Can You Use FSA or HSA For Massage? (All You Need to Know!)

Massage can be an integral element of your health and well-being journey. Whether you need to accommodate a specific condition or you simply need to de-stress, the benefits associated with massage therapy are indisputable.

From alleviating pain, lowering stress, and reducing muscle tension, to boosting immune function and improving physical fitness, massage therapy is becoming a more and more popular part of people’s health care routine.

If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering about the coverage of massage under your insurance plan. More specifically, can you use FSA or HSA for massage?

Yes, your HSA or FSA can help you pay the cost of your massage treatments given that they qualify as a medical expense. First, you need to make sure your policy covers massages, then you have to visit a doctor and get a prescription to present at your massage therapy provider and use it to fill a reimbursement form.

Keep reading for more information about FSA/HSA, the advantages of these healthcare programs, and the detailed steps of using FSA/HSA for massage.

What are FSA and HSA?

Before we dive into the process of using your FSA or HSA for a massage, let’s have a brief overview of what these are.

FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) are types of healthcare plans that enable you to save money (tax-free) for qualified medical expenses such as monthly prescriptions, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

You can get a comprehensive list of costs eligible as “medical expenses” from the IRS. You can also have your employer contribute money to your FSA or HSA yearly.

Usually, both of these healthcare arrangements are linked to a debit card with your (and your employer’s) contributions included. Although FSAs and HSAs differ in some aspects such as roll-over, they generally work the same when it comes to paying for a massage.

Why Use an HSA or FSA?

Using FSAs and HSAs offers a wide range of advantages such as:

  • Helping you manage savings for medical costs. This helps you prepare for any unexpected medical emergency.
  • Saving a lot of money (long-term) as both FSA and HSA feature pre-tax contributions.

How to Use an HSA or FSA for Massage

Your FSA or HSA will cover your massage in most cases. You just need to make sure you’re eligible by following the steps below:

1. Contact HR/Carrier

The first thing you should do is get in touch with your HR office at work or medical insurance provider. Ask if your policy covers massage therapy.

In most circumstances, you’ll find that massages are covered without issues, but it won’t hurt to make sure.

2. Visit Your Doctor

Once your HR or insurance carrier gives you the green light, visit your primary doctor. During the visit, start by describing your symptoms.

A lot of physical and mental conditions can qualify for a massage, so feel free to present cases of people with similar symptoms who have benefited from massage therapy. To further demonstrate the legitimacy of your request, you can suggest specific types or techniques of massage.

Remember, in such a discussion, preparation is key.

3. Obtain a Prescription

If your doctor deems massage therapy as medically necessary, ask them to give you a prescription with the following information included:

  • The reason you medically require massage therapy
  • The number of sessions you’ll need per month
  • The length of the treatment sessions

4. Use Your FSA or HSA

If you have a debit card linked directly to your spending account, the amount paid at your massage provider will be deducted from it and you’re good to go.

If not, you’ll need a form for reimbursement from the therapist including the following information:

  • Your name and address
  • The name, address, and license number of your massage therapist
  • The service’s date and description
  • The amount paid
  • The CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) 5-digit code

Wrap Up

So can you use FSA/HSA for massage? The answer is yes, as long as your massage treatments qualify as a medical expense. This involves making sure your health insurance policy covers massages, visiting a doctor, obtaining a prescription, and presenting it to your massage therapy provider for submitting a reimbursement form

An avid yoga practitioner, massage enthusiast, and wellness advocate since 2008. From then on, she has helped countless people alleviate muscle pains, tension and stress, to ultimately achieve wellness and balance in life.