Quick Answer: Yes! Fitness trackers and smartwatches with health monitoring features are HSA/FSA eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). This includes Apple Watch, Oura Ring, WHOOP, Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Ultrahuman Ring.
Why Fitness Trackers Qualify
Modern fitness trackers are legitimate health monitoring devices. They track: - Heart rate and heart rhythm (including ECG for detecting atrial fibrillation) - Blood oxygen levels - Sleep stages and quality - Heart rate variability (HRV) - a key indicator of stress and recovery - Temperature trends - Activity levels and exercise metrics
The IRS recognizes diagnostic and monitoring devices as qualified medical expenses under Publication 502 - when tied to a specific medical condition.
Popular Devices and What They Monitor
Device | Price Range | Key Health Features |
Apple Watch | $249-$799 | ECG, blood oxygen, fall detection, sleep tracking, heart rate |
Oura Ring | $299-$599 | Sleep staging, HRV, temperature, respiratory rate |
WHOOP | $239/year | Strain, recovery, sleep, HRV, respiratory rate |
Garmin | $250-$900 | Heart rate, VO2 max, body battery, sleep, stress |
Fitbit | $149-$299 | Heart rate, stress management, sleep, SpO2 |
Samsung Galaxy Watch | $249-$449 | Heart rate, body composition, sleep, blood pressure |
Ultrahuman Ring | $349 | Metabolic health, sleep, HRV, skin temperature |
Conditions That Qualify
Your fitness tracker can be eligible if you have: - Cardiovascular conditions (hypertension, arrhythmias, heart disease) - Sleep disorders (insomnia, sleep apnea) - Diabetes or pre-diabetes - Obesity or weight management needs - Mental health conditions (anxiety, depression) - Chronic fatigue - ADHD - Family history of heart disease
Important: Your HSA/FSA Card Won't Work at Most Retailers
Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and most fitness tracker retailers do not accept HSA/FSA cards. You'll need to:
Purchase with a personal credit or debit card
Save your itemized receipt (showing product name, date, amount, and merchant)
Submit for reimbursement with your Crates LMN + itemized receipt
This applies to both the device purchase and any subscription fees (WHOOP, Oura membership).
Subscriptions Count Too
If your device requires a monthly/annual subscription (like WHOOP or Oura), the subscription can also be covered under the same LMN. Both the hardware and ongoing monitoring service qualify.
Accessories Don't Qualify
Watch bands, charging cables, cases, and other accessories are generally NOT eligible - only the health monitoring device itself.
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Still Need Help?
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