💡 Quick Answer: Anytime Fitness is HSA/FSA eligible because it helps prevent, manage, and reverse a variety of health conditions including obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, 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 Anytime Fitness and thousands of other wellness products, plus we handle your reimbursements directly through our platform with just one click.
What is Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is the world’s largest co-ed fitness franchise with over 5,000 locations across 42 countries. The brand built its empire on one core promise: 24/7 access with a single key fob that works at any location worldwide. Whether you’re traveling for work, visiting family across the country, or just prefer working out at 3 AM, your membership travels with you.
What makes Anytime Fitness unique is the combination of convenience and community. Each club is independently owned and operated, which means locations vary in size and amenities, but they all share the core features: round-the-clock access, quality cardio and strength equipment, private restrooms and showers, and a supportive small-gym atmosphere. Many locations also offer personal training, small group classes, and newer clubs often feature functional training areas with turf, rigs, and free weights.
This isn’t just about convenience. 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. 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. A gym that removes scheduling barriers by staying open 24/7 makes it significantly easier to maintain the consistent exercise habits that produce these health benefits.
Why Anytime 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.”
A 2024 meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal analyzed 218 randomized controlled trials and found that exercise is an effective treatment for depression, with effects comparable to psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. For physical conditions, the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program specifically recommends structured physical activity as a core intervention for preventing type 2 diabetes in at-risk individuals.
This means Anytime Fitness membership can qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement for prevention or treatment of:
- Obesity and weight management disorders
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Chronic back pain and musculoskeletal conditions
- Arthritis and joint disorders
- Osteoporosis and bone density issues
- Metabolic syndrome
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must document 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.
Check Your Anytime Fitness Eligibility
Anytime Fitness Membership Options and Pricing
Because each Anytime Fitness is independently owned, pricing varies by location. Here’s what you can typically expect to pay and potentially reimburse through your HSA/FSA:
| Membership Type | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $30 – $50 | U.S. average is $38.99 – $41/month |
| Couples/Joint | $59.99 | For two people, saves vs. two individual memberships |
| Annual Prepaid | $360 – $600/year | Often includes discounts for paying upfront |
| Student | ~$35/month | 15% discount available at most locations |
Additional Fees to Know About:
- Initiation/Key Fob Fee: $25 – $150 (varies by location, often $49.99)
- Personal Training: $35 – $75/hour (optional)
- Discounts Available: Student, military, senior, and corporate wellness programs
Since each franchise sets its own rates, it’s worth comparing nearby locations. All of these costs can potentially be reimbursed through your HSA/FSA with proper documentation.
What’s Included With Every Membership
Despite variations between franchises, all Anytime Fitness memberships include:
- 24/7 Access: Work out any time that fits your schedule
- Worldwide Access: Your key fob works at all 5,000+ locations globally
- Cardio Equipment: Treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and more
- Strength Equipment: Free weights, machines, and functional training areas
- Private Facilities: Individual restrooms and showers
- Anytime Fitness App: Track workouts and access the AF mobile app
- Apple Fitness+ Partnership: 3 months free for new members, then $9.99/month
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other gym memberships qualify for HSA/FSA?
Yes! With proper medical documentation, you can use HSA/FSA funds for Equinox, 24 Hour Fitness, CorePower Yoga, Solidcore, and other premium fitness facilities when recommended for treating specific medical conditions. The IRS doesn’t distinguish between budget and premium gyms. What matters is medical necessity, not membership price.
How does reimbursement work?
Most gyms don’t accept HSA/FSA cards directly. You’ll need to pay with your personal card or bank account, then submit your receipt and Letter of Medical Necessity to your HSA/FSA administrator for reimbursement. With Crates, we simplify this entire process: 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 Anytime 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 (must be itemized), LMN format, or missing supporting documentation. Crates Health supports you through any denials and make sure you get reimbursed.
Can I really use my membership at any Anytime Fitness worldwide?
Yes. Your key fob grants you access to all 5,000+ Anytime Fitness locations across 42 countries. This is one of the biggest advantages of the brand. Worldwide access is included with every membership at no extra cost.
