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Are Fitness Trackers FSA Eligible in 2025?

Endurance Athlete Roadmap
December 24, 2024
6 min read
Are Fitness Trackers FSA Eligible in 2025?

Are Fitness Trackers FSA Eligible in 2025?

As an endurance sports coach, I often get questions from athletes about using their FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds for fitness trackers. Let's dive into what you need to know about FSA eligibility for fitness trackers in 2025 and how these devices can support your training goals.

What Is a Fitness Tracker?

A fitness tracker is a wearable device that monitors various health metrics:

  • Steps and distance
  • Heart rate
  • Sleep quality
  • Calories burned
  • Activity levels
  • And for athletes: advanced metrics like VO2 max, training load, recovery status
  • FSA Eligibility for Fitness Trackers

    The Short Answer

    It depends. Fitness trackers CAN be FSA eligible, but only with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider.

    Requirements for Eligibility:

    1. Letter of Medical Necessity

    - Must be prescribed by a doctor

    - Must specify the medical condition being treated

    - Must explain why the fitness tracker is medically necessary

    2. Qualifying Medical Conditions

    - Obesity or weight management

    - Heart conditions requiring HR monitoring

    - Diabetes management

    - Sleep disorders

    - Physical therapy/rehabilitation

    What's NOT Covered

  • General fitness or wellness use
  • Performance optimization without medical need
  • Devices purchased without an LMN
  • How to Get Your Fitness Tracker FSA Approved

    Step 1: Talk to Your Doctor

    Discuss how a fitness tracker would help manage a medical condition.

    Step 2: Get a Letter of Medical Necessity

    The letter should include:

  • Your medical condition diagnosis
  • How the fitness tracker addresses this condition
  • Doctor's signature and date
  • Specific device recommendation (if applicable)
  • Step 3: Submit to Your FSA Administrator

  • Keep copies of everything
  • Submit the LMN with your reimbursement request
  • Include the purchase receipt
  • Best Fitness Trackers for Athletes (2025)

    For Runners

  • Garmin Forerunner series - GPS, pace, cadence
  • Apple Watch Ultra - Comprehensive metrics
  • COROS Pace - Excellent value
  • For Triathletes

  • Garmin Fenix 7 - Multisport excellence
  • Suunto 9 - Extreme battery life
  • Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL - Seamless transitions
  • For Budget-Conscious Athletes

  • Garmin Instinct 2 - Rugged and affordable
  • Amazfit GTR - Great value
  • Fitbit Charge 5 - Solid basics
  • Why Athletes Use Fitness Trackers

    Training Optimization

  • Monitor training load and recovery
  • Prevent overtraining
  • Track progress over time
  • Health Monitoring

  • Resting heart rate trends
  • Sleep quality analysis
  • Stress and recovery metrics
  • Race Day Performance

  • Pacing assistance
  • Heart rate zone training
  • Performance predictions
  • The Bottom Line

    While fitness trackers aren't automatically FSA eligible, athletes with qualifying medical conditions can potentially use their FSA funds with proper documentation. The key is working with your healthcare provider to establish medical necessity.

    Have questions about incorporating a fitness tracker into your training? Book a consultation to discuss how data-driven training can help you reach your goals.

    Ready to Take Your Training to the Next Level?

    Stop guessing and start progressing. Join our community of endurance athletes who are achieving their goals with expert coaching and support.