How To Get a Sauna With Your HSA

Having a sauna right in your home may be tempting, but the price tag isn’t quite so tempting. The good news is that being able to use your health savings account (HSA) to purchase a home sauna is easier than you might think. It's time to use those dollars you’ve saved up and put them toward your health and well-being. 

Why Get a Sauna?

The world of medicine is starting to broaden its horizons. Today, medicine no longer revolves solely around doctor’s offices and prescriptions. It also involves holistic options such as red light, acupuncture, and saunas, and these treatments have the power to change your health.

Using a sauna can have a wide range of potential health benefits, such as:

• Stress and tension relief
• Mental health benefits
• Support for healthy aging
• Skin support
• Weight management and metabolism support
• Relief from chronic pain
• Improved blood circulation
• Immune support
• Support for muscle recovery
• Sleep quality support

Evidence even suggests that saunas may even have benefits when it comes to certain chronic health conditions as well. If you’re looking to take your wellness habits and routines to the next level, especially if you’re dealing with a specific ailment or condition, a sauna could be the perfect way to address your needs. 

What Types of Saunas Can You Choose From?

When it comes to picking the right type of sauna for your needs, there are a few different options to choose from. 

Dry or Traditional Saunas

Reaching the hottest temperature through electric or wood heating, this type of sauna heats the air around you, therefore, heating you up. A dry sauna is generally best for pain involving the body, such as joint or muscle discomfort. A dry sauna is typically not ideal for those with cardiac issues or heat intolerance. 

Steam Saunas

Steam saunas are the most humid saunas, and they involve heating water to create steam that heats your body up and gets you sweating. This type of sauna is often best for those dealing with respiratory issues, but those with low blood pressure or cardiac issues may need to use caution. 

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas are a versatile type of sauna that uses infrared lamps to heat the body from the inside out. This type of sauna is generally safe for most people, but it’s always best to consult your doctor first and get their approval. 

Some saunas are even available in portable models, which can be helpful if you don’t have the outdoor space available for a traditional sauna. Generally, an area that is at least 6 feet by 5 feet is ideal. 

What Is an HSA Account?

Your HSA account is set up by your employer through your health insurance. Money is put into this account through pre-tax payroll deposits. Meaning that this money is untaxed and is used to pay for medical expenses. 

Many people think this just means medicine or first aid supplies when in fact, it can help you cover much more. This can be a huge help because HSA accounts are typically for those with high-deductible health insurance plans. 

What Can’t You Use an HSA For?

Certain items and procedures are known to not be covered by an HSA card or account. These include child care and household care, elective procedures such as cosmetic surgery, toiletries, teeth whitening products, and hair removal. 

Because these items and procedures do not affect the overall health of a person, they are not covered by your health savings account. 

Why Use an HSA Card?

Money in an HSA account is federally protected and will stay in that account year after year, even if you don't use it. Using an HSA card is beneficial to you in many different ways. When you use those savings you have collected over the year (or even years), you save a percentage on your chosen purchase. Additionally, you’ll be able to access this money after you retire, and it can be used in an urgent situation if a medical issue is involved. 

To put it into perspective, you save approximately 30 to 40% on your purchase of a sauna (by using pre-tax funds). The average sauna is as low as $3,000 and as high as $10,000, saving you $900-$1,200 at the low end and $3,000-$4,000 at the high end.

How Can You Get a Sauna With Your HSA?

If you’re dealing with a chronic condition that you’re working to treat, you’re likely eligible to get a sauna using your HSA. Truemed works with brands The Pod Company, Sweat Tent, Sisu Lifestyle, and Select Saunas to help you put your HSA funds to use — select “Truemed” at payment to get started.

What Is a Letter of Medical Necessity?

Depending on the circumstance, you may need a letter called a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), which explains how an item can treat, alleviate, or prevent a given disease. 

An LMN is important because an HSA can only be used for qualified medical expenses defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — non-qualified expenses could lead to taxes and penalties.

Think of an LMN as a recommendation from your healthcare provider, explaining that the service or product is necessary to treat or address a medical condition. An LMN includes information about your medical condition, the recommended treatment or product, and an explanation of why the product is medically necessary. With this letter, you can demonstrate to your HSA provider or the IRS that the expense was, in fact, necessary and should be considered a qualified medical expense.

Simplifying HSAs With Truemed

The truth is that the funds in your HSA account are subject to legal limits by the IRS, and you can only use them on limited items — but with a Letter of Medical Necessity, you have the freedom to purchase items that aren’t traditionally eligible, but can make a difference in managing your condition. 

Truemed is on a mission to simplify HSAs and make it possible for you to use your funds on items you previously couldn’t. With Truemed, the process of using your HSA funds is simple. Simply choose “Pay With Truemed” at checkout with one of our merchants and enter your payment details. From there, you’ll be asked a few questions about your health circumstances, and we’ll match you with a provider to determine eligibility. If you qualify, you’ll receive a Letter of Medical Necessity, which allows you to use your HSA or FSA funds on a sauna! 

The Bottom Line

At Truemed, we’re on a mission to make products and services that contribute to overall health and wellness more accessible. 

Once you’ve picked out a sauna and you know how to use your HSA to make the purchase, all you have to do is reap the benefits of the sauna right at your own home. Whether you’re dealing with aching joints, a high-stress lifestyle, or a chronic condition, having your own sauna can make a world of difference.

Sources:

Health Benefits of Sauna | Mayo Clinic

What's a Health Savings Account | Health Insurance Marketplace

Can You Pay For Saunas with an HSA? | HSAList

Health Savings Account | HealthCare Gov

HSA Savings Calculator | HSA Bank