💡 Quick Answer: 24 Hour Fitness 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 24 Hour Fitness and thousands of other wellness products, plus we handle your reimbursements directly through our platform with just one click.
What is 24 Hour Fitness
24 Hour Fitness is one of America’s largest fitness chains, operating nearly 300 clubs across 11 states including California, Texas, Colorado, Washington, and Hawaii. The name tells you what you need to know: most locations stay open around the clock so you can work out whenever life allows, whether that’s 5 AM before the kids wake up or midnight after a long shift.
What separates 24 Hour Fitness from budget gyms is the sheer variety of what you get for your membership. We’re talking lap pools, basketball courts, saunas, steam rooms, and their signature GX24 studio classes that range from cycling and yoga to HIIT24, BODYPUMP, and kickboxing. The club tiers – Sport, Super-Sport, and Ultra-Sport – scale up in amenities, so whether you want basic equipment access or a full wellness experience with recovery amenities and aquatics, there’s an option that fits. Plus, the 24GO app gives you access to over 2,000 on-demand workouts to supplement your gym sessions.
This isn’t just about having somewhere to lift weights. The CDC reports that regular physical activity can prevent an estimated 110,000 deaths per year among U.S. adults and reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and eight types of cancer. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly for cardiovascular health. A gym membership that provides access to cardio equipment, strength training, and group fitness classes is one of the most effective ways to meet these clinical guidelines, and that’s precisely why gym memberships can qualify for HSA and FSA reimbursement.
Why 24 Hour Fitness 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.”
Research published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation found that meeting physical activity guidelines is associated with a 14% reduced risk of coronary heart disease and approximately 40% reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality. This clinical evidence supports why regular gym access can be medically necessary for managing chronic conditions.
This means 24 Hour Fitness 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 and pre-diabetes
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Musculoskeletal conditions requiring physical therapy
- Chronic back pain
- Arthritis and joint disorders
- Osteoporosis and bone density issues
- Sleep disorders
- Metabolic syndrome
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.
24 Hour Fitness Membership Options and Pricing
24 Hour Fitness offers several membership tiers to fit different budgets and fitness needs. Here’s what you can expect to pay and potentially reimburse through your HSA/FSA:
| Membership Tier | Monthly Cost | Access Level | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | $9.99 – $19.99 | Single club only | Cardio equipment, free weights, strength machines, TRX, functional training |
| Gold | $19.99 – $39.99 | All clubs in your region | All Silver amenities + GX24 studio classes, lap pools, sauna, steam room |
| Platinum | $29.99 – $59.99 | All clubs nationwide | All Gold amenities + Buddy Pass, premium recovery amenities |
Additional Fees to Know About:
- Annual Fee: $49.99 – $59.99 (billed 15 days after enrollment, then annually)
- Enrollment Fee: $29.99 – $79.99 (often waived during promotions)
- Personal Training: $50 – $100/session (optional add-on)
Prices vary by location, so check with your local club for exact rates. The good news? All of these costs can potentially be reimbursed through your HSA/FSA with the proper documentation.
Club Tiers Explained
Beyond membership levels, 24 Hour Fitness categorizes their physical locations into different tiers based on amenities:
- Sport Clubs: The most common tier with cardio, strength equipment, group fitness classes, and locker rooms. Many include lap pools.
- Super-Sport Clubs: Larger facilities with expanded amenities like basketball courts, premium recovery spaces, extended hours, and more class variety.
- Ultra-Sport Clubs: Top-tier facilities featuring aquatic centers, racquetball courts, rock climbing walls, spas, and comprehensive wellness services.
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 24 Hour Fitness 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?
With Crates, it rarely happens. That said, every HSA/FSA administrator is different, and some may initially deny claims due to receipt format, LMN documentation, or unclear medical necessity. Crates Health supports you through any denials and make sure you get reimbursed.
How much can I save by using my HSA/FSA?
HSA and FSA contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, meaning you effectively save your marginal tax rate on eligible expenses. For most people, this translates to 25-50% savings on your gym membership costs.
