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 and records health-related metrics. Modern trackers have evolved far beyond simple step counters, offering sophisticated features that benefit serious athletes and casual exercisers alike.

Today's devices can monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels, and even provide advanced metrics like running power and training load.

How Does a Fitness Tracker Work?

Fitness trackers use various sensors to collect data about your physical activity and physiological responses. The primary components include:

Heart rate sensors that use LED lights to measure blood flow through your wristAccelerometers that detect movement and count steps

Gyroscopes that track orientation and rotationGPS chips that record distance and pace during outdoor activitiesAdvanced sensors that measure metrics like skin temperature and electrodermal activity

What Are the Benefits of a Fitness Tracker?

For endurance athletes, fitness trackers provide invaluable data to optimize training:

Real-time performance metrics help you maintain proper training intensityRecovery tracking ensures you're balancing workload and rest

Long-term trend analysis reveals progress and potential areas for improvementHeart rate variability measurements can indicate readiness for hard trainingSleep tracking helps optimize recovery and prevent overtraining

What Is an FSA?

A Flexible Spending Account is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses. These accounts can provide significant tax savings while helping you manage healthcare costs.

How Does an FSA Work?

Your FSA funds are deducted from your paycheck before taxes, reducing your taxable income. You can use these funds throughout the year for qualifying medical expenses.

However, it's important to note that most FSA accounts follow a "use it or lose it" rule, meaning unused funds typically expire at the end of the plan year.

How to Get a Fitness Tracker With Your FSA

Here's the key information for 2025: Basic fitness trackers alone are generally not FSA-eligible. However, there are two potential paths to using FSA funds for a fitness tracker:

Before purchasing, always check with your FSA administrator about specific device eligibility, as policies can vary between plans. Keep all documentation, including your LMN if applicable, and any receipts for reimbursement.

For athletes serious about their training, a fitness tracker can be an invaluable tool for optimizing performance and preventing injury.

While FSA coverage may be limited, the investment in a quality device often pays dividends in improved training outcomes and better understanding of your body's response to training loads.

Remember to consult with your FSA administrator and healthcare provider about your specific situation and eligibility requirements. The landscape of FSA-eligible devices continues to evolve as technology advances and regulations adapt to new healthcare monitoring capabilities.