it’s the rowing experience that converted over 450,000 people into rowing addicts, even those who’ve never touched an oar.
What makes Hydrow special isn’t just the hardware, it’s the escape. Your instructors are world-class athletes and Olympians who lead you through 5,000+ workouts filmed in stunning locations worldwide. One minute you’re rowing through Scotland’s lochs, the next you’re pushing through intervals on the Charles River in Boston. The electromagnetic drag mimics the exact feel of water resistance, automatically adjusting to your power output for a truly authentic rowing experience. Plus, since rowing engages 86% of your muscles while being low-impact on joints, you’re getting a full-body workout that burns up to 600 calories in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re doing a sunrise row with an Olympian or a HIIT session that’ll leave you gasping, Hydrow turns the most efficient cardio workout into something you actually look forward to.
Why Hydrow 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 Hydrow equipment and membership can qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement for prevention or treatment of:
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- Joint conditions requiring low-impact exercise
- Obesity and weight management disorders
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Chronic back pain and core weakness
- Arthritis and inflammatory conditions
- Post-surgical rehabilitation needs
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must note the rowing equipment and connected fitness platform 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 rowing machines and low-impact cardio equipment qualify for HSA/FSA?
Absolutely! With the right medical documentation, you can potentially use HSA/FSA funds for other rowing machines, ellipticals, swimming equipment, and low-impact fitness systems, 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 Hydrow rower and membership is medically necessary for treating a diagnosed condition. It’s the official paperwork that proves your rowing workouts aren’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.
Leave a Reply